There is plenty of noise about the demise of fashion “trends” – and industry debate about whether the term is still relevant. The old-fashioned view that a few trends hold sway for an entire season has long gone. Instead, a multitude of fads come and go quickly.
Micro trends, driven by social media as much as fashion runways, will be a feature of 2025. That means flexibility, which can add a new edge to any wardrobe and keep dressing up fun. There is no need to get stuck in a sartorial rut, either. From animal prints to athleisure, burgundy to boho, there will be no shortage of micro trends to follow over the next 12 months.
In a bid to keep fast fashion at bay, many of my tips for 2025 are based on what is coming up and built around things you probably already own. The key to these ideas lies in the styling – the way you put your own twist on a concept. The result? Absolute freedom to pick and choose the things that appeal most.
So whether the vibe you want to channel is timeless classics or ultra-feminine layers, here are some ideas to explore for wardrobe inspiration in 2025.
Animal prints
Proving yet again that fashion is cyclical, leopard, zebra and even tiger prints are set to be a staple of 2025. Seen across Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Roberto Cavalli, leopard in particular has almost become a new neutral and can be mixed up for an easy update. Think midi-length skirts, a cosy cardigan or a sharp, printed trench coat. Cavalli even did an entire coat in zebra. However, if the idea of wearing animal prints feels too much, try adding a zebra print bag or a tiger stripe shoe for a new flourish.
Beautiful burgundy
First championed by Sabato De Sarno at his Gucci debut in September 2023, this deep wine red shade is still very much a mood for 2025. Seen at Max Mara, Ferragamo and, of course, Gucci, the sensual shade adds a stylish direction to any outfit and looks equally great worn head to toe, mixed with lighter neutrals for a touch of city chic, or with black for wintry cosiness.
Everyday embellishment
Why should sequins, shimmery fabrics and surface embellishments be saved only for special occasions? For 2025, this thinking can be thrown out the window by making what was previously only eveningwear a valid option even for the daytime.
The key to making this work is to wear said sparkles in a more low-key way, such as pairing a sequinned skirt with loafers and a T-shirt, or throwing a sparkly jacket over a pair of jeans. Likewise, that beaded evening bag that only sees the light once a year, can now enjoy new life worn during the day for a sense of je ne sais quoi.
Sporty separates
Athleisure has been around for a while, but while previously that pivoted around relaxed, almost decadent ease, for 2025 this new sporty edge is about mix and matching. Chances are some of these key pieces are already lurking in the back of a cupboard somewhere, so wear a tracksuit top with a classic skirt, or follow Off-White's lead and tie the same zipped jacket around the hips on a dress, or throw a hoodie under a dress a la Stella McCartney.
While Ferragamo's choice of going down the route of ballet leotards as daywear might be a bit much for some, Miu Miu's pairing of shrunken bomber jackets with elongated tennis skirts is perfectly doable.
Designer denim
Once upon a time, denim on the high-fashion runway would have been unheard of – but now it is the mark of a welcome continuing trend. Seen across the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Chanel and Balenciaga, jeans have clinched a well-deserved place in the fashion lexicon.
Seen in myriad washes – from black to pale blue or high-waisted to hanging off hips – this long-term fashion staple is enjoying a new lease of life and could be the perfect piece to mix with some of the other micro trends here.
Hero jackets
Perhaps it's the knock-on effect of the Gallagher brothers going back on tour, but for 2025 it seems everyone is racing to make zip-up jackets, parkas and cagoules the hero of every look. This may seem a no-brainer for menswear but, in one of fashion's fascinating moments, this is menswear influencing womenswear.
Seen at Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Hermes, oversized men's blazers, funnel-neck technical jackets and long, zip-fronted jackets have popped up, worn over metallic long skirts or belted over a straight-cut skirt and bandeau top.
Boho revival
One carry-over from autumn/winter 2024 is the boho revival that has been headed by Chemena Kamali at Chloe. Relaxed yet refined, Kamali’s take on boho is an effortless mix of ease with luxuriousness, a mood that has also been taken up by the likes of Isabel Marant and Alexander McQueen.
Taking its cues from 1970s Parisian chic, this trend translates as plenty of lace trimmings and peasant blouses, with high-waisted flared jeans and skinny-fit jackets. Or look to Valentino, where Alessandro Michele added a tranche of richly surfaced bohemia with heavily beaded dresses and skirts inspired by the Roaring Twenties.
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Wednesday's results
Finland 3-0 Armenia
Faroes Islands 1-0 Malta
Sweden 1-1 Spain
Gibraltar 2-3 Georgia
Romania 1-1 Norway
Greece 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Liechtenstein 0-5 Italy
Switzerland 2-0 Rep of Ireland
Israel 3-1 Latvia
The specs
Common to all models unless otherwise stated
Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi
0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)
Power: 276hp
Torque: 392Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD
Price: TBC
LAST-16 FIXTURES
Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi
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More from Neighbourhood Watch
Black Panther
Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
HAJJAN
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if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Other key dates
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Finals draw: December 2
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Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
