Fashion is known to be a continuing cycle of trends, everything that was once popular has become popular again. We’ve seen the return of ballet flats, low-rise denim, capris, and now, even buttons are being reimagined. What makes this particular comeback stand out is that buttons were never not popular. They’re timeless. So, how did they become one of fashion’s newest trends?
This buttons on everything trend all seemed to start with a DIY look that caught attention at Coachella last year. Agorma, an instagram influencer, showed up in a handmade outfit covered with buttons, all sewn onto a pair of micro shorts. The buttons were multicolored and arranged in no particular order. The look went viral, and suddenly, the button wasn’t just a closure anymore. It was a fashion statement.
Then came the custom wedding dress made by Ellie Misner. The dress was made from vintage mother of the pearl buttons passed down from the bride’s grandmother, the gown was both stunning and deeply sentimental. It became a beautiful example of how fashion can be both meaningful and modern, and reminded us that personal storytelling is still one of the most powerful trends of all.
Now, buttons are showing up all over runways and your Instagram feed. They’re no longer just functional, they’re decorative, structural, even sculptural. Designers are using buttons to add texture, shine, and storytelling to everything from skirts to bags to belts.
Some pieces go all out, completely covered in vintage or mismatched buttons, while others use buttons as accents to the garment.
Yes, this trend is reaching the red carpet too. A recent standout look: a KidSuper look accessorised with iridescent mother of the pearl buttons covering the tie. The look was impactful but also fun with the buttons adding another layer to the outfit.
The Rise of Generational Fashion
There’s a reason why we are seeing buttons everywhere right now. We’re living in a moment where fashion is shifting more toward personal meaning and sustainability. We’re moving away from joining in on every micro trend and leaning into things that feel real and have more emotional connection with the person wearing it.
What’s more real than a jar of buttons passed down from a grandparent or found in a thrift or vintage store? Buttons carry stories. They’ve been worn, used, saved, and repurposed. They’re a reminder that even the smallest details can hold history.
Fashion lovers across generations are embracing that idea, turning vintage buttons into new wearable art. And in doing so, they’re proving that fashion doesn’t always have to be flashy to be impactful. Sometimes, the smallest detail is what makes something unforgettable.
A Sustainable Statement
Another reason this trend is growing rapidly? It aligns perfectly with the growing movement toward more sustainable fashion. In a world where we’re all rethinking our shopping habits, buttons offer an easy way to customize, upcycle, and extend the life of clothes we already own.
They’re easy to remove and reuse. They don’t require new materials. And they allow for endless creativity, whether you’re sewing them onto an old jacket or creating jewelry and accessories from a mix of shapes and colors. A single thrift store visit or raiding your family’s sewing kit can create dozens of styling possibilities.One of the most exciting things about the button trend is how accessible it is, you don't even need to know how to sew.
It doesn't matter if you’re a designer, a DIY lover, or just someone who wants to add something special to an outfit. Whether it's replacing buttons on a jacket with more fun vintage buttons or putting them all over on a thrifted bag to create a one of a kind statement piece, this is a trend that you can actually do.
