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.
The five pillars of Islam
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
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch
Power: 710bhp
Torque: 770Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 340km/h
Price: Dh1,000,885
On sale: now
'Panga'
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER
Directed by: Michael Fimognari
Starring: Lana Condor and Noah Centineo
Two stars
Ukraine
Capital: Kiev
Population: 44.13 million
Armed conflict in Donbass
Russia-backed fighters control territory
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
more from Janine di Giovanni
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV
Power: 360bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh282,870
On sale: now
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Valencia v Atletico Madrid (midnight)
Mallorca v Alaves (4pm)
Barcelona v Getafe (7pm)
Villarreal v Levante (9.30pm)
Sunday
Granada v Real Volladolid (midnight)
Sevilla v Espanyol (3pm)
Leganes v Real Betis (5pm)
Eibar v Real Sociedad (7pm)
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna (9.30pm)
Monday
Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Simran
Director Hansal Mehta
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey
Three stars
'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m
Winner: Arjan, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Jap Nazaa, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi.
6pm: Al Ruwais Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 1,200m
Winner: RB Lam Tara, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinal.
6.30pm: Shadwell Gold Cup Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Sanad, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi.
7pm: Shadwell Farm Stallions Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Dubai Canal, Harry Bentley, Satish Seemar.
