Dressing up for joy in 2025

There’s nothing more dynamic and festive than fringe to move and groove into the new year. It harks back to the 1920s, an era of social change and liberation when the flappers broke boundaries as they found new forms of self-expression and liberation from traditional norms. The resurgence of flapper-inspired fashion no doubt reflects a yearning for fun and freedom.

Boho riche 

The relaxed boho aesthetic always brings good vibes and is just one indication that the ‘70s are here to stay. It’s a more luxurious version, however, with opulent fabrics, embroidered vests, ruffled collars, feather-adorned hats and oversized, beaded necklaces and statement earrings and cuffs.

Ruffled frills

Ruffles come ethereal like soft angelic wings, providing movement in skirts and dresses that have an airy and effortless shape. They sometimes extend and trail on one side in consonance with the season’s predilection for trains and asymmetry. To balance the sweetness, they can be contrasted with structured pieces.

Max minis

The mini wants more attention this time around by pumping up as bubbles or billowing like clouds. The ballerina is also alive and well with tutus you can pirouette with to party city. For cocktail royalty, they come with trains for grand entrances.

Going asymmetrical

The hemline of the year is hands down the asymmetrical one, adding the perfect movement to skirts while providing a flirtatious off-handedness in even the most minimal of pieces. As a counterpoint to basic tops, it makes for a more joyous ensemble that can go from day to night.

Dots Entertainment

For those cautious with prints, dots are the safest as the most neutral of patterns while having a fun, celebratory nature that evokes flamenco evenings. They even look good on ternos, whether in profusion or used sparingly to graphic and dramatic effect.

Fine and dandy

The suit reigns, whether for work or play, with trousers, minis or shorts. Yves Saint Laurent’s classic Le Smoking keeps getting reinvented and power shoulders bring back the decadent days of Dynasty. It has also melded with the terno which has been updated for contemporary times.

Sheer glamour

Warmer climes need not prevent you from layering, just keep it sheer. Our national fabric of pineapple fibers works well with layers, whether in all-piña separates, in tandem with other textiles or worn with other pieces like stretch bandeaus. Boudoir looks in lace hit the party circuit and tulle acts as soft filter over otherwise in-your-face bold looks.