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.