Fashion
3 Fashion Trends We’re Glad to Leave Behind in 2025
Looking back at the trends that once filled South African wardrobes, it’s clear that style has already moved on. By the end of 2025, a few fashion moments that dominated closets and social feeds across the country have gradually disappeared. Some never lasted beyond a viral craze, while others simply outgrew their moment in the spotlight, making way for pieces that balance style, comfort, and versatility.

Photo Credit – Instagram
One trend that made waves early in the year was Labubu; playful bag charms and quirky miniature accessories. Influencers in Cape Town and Johannesburg clipped them to bags, belts, and phones, making them almost unavoidable on social media. But by mid-year, their appeal had already begun to fade. Once the novelty wore off, South African consumers started choosing accessories that worked across multiple outfits and occasions, leaving these tiny statement pieces as a memory of the year’s fleeting hype.

Photo Credit – Instagram
Skinny jeans, a wardrobe staple for over a decade, also saw a sharp decline. Across South African cities, from university campuses to urban high streets, wider-leg, straight, and relaxed-fit denim became the preferred choice. Runways and local editors highlighted these alternatives, focusing on both comfort and practicality. Tight-fitting skinnies, once essential for a polished look, are now largely reserved for specific occasions rather than daily wear, as more South Africans prioritise ease of movement without sacrificing style.

Photo Credit – Instagram
Micro miniskirts, which dominated summer festivals and warm-weather street style, are also on the retreat. While still fun for summer events, their extreme shortness limits versatility, particularly when seasonal shifts bring cooler weather to Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria. Designers and shoppers are increasingly favouring skirts and hemlines that are wearable year-round, offering a balance between visual interest and functionality.
The decline of playful mini accessories, skinny jeans, and micro minis shows a clear shift in South African fashion: people are choosing pieces that combine style with practicality. These trends, once unavoidable, now feel like a record of 2025, making way for wardrobe choices in 2026 that are both versatile and expressive.
Fashion
Ndamese Puts a Sexy Spin on a Fragrance Launch in a Red Off-Shoulder Gown
Mihali Ndamese attended the launch of Amouage’s Love Hibiscus fragrance in a dramatic red velvet gown that matched the luxury atmosphere of the evening.
The influencer and media personality shared details from the event on her Instagram page, describing the fragrance as “bold and beautifully addictive” while highlighting its hibiscus notes, warm sweetness and rich depth. Her styling reflected the event’s luxury theme.

Mihali Ndamese – Instagram
For the launch, Mihali wore a figure-hugging off-shoulder gown in a deep ruby shade. The dress included detailed ruching across the bodice and waist, creating a structured shape. A high slit brought extra edge to the design, while matching opera gloves tied the entire look together.
The velvet fabric enhanced the outfit under the warm evening lighting, highlighting the rich texture of the gown throughout the photographs. The gathered detailing around the hips and neckline brought more definition to the overall design.
Rather than adding heavy accessories, Mihali kept the styling minimal with a crystal-covered clutch and metallic pointed heels.

Mihali Ndamese – Instagram
Her beauty look matched the outfit perfectly. The short sculpted bob introduced a vintage-inspired touch.
The event theme also complemented the styling. According to Mihali’s caption, the evening celebrated Love Hibiscus by Amouage, a fragrance she described as lingering long after leaving the room. The luxury theme reflected strongly through both the setting and the fashion choices.
The styling remained balanced throughout. The gloves, fitted design and thigh-high slit delivered strong visual impact without overwhelming the outfit. Each element worked together naturally, keeping the overall presentation refined.

Mihali Ndamese – Instagram
The appearance also reflects the return of classic glamour dressing at beauty and fragrance events. Structured gowns, velvet textures and opera gloves have increasingly reappeared in celebrity styling, particularly at luxury launches. Mihali’s interpretation appeared modern because the look avoided excessive styling.
The outfit suited the event and translated well across social media platforms. It also highlighted Mihali Ndamese’s preference for refined eveningwear and coordinated luxury fashion.
Fashion
Thabee Happy’s Little White Dress Delivers Big Style Energy
Thabee Happy has built a reputation for making simple outfits look refined, and her latest look proves exactly why her fashion content continues to connect with audiences online.
The influencer and content creator, recognised for beauty-focused content and fitted, high-glamour outfits, kept the styling minimal in a white mini dress that still stood out. With more than a million followers across social platforms, Thabee has become recognised for turning clean, straightforward pieces into memorable fashion moments.

Thabee Happy – Instagram
The dress is simple but distinctive. The halter neckline includes soft floral detailing at the collar, while the draped front brings shape to the look without taking away from its clean structure. Rather than relying on heavy embellishments or layered styling, the outfit is defined by fit and tailoring.
White dresses can easily look bridal or overly predictable, but this version feels current and refined. The mini length gives the outfit a sharper edge, while the draping softens the overall look without overpowering it.
Her styling choices also stand out. White strappy heels continue the monochrome look, and the structured brown designer handbag introduces contrast that breaks up the all-white styling.

Thabee Happy – Instagram
The outfit works because it does not rely on trend-heavy styling or excessive accessories. Instead, it shows how a well-fitted dress and careful styling can still feel fresh in a fashion space often dominated by louder trends.
Thabee’s content largely focuses on glamour, beauty and fashion, and this outfit fits naturally within that direction. At the same time, it reflects a more restrained approach to dressing that allows the clothing itself to remain the focal point.
No dramatic layering or excessive accessories. Just a little white dress proving that simple styling can still feel modern.
Fashion
Tyla Wears Peacock-Inspired Custom Valentino at the 2026 Met Gala
South African star Tyla arrived at the 2026 Met Gala in a custom Valentino creation designed by Alessandro Michele. While many guests chose a more expressive styling direction for the night, her look prioritised texture, structure and fluid motion in the fabric.
The design paired a peacock-blue satin skirt with a thigh-high slit and a long trailing hem. The bodice carried crystal chains, silver beadwork and sheer panels, giving the upper section a jewellery-like finish. Instead of covering the entire gown in decoration, the detailing was concentrated around the bodice.

Tyla – Instagram
Following her arrival, several fashion publications pointed to the peacock reference behind the look. Tyla described it as a peacock-inspired Valentino piece with crystal embroidery and feather-like accents. Tyla referenced the inspiration during carpet interviews.
The turquoise satin skirt provided contrast to the heavily detailed upper section, keeping the design structured overall. Blue heels, layered diamond jewellery and hanging crystal accessories supported the styling choices without taking focus away from the gown.

Tyla – Instagram
This appearance continues Tyla’s developing approach to Met Gala dressing. In 2024, she wore the widely discussed Balmain sand dress that was altered during the event. In 2025, she shifted towards tailored design in a Jacquemus outfit inspired by André Leon Talley. The Valentino look for 2026 brought together aspects of both years, combining bold decoration with a cleaner, more refined shape.
The 2026 Met Gala theme, “Fashion Is Art”, encouraged guests to interpret fashion through creative direction. Tyla’s Valentino outfit stood out through its crystal work, structured form and peacock-inspired tones, becoming one of the night’s most talked-about fashion moments.
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