2025 Fashion Trends: The Hottest Pieces To Cop, Stat!

What will Malaysians wear this year?
By: Astrid Zulhaime
January 10, 2025

Okay, we know what TikTok is saying. Fashion creators on the platform are predicting a year of fisherman-inspired fits, Rococo jewellery, moto boho looks, Penny Lane coats, fur shoes, and other quirky trends. But let’s be honest — can you really picture Malaysians flocking to buy oversized outerwear with shearling collars and cuffs in our tropical heat? Exactly.

What works in the West doesn’t always catch on here in sunny Malaysia. That’s why our fashion experts have been keeping a close eye on the latest shifts to pick the 2025 trends most likely to make waves in our part of the world. Of course, we could be off the mark, but that’s the thrill of trend forecasting — it’s all about the unexpected!

2025 Fashion Trends

Colour of the Year

For those not in the know, Pantone, the authority on all things colour, picks one specific shade each year that reflects the mood of the moment. Their Colour of the Year captures what the world is currently feeling and craving, all in a specific shade. For 2025, Pantone has chosen Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230) — a warm, cosy color that reminds us of chocolate desserts and creamy coffee. Could this be a sign that we’re in for a sweet year ahead? This chic shade brings a sense of thoughtful indulgence, harmonious comfort, and pure contentment — and honestly, it’s one of our favorite colours that we’re sure to rock in 2025.

2025 ‘Fits

Look At Those Curves

Is it just us, or has the younger generation been leaning more toward conservatism and puritanism in recent years? Political implications aside, this cultural shift seems to have sparked a return to traditional dressing — with women embracing a more feminine style and men doing the opposite. That said, we can’t exactly picture Malaysian women channeling famous tradwife Nara Smith anytime soon. Instead, we’re likely to see a stronger focus on highlighting hourglass silhouettes.

This could mean corset tops or dresses inspired by actress Margot Robbie and model Alex Consani, as well as casually cinched midriffs with tight belts a la Daisy Edgar-Jones. We wouldn’t be surprised if garments with defined shapes and dramatic details make a comeback such as peplum tops, bubble skirts, puffed sleeves, and ruffled designs, all adding volume that showcases the female form.

Sizzling Bottoms

You might think this one is a stretch, and honestly, that’s fair. A conservative country like Malaysia doesn’t exactly seem like the place for hot pants to take off, but hear us out. The barely-there clothing trend has been a hit in the West for some time now, and local clothing stores have started to reflect that influence somewhat. While we’re not expecting anyone to rock something as bold as Sydney Sweeney’s embellished Miu Miu underwear look, Dua Lipa’s high-waisted, belted leather hot pants feel way more likely.

Picture this: a slightly longer hemline plus hosiery paired with oversized outerwear like Sweeney’s to cover the derriere, and suddenly, the global hot pants craze feels more wearable here. We can definitely imagine the boldest Malaysian fashionistas embracing a subtler take on one of 2025’s predicted fashion trends.

King of the Jungle

Animal print has moved far beyond Halloween and is still going strong to this day, with stylish celebrities like Elle Fanning, Hailey Bieber, and Rihanna leading the charge. From cheetah to leopard and crocodile to snake, we’re bound to see every animal pattern imaginable up until October, and maybe beyond that!

It’s not just clothing — animal print accessories are popping up everywhere, from leopard print shoes to zebra-patterned bags. These pieces work just like last year’s pops of red trend, adding a bold touch to elevate basic outfits. It’s a fun and chic way to show off some personality, and honestly, we’re all for it!

2025 Accessories

We! Want! Personality!

Speaking of personality, remember the bag charms trend that took the Internet by storm, then hit the runways, and made its way all the way up to the Hollywood Hills? Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, Lisa of BLACKPINK, and Lily Allen all hopped on the bandwagon, carrying designer bags adorned with fun keychains, beads, silk scarves, and more.

We don’t think this trend is going anywhere anytime soon — and we’re honestly happy to move away from quiet luxury and the whole “dress like the aristocracy” vibe (sorry, not sorry). In fact, we think it’s about to evolve, with charms and trinkets spilling over from bags to other accessories, like shoes. Just look at Rihanna sporting Ugg x Palace Tasman slippers embroidered with colourful cartoon characters. Clearly, everyone — including brands — is craving more personality in everyday outfits, and we’re pretty sure 2025 will deliver.

What Are Those??

Remember when we mentioned barely-there clothing and how it might not catch on here in Malaysia? What’s more likely to make waves here amongst the 2025 fashion trends, however, is barely-there shoes. The proof? More and more Malaysians have been rocking chic strappy slip-on shoes made from nothing but strips of leather — think sandals that practically look like they’re just a dash of shoe on your feet.

This year, we believe Malaysians will finally start embracing other “not-quite-a-shoe” styles, like the celebrity-approved Alaia mesh ballet flats worn by Anne Hathaway or The Row’s jelly sandals worn by Jennifer Lawrence. They’re perfect for keeping the feet cool, after all. However, new barely-there shoes are almost certain to make their mainstream debut, whether it’s fully transparent PVC boots, cut-out ballet flats, toe-ring heels, or other kooky fashion creations. When those start trending, Malaysians may or may not be ready!

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