From bold colours to everyday comfort, self-expression leads the way. Photo: Lilanz
Fashion trends have evolved in terms of their purpose. Rather than dictating how people should dress, they now serve as sources of inspiration.
Today, fashion lovers are more inclined to explore and express their own individual styles.
Personality dressing – the idea of wearing what truly reflects who you are – has become the new benchmark.
With this, it is less about following the crowd and more about curating a look that feels authentic.
Whether through daring colour choices and nostalgic pieces, or even mixing high and low fashion, self-expression has become the main talking point.
Trends continue to exist, though. Every new round of fashion weeks, there will be fresh themes, silhouettes and palettes that capture the collective mood of the moment.
The current Autumn/Winter 2025 season sees deeper shades becoming favourites.
There is also a continued fascination with functional and practical style choices.
As “quiet luxury” goes away, brands are returning to statement-making designs.
Bold patterns and hues, contrasting textures and detailing, as well as logos, seem to be coming back in full force.
These days, trends serve more as suggestions than rules, offering gentle cues in a fashion landscape where individuality takes the lead. Photo: Dressing PaulaThe question is, as we move towards a more personal, purpose-driven kind of fashion, how do trends continue to stay relevant? What role do they play in shaping individual expression today?
Focus on authenticity
“Trends are fun, but they’re not everything,” says the founder of local womenswear label Dressing Paula, Kay Chow.
She acknowledges that people are now not afraid to do things their own way.
“Sometimes all it takes is one person confidently wearing an orange coat to inspire others to express themselves more through fashion,” Chow notes.
“That kind of confidence is what keeps fashion exciting.”
This year, Dressing Paula marks its 15th anniversary – a milestone that Chow says reflects how the brand has grown.
To her, even social media’s influence in driving what’s “in” is waning.
“It’s less about chasing every viral trend now and more about finding people and brands that feel authentic to you,” she adds.
If she had to pick a trend worth embracing, nevertheless, it would be wearing brown.
“It’s grounding, easy to wear, and works across so many categories,” Chow elaborates.
“The key is finding the right shade of brown that flatters you – whether that’s chocolate, taupe or something warmer – because it’ll blend seamlessly into any wardrobe.”
She says Malaysians are becoming adventurous.
“I’m seeing people, especially in Kuala Lumpur, play more and take risks with their outfits. It’s refreshing to see that confidence and individuality coming through.”
Read more: How Malaysian women are elevating their headscarf styling with chic accessories
Practicality does it
Wang Jun Hong, executive director and vice president of Lilanz, notes that shoppers today are increasingly seeking a balance between functionality and style.
“They value clothing that not only looks refined, but also adapts seamlessly across different occasions,” he says.
Originating from China, Lilanz is expanding into the Malaysian market, with two boutiques already open in the Klang Valley.
The brand offers menswear defined by modern, minimalist designs that fuse Eastern heritage with contemporary sensibilities.
Wang points to pieces from Lilanz such as non-iron shirts, water-repellent down jackets and durable polo shirts as examples of how practicality and design integrity can go hand in hand.
“To me, garments that combine both are the ones that truly strike a chord with consumers,” he adds.
While acknowledging the rapid turnover of trends, Wang believes brands must be discerning in how they translate social media data into meaningful innovation.
Fleeting online attention, he says, does little to build lasting brand value.
Confidence, it seems, is the new dress code. Photo: Pott GlassesOn whether fashion trends vary across markets, Wang explains that what appears on international runways is often reinterpreted through the lens of local cultures and lifestyles.
“I see globalisation and localisation not as opposites, but as complementary forces,” he stresses.
“Brands should draw inspiration from global trends while continuing to innovate and tailor products to local consumer preferences.”
A return to maximalism
The same shift toward what feels real and relatable can be seen in accessories, where personal expression often shines through the smallest details.
Local eyewear brand Pott Glasses, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, is quick to keep pace with the times.
“Running glasses are a big hit right now,” says co-founder Aw Tai Hau.
“It’s not just about performance, but also the look – the curvature and wraparound fit are very on trend.”
He adds that tech glasses – those with built-in cameras or audio features – and a return to bold, maximalist designs are also shaping the market.
According to Aw, eyewear today goes far beyond practicality.
“Many people wear them purely for the aesthetic. Some frames don’t even have lenses – they’re just fashion statements,” he notes.
While trends tend to be global, Aw believes there’s still room for local touches. He recalls a past collaboration with fashion label Behati that incorporated Nusantara-inspired motifs into an eyewear design.
“Working with Behati was such a great experience,” he says.
“When Kel Wen (Behati’s founder and creative director) shared his ideas, the final piece turned out to be a real statement.”
Read more: Worn yet wonderful? How fashion’s latest trend celebrates imperfection
Comfort-driven designs shine
Style it the way you want. Fashion now reflects who you are. — Sam EdelmanWhen it comes to footwear, the balance between comfort, practicality and statement-making style has never been clearer.
According to the managing director of Sam Edelman South-East Asia, Gina Goh, Malaysians are increasingly drawn to styles that can take them from day to night with ease.
“Flats, sandals and sneakers are among the top choices right now,” she says.
“People want something they can wear all day without sacrificing style.”
Founded in 2004, Sam Edelman recently made its debut in the Malaysian market.
The brand reflects the designer’s signature vision of timeless American elegance infused with creativity and innovation.
Goh notes that while global trends influence the brand’s collections, regional preferences remain key.
“We always take into account seasonal styles and the tastes of our customers here,” she explains.
“Global trends set the tone, but local needs often take centre stage when we decide what to bring in.”
The growing demand for comfort-driven designs also ties into the wider shift toward personality dressing, where style choices reflect individual lifestyles.
Goh says the brand’s loafers are a perfect example – a design that “carries you seamlessly from work to leisure without compromising on style”.
“While there’s still appreciation for statement pieces, most shoppers today are leaning toward footwear that’s stylish yet practical,” she concludes.
