Trend Alert: Renaissance Revival Core
- whoisunpaidtherapy
- Aug 2
- 5 min read
It's always let's stay in, and never let's run through a field barefoot in our nicest nightgown
2025 has been the year of many things. From Sabrina Carpenter reading our inner thoughts on men with her new song, Manchild, to Jojo Siwa deciding to join Fletcher in shaking things up within the LGBTQ+ world, this year has taken us places we were absolutely not expecting. We've had twists and turns from every which way, but the one element that has remained consistent is the upsurge in a particular style of fashion: Renaissance Revival.
You may be asking yourself, "What is she going on about?" but trust. We may not be seeing giant pointed damsel hats or suits of armor walking the streets of NYC to go get brunch on a daily basis. Still, if you look closely at the elements that make up today's trending attire, there is a huge rise in pieces that are inspired by the revival period of the 1970s and the romance period of the 18th century. We can trace a clear link to this revival period back to 2024. Specifically, we can track this down to a distinct moment in time- Chappell Roan's VMA performance in September 2024.
Source: Getty Images
Genesis Webb, the stylist for Chappell's performance, even gave us some insight into this new trend in fashion by stating, "But [fashion's] going in a new direction. I feel like people are pulling out. I feel like designers and houses are also moving in a direction, too, and showing theater on the runway. Even in the next two seasons, I feel like we’re going to get some really incredible shows and pieces...Camp is back. It makes fashion not a niche, gatekept secret." She also elaborates on the thought process behind both of Chappell's iconic looks for the VMAs, explaining that the looks and the entire performance were intended to showcase power through femininity.
Following the performance of the year, Pinterest went on to release its 2025 Pinterest Predicts in November of 2024. Among the many topics of the year lay two major trends: Rocco Revival and CastleCore, both of which tie into this Renaissance revival we've been seeing. Pinterest predicted an uptick in gothic-inspired and ultra-feminine fashion among Gen Z and millennials, and as of now, they are scary accurate.
Ultra fem elements
Light, flowy fabrics
Perfect for the summer, lightweight fabrics are in. Reminiscent of those nightgowns the rich damsel wears in every period movie you were obsessed with growing up, light, flowy fabrics are an it-girl staple for 2025. Think Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. There's a carefree sense to those wearing these fabrics that leaves us with an impression of the wearer being both effortless and stylish. We're mostly seeing these airy fabrics in dresses, but they extend to linen pants, tops, and the occasional skirt.
Cotton
Source: Pinterest, Sabrina Carpenter via Instagram
Tying in with the previous flowy fabrics, cotton is becoming a staple in everyone's closets. Linen seems to be taking a backseat when it comes to this classic, all-organic material. When you search cotton gowns or cotton bloomers, typically you'll see examples of Renaissance-era garments, perfect for achieving realistic period piece get-ready-with-me's. Now modernize these examples, and it's starting to look a lot like what we're seeing our fav celebs wear nowadays. We're seeing a lot of people opt for an all-cotton look for their summer fits, great for looking chic, not so great for hiding sweat stains- you have been warned.
"Bubble"+ Puff Trousers
What screams androgynous clothing more than one of King Louis XIV's favorite types of pants? Bloomers may have had their comeback already in the 1910s for bicycling and evening wear, then altered in the 1980s (by none other than MC Hammer), but they are back with a vengeance. You can wear them casually, you can dress them up, you can wear them to bed! The opportunities are truly endless, which can explain why trendsetters everywhere are bringing these timeless trousers back to life.
Satin
Source: Sabrina Carpenter via Instagram, Pedro Pascal
Satin has had its time in the limelight for a few years now. I mean, it is kind of the definition of a timeless fabric, but this summer, we're seeing it be worn in tandem with other trending add-ons, such as lace trim, mini scarves, and ornate beading. Pedro Pascal was recently seen in a polkadot, satin button-up paired with a matching mini scarf, and crowds everywhere went wild. There's something about a man who's not afraid to embrace the more "feminine" elements of fashion, such as satin or even a mini scarf, that really makes them feel more masculine. Satin's known for its luxurious appearance and versatility; it's a no-brainer as to why it's been around for so long. It can easily adapt to the fashion climate of each season and settle in nicely.
Gothic Elements
"Armor" inspired accessories
The rise in armor-like jewelry was on a steady climb long before Chappell performed at the VMAs in late 2024, but it is her performance that put the accessories on our radar. There has been a huge incline in popularity for bangles, specifically stainless steel bracelets. This armored appearance seems to stand behind women taking back their femininity, just like Chappell in her performance. We're seeing a resurgence of unique, textured designs within jewelry, not just bracelets. It seems the norm nowadays is maximalizing your lowkey outfits with accessories to elevate them. Whether dressing down or up, accessories are being worn as a badge of honor, and our take? YES YES YES.
Corsets
Source: Olivia Rodrigo via Instagram, Pinterest
Like satin, corsets have been around forever now. It seems they're being elevated, though, brought to a new standard that doesn't just accentuate the body, but adds to it. We're seeing corsets with unique embellishments, designs, and shapes- often adding a drop waist effect to the outfit. The design of these tops has gotten so interesting; in fact, many of them are now being made to appear molded to the body, fitted perfectly to the wearer's figure with a more customized look and feel. One could argue, "Okay, this feels very mermaidcore." Why yes, you're right, but I'd argue it adds just as much whimsy to castlecore in the modern take on what women's armor may look like in today's day and age of high-fashion.
Frills + Lace
Adding to nearly every trend on this list, frills and lace are prevalent everywhere this season. We're seeing them on dresses, on pants, on socks! They're spreading faster than we can manage, but we're embracing it wholeheartedly. They add a whimsical, ethereal touch to outfits, creating that feminine feeling while adding a gothic element to your looks. Again, we have to add, King Louis XIV would've loved this.
Both touches of frills and lace remind us of the romantic period, showing us the beauty in the details, the romance, and the dark femininity in each design. We're seeing these details being worn as statement pieces, like lace pants with a simple tee, as a way of showing artistic expression and uniqueness in each fit. Trust when we say you will be the talk of the village quickly with these romantic pieces.
Dramatic Silhouettes
What screams medieval, kingdom, Renaissance core more than over-the-top, dramatic AF silhouettes? We're seeing designers use more unique shapes in their designs, many feeling biblical, and many others feeling like a tribute to Queen Elizabeth I. This trend feels less like in-your-face accentuating the body, and more like expressing art through a fashionista's POV. Shoulders are a big hit among the latest and greatest in fashion, and surprisingly, rounded, power hips (Check out the Alaïa Fall 2025 collection for visuals).
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