Top 10 Fashion Photography Trends for Online Retailers in 2025
As ecommerce continues to explode, stunning fashion imagery has never been more vital. In 2025, online retailers will lean into creative, on-brand fashion photography that tells a story, drives engagement, and ultimately boosts conversions. Here are the top 10 trends your brand can leverage - plus examples of how you can bring them to life with Design Identity’s expert services.
1. Lifestyle Storytelling Shoots
What it is: Editorial-style imagery that places products in real-life contexts - models on the go, aspirational moments, or styled environments.
Why it matters: These shots forge an emotional connection, showing customers how your pieces integrate into their lifestyles.
How to incorporate it: Partner with a full-service campaign photography team that handles casting, location scouting, and art direction. For elevated lifestyle images, check out our Campaign Photography services.
2. Minimal Flat-Lay Layouts
What it is: Clean, overhead compositions that present garments or accessories against simple backdrops, often paired with minimal props.
Why it matters: Flat lays let customers focus on fabric details, colour, and form - perfect for social feeds and lookbooks.
How to incorporate it: Send your stock to Design Identity’s studio for professional hanger & flat lay photography. Learn more about DI's Hanger & Flatlay services.
3. Creative Hanger Shots
What it is: Garments showcased on stylised hangers - suspended against eye-catching backdrops or in motion.
Why it matters: It highlights fit and drape while introducing a touch of dynamism to traditional product grids.
How to incorporate it: Combine hanger setups with bespoke backgrounds by booking a session through Design Identity’s Hanger & Flatlay photography.
4. Ghost Mannequin & Invisible Mannequin Techniques
What it is: The “floating” garment effect, where the mannequin is removed in post, leaving only the shape of the clothing.
Why it matters: It balances professionalism with practicality - showcasing fit without distracting elements.
How to incorporate it: Opt for Design Identity’s dedicated Ghost Mannequin Photography to give your catalog that polished, consistent look.
5. Bold Colour-Blocking Backgrounds
What it is: Vivid, contrasting backdrops - solid blocks of colour that make your apparel pop.
Why it matters: On crowded feeds, bright colour frames draw the eye, improving click-through rates and shareability.
How to incorporate it: Coordinate with your photographer to select brand-aligned hues and studio setups. Design Identity’s Fashion Photography services can customise backgrounds to your palette.
6. Cinemagraphs & Stop-Motion Animations
What it is: Subtle, looping animations (cinemagraphs) or frame-by-frame stop-motion sequences presented as GIFs or short videos.
Why it matters: Movement commands attention in social feeds, increasing engagement and time on page.
How to incorporate it: Try our Animated GIF & Stop-Motion Photography to bring your products to life frame by frame.
7. 360° Spin & Interactive Imagery
What it is: Rotational product views that customers can drag or click through for a full-angle perspective.
Why it matters: Enhances confidence by replicating in-store “touch and feel” experiences.
How to incorporate it: Pair 360° spins with high-res product stills - our E-commerce Photography package includes multi-angle shoots and optimisation for interactive viewers.
8. Organic Natural-Light Portraits
What it is: On-location shoots using ambient light - urban streets, cafés, or studio windows.
Why it matters: Conveys authenticity and lifestyle appeal, aligning with the eco-conscious and “real life” branding movements.
How to incorporate it: Book an on-location session through Design Identity’s E-commerce Fashion Photography team to capture your collection in natural environments.
9. Inclusive Casting & Diversity Showcases
What it is: Prioritising models of various sizes, ages, ethnicities, and abilities to reflect real customers.
Why it matters: Builds trust and broadens appeal - shoppers want to see themselves represented.
How to incorporate it: During your planning phase, collaborate with a photographer who sources diverse talent. DI can coordinate model casting as part of their Campaign Photography services.
10. Sustainable Styling & Eco-Friendly Props
What it is: Incorporating recycled materials, biodegradable props, and zero-waste set designs.
Why it matters: Aligns your brand with growing consumer concerns around sustainability and ethical practices.
How to incorporate it: Work with your creative team to select eco-certified materials - and ask Design Identity about their environmentally conscious production options when you get in touch.
Ready to future-proof your online fashion store?
Partner with Design Identity for any of these 10 trends and elevate your brand with world-class photography.
Studio Location: 25/34-36 Ralph St, Alexandria, NSW 2015
Phone: (02) 8339 0130
Email: bookings@designidentity.com.au
