Sports glam, Cherry girl and bold drama: Your headstart on 2025 fashion trends

If your wardrobe could talk, it would probably ask, ‘Ready to level up?’ The fashion trends of 2025 are here to do just that—bringing a thrilling mix of futuristic sleekness and nostalgic vibes. Imagine Y2K boldness seamlessly fused with cutting-edge tech chic. It’s like your favourite 90s supermodel teamed up with a hologram to curate this year’s ultimate style guide. Spoiler alert: It’s fabulous.

Last year, bold, shimmering looks—like Taylor Swift’s glitter freckles—and the enduring allure of red lips dominated. Meanwhile, the clean girl aesthetic quietly stepped aside. This year, drama takes center stage in every sense. Designers are diving headfirst into maximalism, embracing bold statements and reviving powder pink as a key colour, perfectly complemented by mocha mousse, Pantone’s colour of the year.

As Maire, Mo Morris, the CEO, Morris Global Consulting—Fashion and Beauty Experts explains, “Minimalism is out, and maximalism is in this year. This year, dressing for yourself takes center stage, with over-the-top volume, ruffles, lace, and sculptural hoop silhouettes leading the way.”

She also adds: After the burgundy takeover of 2024, we will see softer pastel shades of powder pink coming through, which pairs well with burgundy. “Think dramatic romanticism rather than edgy fashion of the previous years.” If that wasn’t enough, you’ve also got stripes, layered on stripes as a big trend for 2025.

But the real showstopper? The rise of sports glam—a trend that has us truly intrigued.

Sports glam and the rise of athleisure

Athleisure, once synonymous with gym sessions and casual Sundays, has evolved into a style powerhouse—sports glam. This trend marries the functionality of activewear with the opulence of high fashion, blurring the lines between comfort and couture. From luxury tracksuits dripping in sequins to sneakers paired with statement gowns, sports glam is redefining modern wardrobes. Naima Rasheed, a Dubai-based fashion designer and stylist sums it up: “Sports glam takes athleisure up a notch by infusing it with luxe details, bold silhouettes, and high-quality fabrics. Think structured joggers in satin, cropped hoodies with intricate embroidery, and sneakers that could double as works of art. The trend is about making a statement: you can be both sporty and glamorous without compromising comfort or individuality.”

Celebrity inspiration

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa’s wardrobe epitomizes sporty-meets-glam. She often turns heads in metallic bomber jackets, rhinestone-encrusted sneakers, and bold co-ord sets, seamlessly blending playful and polished aesthetics. On stage, she incorporates athleisure-inspired elements with dazzling accents like sparkles and vivid prints.

BTS’s J-Hope

Known for his colourful and experimental style, J-Hope is a key figure in the sports glam trend. His love for luxury tracksuits, bucket hats, and statement sneakers demonstrates how sporty pieces can be elevated with flair.

Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber has mastered off-duty chic with her signature pairing of sporty staples like bike shorts and oversized blazers. She often accessorizes with sleek handbags and statement heels, striking the perfect balance between casual and elegant.

Retro-futurism

Remember when sci-fi movies gave us silver jumpsuits and visor sunglasses? Designers are taking notes, but softening the vibe with luxurious fabrics and muted metallics. Think astronaut meets couture.

Neoncore 2.0

Not your regular rave-ready neon—2025’s neon trend is high-tech and high-class. Expect LED-embedded pieces, glow-in-the-dark accents, and a colour palette that turns heads without blinding them. Bonus points for sustainability, as brands use recycled materials to light up your look.

The cherry girl look

It’s all about the shades of red and lots of red accessories. “It’s a cutesy and fun aesthetic,” explains Daniel. “A red lip is key! A motif T-shirt is also prominent for this trend. Generally printed tee’s are having a moment across different variations, from shrunken baby tee’s to oversize. I think this trend works great paired back with white lace, denim pieces and black capri pants,” she says.

‘Fashion is becoming more eclectic’

According to Daniel, separates will remain a dominant force in SS25 outfitting, with co-ord sets continuing to shine across all categories. A fresh and noteworthy direction for the season is the rise of the ladylike trend, characterised by cinched-in waists that highlight a more defined silhouette. This sophisticated aesthetic is making its mark across dresses, blouses, knits, and jackets, offering a refined update to classic styles. “Fashion is becoming much more eclectic – so alongside tailoring and sporty looks which have dominated we will still see lots of bohemian undercurrents and still some western details such as fringing. Animal prints are moving forward into zebra, snake and cow rather than the Leopard print which dominated last year,” she says.