By Alice Joazeiro. Cover image collage Coach, Prada and Simone Rocha IG Courtesy.
Messy hair, mismatched patterns, and flip-flops worn with socks — Spring/Summer 2025 is all about one bold motto: the weirder, the better. So, is this the end of the ‘clean girl’ era? Unfortunately for the ‘clean girls’ out there, the perfectly curated, polished aesthetic is no longer in vogue. Today, being cool means embracing imperfection, self-expression, and authenticity. Fashion is shifting away from the picture-perfect look and towards creating personal statements that celebrate the beautifully bizarre.
As Miuccia Prada, the undisputed queen of ‘ugly chic’, famously said: “Ugly is stronger than pretty.” Why? Because it disturbs and provokes, opening up new perspectives. Unlike pretty, which is often accepted without question, ugly has the power to make people uncomfortable and challenge their views. It defies societal norms and prompts us to reconsider what beauty truly is. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, fashion that challenges the norm feels more relevant than ever.
That’s why we rounded up the top 5 ‘ugly’ accessories spotted on the SS25 runways—those pieces that had people questioning, “Is this even fashion?” The answer is yes, it totally is!
The Best Ugly Chic Accessories for Spring/Summer 2025 you’d try on
1- Simone Rocha x Crocs: When Grandma’s Garden Shoes Go Luxe
Love them or hate them, Crocs are here to stay—and they’ve just got a major upgrade for SS25. Simone Rocha has transformed the world’s most controversial shoes by adorning them with oversized jewels, pearls, and gothic embellishments, elevating practical clogs into runway-worthy icons of. The combination of their extravagant and unpleasant appearance, along with comfort, uniqueness and a touch of luxury, is the perfect blend to appeal to fans of the ugly chic aesthetic, adding personality to any outfit. Simone Rocha’s creative use of jewels on the Crocs also serves as a good inspiration for personalising your accessories this Spring/Summer, allowing you to embrace your most unique (and delightfully quirky) version of yourself.
2 Prada’s Fly-Eyed Glasses: Not for the Faint of Fashion
Miuccia Prada, the mother of ugly chic, has done it again. In the midst of a collection overflowing with vibrant colours and unexpected textures and cuts, one accessory stole the show: a pair of oversized sunglasses that combine elements of robots and insects, giving the wearer a stylish, space-fly appearance. These Prada glasses are more than just a fashion statement; they’re a challenge. Wearing them means stepping outside the norm and embracing bold, fashion-forward accessories that demand attention. If you wear them, be prepared for stares—those that suggest you’re doing something right. These oversized robot/insect glasses are perfect for anyone who enjoys shaking things up and doesn’t mind ruffling a few feathers along the way. I believe it’s a fun hobby.
3 Coach Dirty Sneakers: The Mess Is the Message
Following in the footsteps of Golden Goose and Gucci, Coach has introduced sneakers that look like they’ve weathered life’s challenges—think subway rides, spilled coffee, long walks, and everything in between. In a world obsessed with unrealistic standards of perfection, these once-white shoes, now turned grey, stand for the raw reality that many people experience. They’re a symbol of everyday life made chic. Coach has celebrated the beauty of genuine experiences by taking something often seen as negligence and transforming it into chic and aesthetically pleasing on the runway. Honestly? We love it.
For SS25, these “dirty” Soho sneakers in “Loved Leather” are the perfect example of how accessories can embrace imperfection and transform everyday life into fashion-forward statements. Real life has never looked so stylish.
4 If Ugly Chic Accessories for Spring/Summer 2025 are Rabanne’s Rain-Ready Plastics: Function Meets Freaky
Plastic heels and handbags? Absolutely. For SS25 Rabanne has combined two essential elements of the ugly chic style in its accessories: fun and practicality. The latest pieces look unfinished, industrial, and waterproof, playing with the idea of practicality turned fashion. Julien Dossena designed heels and purses that can be worn in the rain, featuring a plastic cover and a deliberately unfinished aesthetic that conveys an “I don’t care what they say” vibe. The idea of incorporating unattractive plastic covers into accessories is not only fun and creative but also transforms everyday, unglamorous items into something chic, albeit in a weird way.
Imagine a grocery bag merged with an art installation—this is what ugly chic is about: embracing items that you’re not supposed to find stylish and making them iconic.
5 Coperni Finger Flats: The Footwear That Divides the Internet
Saved the weirdest for last. One of the most controversial footwear designs is Coperni’s five-finger flats—yes, like gloves for your feet. These shoes have quickly become one of the most talked about accessories for the SS25 season. The concept of five-finger shoes was originally created by an Italian designer in the early 2000s for sportswear, and since then, they have elicited strong reactions from consumers. Coperni has reinterpreted this design by creating shiny flats with a buckle, giving them a metallic, silver-like tone (can anything be more ugly chic?). While these shoes may be a little hard to accept, we should ask ourselves: what is wrong with showing off our toes?
Part alien, part metallic ballerina, these shiny silver flats celebrate the human foot in all its glorious toe-ness, while drawing inspiration from early 2000s sportswear. Whether you love them or hate them, these unique flats are sure to be a standout piece for anyone brave enough to rock them. Are they uncomfortable? Maybe. Are they unforgettable? Definitely.
So, what’s next?
If you’ve ever felt like fashion wasn’t made for your messy, chaotic, and creative self—welcome! SS25 is your season. Whether you fully embrace the five-finger flats or just throw some jewels on your Crocs, remember: ugly chic isn’t about being ugly; it’s about being bold enough not to care.
