Summer 2025 has been equal parts labubu-doll chaos, Sol de Janeiro mist clouds, and the non-stop bop of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” echoing through every Bluetooth speaker in the house. Wondering what other trends are elbowing their way onto the feed before Labor Day? Grab your reusable iced-coffee cup—here are 11 sizzling (and sustainably minded) obsessions your teen will swear they need right now.

1. The Capri Comeback & Polka-Dot Pandemonium

TikTok swears capris are the new bike shorts and polka dots are replacing leopard print—so your teen may be rolling cuffs mid-shin while raiding your ‘00s laundry pile. Thrift racks are bursting with vintage capris and retro dot dresses; rescuing them keeps synthetics out of landfills and your wallet out of cardiac arrest. 

2. Cowboycore Rides Again (Yes, Again)

Nashville-adjacent aesthetics—fringe, cowboy boots, bolo ties—refuse to dismount in 2025. Instead of panic-ordering a $500 pair of embroidered boots, hit local resale apps for broken-in leather that already has stage-coach patina (and a lower carbon hoofprint). 

Find all my amazing western finds here

3. #CatholicCore & 90s Nostalgia Mash-Up

TikTok teens are pairing rosaries with Avril-Lavigne plaid, apparently to look “reverently rebellious.” Lace-trim slips and oversized crucifix pendants can be thrifted for pennies—bless upcycled fashion, amen. 

4. Nylon Bags: The 90s Gym-Class Hero Returns

Prada re-nylon reissues and Longchamp Le Pliage totes are booming because they’re feather-light, water-resistant, and now come in recycled fibers. Snag one second-hand; it’ll survive juice-box leaks and still fold neatly into a carry-on. 

5. Summer Knits That Won’t Make You Faint

Think airy linen-blend crochet cardis and TENCEL™ mesh tanks—basically grandma’s doilies rebranded as “breathable boho.” Seek brands using deadstock yarns or try your own thrift-flip with that half-finished scarf in the closet. 

6. Upcycled Patchwork Everything

Zero-Waste Daniel’s Franken-sweatshirts and YouTube thrift-flip tutorials have teens patch-working jeans like a textile Frankenstein. Encourage the hobby—each DIY piece diverts scraps from landfill and keeps them busy enough to forget about $300 JNCOs. Check out these patchwork handmade wide leg jeans!

7. Sustainable Micro-Brands Taking Over Feeds

Vogue’s editors are boosting indie labels like Paloma Wool, Éliou, and Soleil Soleil—small-batch, slow-fashion darlings with transparent supply chains. Translation: your teen gets the bragging rights of finding “the next big thing,” while you get planet-friendly production. 

8. Labubu Dolls—The Plushie You’ll Trip Over at 3 a.m.

These goggle-eyed critters are 2025’s answer to Beanie Babies. Before buying new, scour reseller sites for pre-loved Labubus or commission a crocheted version—less plastic, more handmade love. 

9. Sol de Janeiro’s Glitter-SPF Era

The Rio Radiance SPF 50 Shimmering Body Oil is everywhere (yes, even at family BBQs). Good news: the brand offers refill pouches, so you can keep the beach-vacation scent without repeatedly binning plastic bottles. 

10. Sabrina Carpenter’s Western-Pop Wardrobe

With “Manchild” topping charts, fringe jackets and rhinestone belts are headline accessories. Resale markets overflow with vintage country gear—channel Short ’n Sweet vibes sustainably by thrifting instead of fast-fashioning. 

11. Circular Fashion = Cool Kid Cred

From renting prom dresses to reselling last month’s haul on Premier Finds, Gen Z treats wardrobes like shareable playlists. Teach them the ultimate flex: wear, list, relist, repeat—because nothing’s more on-trend than keeping clothes (and cash) in circulation. 

TLDR for exhausted parents: lean into second-hand treasures, DIY patches, and refillable beauty to keep pace with Summer 2025’s wild style carousel—without leaving the planet (or your budget) in the dust. Happy thrifting!