Editor’s Note: Fashionistas Julie Wilson and Abigail Bruggeman have translated more world fashion trends into ballroom creations for our USA Dancers!
Spring 2025 Trend Report:
As Global Fashion Weeks wrap up, spring fashion trends are just beginning to blossom. We’re witnessing a revival of exaggerated shoulders reminiscent of the 80s, alongside earthy, bohemian couture influenced by the 60s and 70s. This Spring promises to be a vibrant time capsule, ready to burst forth with style! So, fasten your seatbelts in this fashion-forward time machine and prepare to journey back through the decades to rediscover some of the greatest fashion moments we’re reviving for Spring 2025.
Eighties Revival:
While I don’t expect to see leg warmers making a comeback in the ballroom—unless, of course, you’re Lea Thompson rocking them during your Dancing with the Stars rehearsal—Spring 2025 is set to bring a wave of ’80s nostalgia. Expect to see power suits, tulle, exaggerated shoulders, and teased hair, much like the Acne Studios Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection, which features bold bows, power suits, and striking silhouettes. So rather than just dancing to ’80s throwbacks at the studio, consider bringing these trends to the ballroom with gowns that embody ’80s elegance.
Embrace Cyndi Lauper’s eccentric style in the ballroom with a wild cheetah print mini like, Leopardess or Beat of the Drum!
Otherwise, opt for a preppy look with a checkered pattern to capture that classic ’80s prep with this Dancing with the Stars original production costume worn by Marissa Jaret Winokur.
For a nod to an iconic ’80s look, channel Madonna from the MTV Video Music Awards in a bold white dress like Lola, complete with an exaggerated skirt!
Or ditch the traditional dance dress altogether and embrace the ballroom version of the ’80s power suit with a chic one-piece, like this Dancing with the Stars look worn by Nicole Scherzinger.
Oh So Boho:
In contrast to the structured styles of the ’80s, the 60s and 70s celebrated freedom and individuality, defining the essence of bohemian fashion. Reflecting this era, Zimmerman’s Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection features sheer gowns brimming with ruffles and floral designs inspired by the ’60s paisley. Just like the Spring 2025 runways, we are infusing our ballroom couture with a spirit of peace and love. The fusion of these influences creates a vibrant, dynamic look that celebrates individuality on the dancefloor!
Channel Cher, by embracing outlandish ’60s style prints and two piece ensembles with these sets worn by Edyta Sliwinaka on Dancing with the Stars!
Crochet details are “knot” to be overlooked when it comes to ’60s and ’70s fashion. Bring this trend to the ballroom with Neptune’s Folly.
Beadwork and bell-bottoms also defined the era. Try on this neutral brown two-piece complete with a beaded bodice and matching belt. The set was worn by Brooke Burke on Dancing with the Stars!
Or rock some hot pants, made famous by ’60s fashion icon Mary Quant, with this dazzling two-piece hot pants set worn by Mel B on Dancing with the Stars Season 5.
Jazz Age Archives:
Fringe will always be a chic essential in the ballroom, and just like in the 1920s, we’re seeing a revival of this trend in mainstream fashion for Spring 2025. In ballroom dancing, fringe symbolizes graceful movement, and during the Roaring ’20s, it marked a significant moment in the feminist movement! Let’s explore what this trend has in store for us in 2025. Dior’s Spring 2025 Couture collection showcased floral fringes gracefully cascading down the runway in a palette of gold, silver, and black, beautifully echoing the hues of the 1920s.
Embrace Coco Chanel’s iconic 1926 Little Black Dress with a dress like So Francesca, featuring lovely floral details. Or, consider Sil Vous Plait, which boasts bead drop fringe and elegant art deco swirls.
Straight silhouettes and drop waists capture vintage ’20s elegance and versatility. Paired with fringe, this trend is perfect for the ballroom! Experiment with a drop-waist design with French Twist or Champagne Cocktails for a more streamlined silhouette.
Adorned in golden fringe and a jeweled headband, Gloria Swanson epitomized 1920s glamour. Recreate her stunning 1920s style with Dripping in Gold.
About Hairpins to Hemlines:
Hairpins to Hemlines is a Fashion Trend Report produced exclusively by Encore Ballroom Couture. It explains the upcoming fashion trends in mainstream fashion, so you can stay on point and current in your dance wardrobe selections.
Hairpins to Hemlines is produced four times a year, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each report will be emailed directly to your inbox.
About our Fashion Correspondent:
Abigail Bruggeman, a graduate of Marymount University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Public Relations, possesses a remarkable ability to convert runway trends into breathtaking ballroom attire. She is the go-to expert for American Dancer when it comes to insights and trends in ballroom fashion.
