She’s all for ‘international snacking’ but will pass on this fashion nightmare trend

Every January I gripe about the same thing. So, in an attempt to not break with tradition, please indulge me as I complain about all those foolish “what’s in and what’s out” lists for 2025.

I have a big beef with these lists because they’re all designed to make you go out and spend money. This, of course, goes against most people’s top resolution: Don’t spend so much money.

Take a “what’s in” fashion list. Its primary purpose is to get you to click on a link to buy something that’s “in.”

In case you’re curious, skinny jeans are in. Give me a second to cry, because just ugh on skinny jeans. And if skinny jeans are in, that means toothpick jeans can’t be far behind, and as far as I’m concerned, there should be protests in the streets over that atrocity.

Also pillbox hats are in. Um, I’m guessing this fashion renaissance probably affects close to zero people.

The home decor lists are just as annoying as the fashion. The color that’s “in” is brown. In fact, Pantone’s color of the year is “mocha mousse.” Designers say white walls are passe, but because brown is so “color rich” you’re going to need white furniture to balance it out.

Speaking for all of America I’m going to say, “no thank you.” I will not be investing in new furniture to remain “on trend.”

Shiplap is on the “out” list and yet textured walls and ceilings are in. I was never on team shiplap, but I’ll take it over a textured ceiling any day. Once you’ve endured the horror that is scraping a popcorn ceiling, you’ll fight to the death to never go back to a texture.

In the foodie “what’s in, what’s out” list, “international snacking” is coming in at number one.

I must confess at first glance, upon doing my research, I read that as “intentional” snacking and thought, duh, when was intentional snacking ever not in? It’s a lifestyle choice for most of America.

If you’re now pondering just what international snacking is, here’s the answer: It’s all about expanding your snacking to include global goodies. All I have to say is yum.

I’ve compiled my own “what’s in and out” list, because why should I be denied sharing my opinion? I’m no prognosticator, but I’m smarter than whoever thought textured ceilings were coming back in style.

What’s “in” for fashion in 2025 is pants that can’t also do double duty as leg tourniquets. This means all the hullabaloo that the skinny jean will be making a comeback is a falsehood. I will, though, predict spontaneous wailing from dressing rooms earlier in the year as women attempt to get denim past their knees and then remember why they hate skinny jeans.

The latest in design trends will be therapists who focus on getting you through a gut renovation of your home. They’ll deal with the denial that once you open a single wall in your home you can expect your renovation budget to increase by 25%.

Then there’s the anger therapy about said increase. Followed by tips to help you bargain with your contractor to get that price down. Which will lead to depression therapy about your failure to achieve that goal and finally acceptance that you’re going to spend way more than you ever thought possible.

As for 2025 food trends, I predict we’ll quit eating food that makes us sad. So, celery juice, your days are numbered.

Reach Sherry Kuehl at snarkyinthesuburbs@gmail.com, on Facebook at Snarky in the Suburbs @snarkynsuburbs, on Instagram @snarky.in.the.suburbs, and on TikTok @snarkyinthesuburbs and snarkyinthesuburbs.com.

This story was originally published January 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM.