Spring 2025 Windbreaker Revival: The Trend That's Making Waves

I often ponder how my younger self, back in my college days, would have reacted to the resurgence of windbreakers this fashion season.

The designers dictating the Spring 2025 trends in New York, Milan, and Paris couldn't possibly know my attire for a snowy March Friday night during my early twenties. However, as Prada, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Burberry layer weather-resistant windbreakers over feathery minis and dazzling sequin naked dresses, it's clear they understand (or at least attempt to capture) the essence of navigating a New England campus in high heels and a mini dress, topped with a practical, albeit unstylish, jacket—discarded swiftly upon arrival. Back then, fashion was a balance of necessity, layering the "wrong" jacket over the perfect dress. It served its purpose outdoors but was not part of the ensemble indoors.

The twist for Spring 2025 is that this combination of a windbreaker and a going-out dress feels strikingly right.

Windbreakers had appeared in fashion month before Prada's, but this high-contrast styling caught the internet's eye.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A few presentations at New York Fashion Week incorporated windbreakers with an '80s aerobics-inspired color scheme—Rachel Antonoff, for example, used lightweight layers to enhance sequin mini dresses and patterned leggings in her dog fashion show with Susan Alexandra. Yet, the true origin of this rejuvenated windbreaker trend appears to be Prada's Spring 2025 runway. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons's collaborative collection featured two notable windbreaker looks: one in a vibrant yellow over a mirrored sequin shift dress, the other in a striking orange paired with a 3-D feathered midi. These pieces had the fashion world on my social media feeds abuzz with admiration for the contrast.

It takes more than a single runway show to solidify a trend, and I have been noting other appearances of windbreakers. In London, Burberry combined heavy-duty, feather-hooded anorak jackets with glitzy pink party dresses that would fit right into a Studio 74 shindig. Meanwhile, in Paris, Rabanne's futuristic sequin tops and asymmetrical mini skirts were paired with black and icy blue ripstop windbreakers.

In perhaps the sportiest twist, Cecilie Bahnsen's runway featured a collaboration with The North Face, presenting several black windbreakers adorned with skeleton flowers. Known for her "everyday couture" approach, Bahnsen elevates practical wardrobe staples with whimsical textures and playful decorations, ensuring they remain functional for daily life. These jackets, coupled with delicate dresses and sturdy shoes, exemplified her unique style.

At Burberry, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Rabanne, windbreakers complemented mini dresses and sequin-adorned skirts.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

As I pen this, Paris Fashion Week is still unfolding. There are numerous designers yet to debut their avant-garde sportswear; Marie Claire's style director, Sara Holzman, anticipates that Miu Miu will advance where Prada left off.

I'm also anticipating more windproof, waterproof outerwear making an appearance. Beyond practicality—garments that can seamlessly transition from runway to retail—a windbreaker trend revival aligns perfectly with fashion's embrace of '80s extravagance. Oversized gold earrings and bangles (seen at Schiaparelli) and whimsical gold-button jacquard jackets (spotlighted at Saint Laurent) are also gaining traction.

The high-low styling of the windbreaker suggests that designers are considering not just what women will wear, but how they'll wear it. Everyone has, at some point, chosen functional outerwear to shield their festive attire; Spring 2025's trend encourages us to keep it on upon arrival.

Throughout fashion month, I've been preparing for the New York City Marathon. My rainy training sessions have been accompanied by an unremarkable black Nike track jacket. With the runway's endorsement, I can now pair it with a party dress for the post-race festivities.

Get a Jump on Spring 2025's Windbreaker Trend

KWAY Le Vrai 3.0 Claude Jacket

The North Face TNF Easy Wind Pullover

Nike Striped Shell Track Jacket

Lululemon Always Effortless Jacket

Athleta Expedition Jacket

Adidas '80s Track Top

FP Movement Great Escape Run Windbreaker

Alo Yoga Vantage Nylon Ripstop Track Jacket - Black