The sidewalks of UNC Chapel Hill’s campus had new 2025 styles on full display. Between heading to an 8 a.m. class or going out on Franklin Street at night, fashion made a statement: denim got looser, trends from the past returned, boots grew chunkier and headphones became a key part of almost every outfit.
This year, instead of rolling out of bed in sleepwear or whatever they could throw on, many students showed up to class head-to-toe in fully styled looks, with long jorts and barrel jeans emerging as standout staples.
Long denim jorts emerged from skate and street culture in the late ’80s and ’90s. The revival is somewhat reminiscent of elementary school, making sure your shorts passed the dress code, but in a stylish way.
Barrel jeans — a petite girl’s worst nightmare – also made an appearance. While sizing up for baggier jeans is a popular choice, this style of denim is controversial among many people due to its billowing legs and tapered hems. Some argue that barrel jeans only flatter those 5’7 and taller, while others say they are a no-go if you have a short torso.
Another trend students brought to class was chunky platform boots, ditching the Nike sneakers or Adidas Gazelles . This kind of boot is often paired with a pleated or plaid skirt for subtle private-school vibes, and some students even added leg warmers for an extra personal touch.
This year also brought a surprise return of the poncho-shawl-hybrid. Often crocheted, these airy, colorful articles evoke the essence of early 2000s pop stars like Hilary Duff, bringing a wave of lighthearted nostalgia. They are whimsical, quirky and effortlessly easy to throw on for an outing.
On the other side of the hanger, one style that is not new but saw a revival this year was the coquette aesthetic. This trend saw its resurgence, likely due in part to Sabrina Carpenter’s new album “Man’s Best Friend.” Carpenter has altered and re-popularized it through her signature looks with staples like babydoll tops, lace, ballet flats and Mary Janes — all soft, feminine pieces that define the trend’s playful charm.
Additionally, business-casual pieces have become everyday class-wear — blazers, dress pants, button-ups, skirts and even ties now fill lecture halls. And, of course, none of these looks is complete without the signature Longchamp bag.
However, dressing up is not for everyone — clean-chic girl outfits have taken over like a pandemic. This trend is heavily influenced by many TikTok creators and well-known celebrities like Hailey Bieber. Sweat sets also remained hugely popular this year for their comfort and ease. A sweat set is simply a matching two-piece outfit — a sweatshirt paired with sweatpants — making it an ideal choice for everyday, low-effort wear that still looks put together.
For an unexpected cherry on top, wired headphones are making a full comeback this year, a surprisingly nostalgic twist in audio style. Seen on celebrities like Lily-Rose Depp, Bella Hadid and Addison Rae, the trend taps into the Y2K revival and a renewed love for vintage tech. The chic factor comes from the blend of nostalgia and aesthetic appeal: wired headphones channel the early 2000s and feel “retro” to Gen-Z. Or, maybe it is simply the Bella Hadid effect — once she is photographed wearing something, it instantly becomes fashion canon.
Fashion is becoming a blend of past and present. This year’s style landscape primarily encompassed early-2000s, but no matter what, as trends collide at places like UNC or across social media feeds, one thing remains consistent: fashion is one of the strongest forms of self-expression.
