Winter Wear Trends 2025: Mastering Style in a Tropical Climate
Winter in Mauritius presents a unique season—it doesn’t bring snow or frigid temperatures, but it does encourage a change in mood, layering, and self-expression. As the winds become crisper and the days grow shorter, wardrobes around the island gradually adapt. Winter fashion in this tropical climate is not solely about warmth; it’s about intentional dressing that balances practicality with personality, embracing seasonal trends that mirror our lifestyle and culture. To explore the evolving winter wardrobe of 2025, we consulted two prominent figures in the local fashion industry: Suhaylah Bibi Fooljaree, a certified fashion stylist and the creative force behind Style Up with Suh, and Khandini Rajmun Goraya, a Certified Image Consultant and Founder of The Minimalist, School of Image Consulting.
Suhaylah Bibi Fooljaree, a graduate of the London College of Style and the visionary behind Style Up with Suh, shares her journey, insights, and practical advice to help Mauritians approach winter fashion with authenticity and flair.
A marketer by profession and a fashion stylist by passion, Suhaylah's journey into fashion began during her university days. A chance opportunity to style a model during a friend's shoot revealed her true calling. "I immediately loved what I was doing and wanted to make fashion my career," she recalls. Her studies in London opened new opportunities, including working backstage at London Fashion Week for four renowned designers. However, what truly grounded her in personal styling was witnessing the transformative confidence her clients gained from discovering their unique style. "It’s not just about clothes," she emphasizes, "It’s about helping people fall in love with themselves."
When working with clients in Mauritius, Suhaylah harmonizes modesty, practicality, and modern flair. "People here often prioritize comfort over trends," she observes. "So, my role is to bridge both—by crafting looks that are stylish yet reflective of the client’s personality." Her styling philosophy centers on balance: creating outfits that are both respectful and relevant, transforming fashion into a medium for self-expression and confidence.
Navigating Winter Dressing with Suhaylah Bibi Fooljaree
Suhaylah advocates for smart layering. "Forget heavy coats—focus on breathable base layers like cotton or light knits, then build up with blazers, pullovers, or even denim jackets," she suggests. A chic scarf, ankle boots, or a lightweight trench can elevate a basic outfit into a seasonal statement. Earthy and neutral tones are always a reliable choice.
Looking ahead to 2025, Suhaylah predicts a revival of "modern heritage"—think elegant, old-money-inspired ensembles. Oversized knitwear, brown leather jackets, and statement accessories such as pearls and bold gold jewelry are poised to take center stage. For footwear, knee-high boots and elevated loafers are making a notable return. In terms of color and texture, she anticipates an increase in olive green, cherry red, suede, fringe, and timeless knits and cashmere.
Adapting these trends to fit our tropical winters requires creativity. "I rely on lightweight materials and enjoy experimenting with layering, patterns, and accessories to keep things fresh without overheating," she explains. One of her go-to layering combinations includes a fitted t-shirt with a structured blazer and wide-legged jeans, or for a more polished appearance, a turtleneck paired with a pleated skirt and an over-the-shoulder cardigan for that effortless, sophisticated look.
Her essential items for this winter? Ankle boots, midi skirts, oversized cardigans, wide-legged trousers, and a collection of basic staples like plain tees and turtlenecks. For those hesitant to invest in new outfits, Suhaylah recommends refreshing summer pieces with seasonal layers. "A summer dress can easily be adapted—just add a turtleneck underneath, a jacket on top, and some boots."
One common mistake she notices in winter dressing is the reliance on dull, dark colors. "All-black can feel flat. Opt for rich hues like deep red, olive, or mustard—they add depth and warmth." For those styling on a budget, her golden rule is to invest in timeless staples, enhance outfits with accessories, and shop smart. "Thrift shops and second-hand boutiques are treasure troves for chic finds, plus they promote sustainability."
Speaking of sustainability, Suhaylah is passionate about conscious fashion. "Quality over quantity. Support local and ethical brands. And don’t discard items after one wear—repair, reuse, restyle."
This winter, Suhaylah plans to focus on oversized elegance in her wardrobe, with an emphasis on brown leather and cozy, elevated fits. For those eager to refine their own style, she offers personal consultations, color analysis, wardrobe resets, and more. Follow her work on Instagram at @styleupwithsuh or contact her via email at [email protected]. She is also preparing to launch a new website and upcoming styling workshops, so stay tuned for updates on her social media.
In Suhaylah’s words: "Winter fashion doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to feel like you."
Dressing with Intention with Khandini Rajmun Goraya
For Khandini Rajmun Goraya, Certified Image Consultant and founder of The Minimalist, School of Image Consulting (Mauritius) Ltd, winter is not merely a time for a wardrobe refresh—it’s a chance to convey grace, confidence, and self-awareness through thoughtful layering and image alignment.
With over 13 years of experience in fashion and retail, Khandini is a Certified Image Consultant, a graduate in Fashion Technology from the University of Mauritius, and holds a Master’s in Business Administration. She is also an MQA-approved trainer and a proud member of the IPIA. Her journey into fashion and image consulting stemmed from a passion for helping others become their most polished and empowered selves. Her school provides coaching for individuals and companies, mentoring clients on everything from wardrobe choices and personal grooming to self-presentation and public speaking.
What distinguishes The Minimalist is its holistic approach. "It’s a transformational process from the inside out," Khandini explains. "It’s about becoming the ‘real you’—working on everything from your self-image and style to how you walk, talk, and carry yourself." The consultancy is founded on the belief that cultivating a personal image is not about vanity; it’s about empowerment. Khandini describes her role as helping people "walk with grace"—a phrase that encapsulates her goal to instill elegance, charisma, and presence in those she mentors.
For Khandini, being an image or style coach transcends clothing. It’s about visual storytelling and emotional intelligence. She perceives fashion as ever-evolving and trend-driven, while style is deeply personal—a reflection of one’s true self. "You can be stylish without following trends," she emphasizes, underscoring her minimalist philosophy rooted in purpose and intention.
Her clientele is as varied as her services. From corporate professionals to brides and individuals navigating personal transitions, she has guided many through profound makeovers. One notable transformation involved a woman struggling with low self-esteem during a challenging life stage. Through image coaching, grooming, and confidence building, the woman discovered her inner strength, resulting in a powerful outward transformation. Another significant case involved a corporate leader who learned to align her clothing choices with her professional aspirations, enhancing her influence and credibility in the workplace.
Winter Wardrobe Refresh
Khandini’s advice centers on breathable layering—think cotton shirts under cropped jackets, or T-shirts paired with denim shirts and lightweight pullovers. "You can remain fashionable without overheating," she assures. This year’s essentials include floor-length coats, cape-style drape coats, statement belts, pencil skirts, soft slouchy bags, and backless loafers. For footwear, she recommends chunky flats and patent slip-ons—both stylish and suitable for the local climate.
As for colors, "Brown is the new black," she states. Chocolate tones, tans, and caramel hues are in vogue, alongside bold winter palettes featuring jewel greens, icy blues, and holly-berry reds. Khandini also highlights global winter trends that Mauritians can adopt, such as sheer fabrics and leopard prints, while advising against heavy faux fur coats and nude-toned outfits that may not suit the local weather or body tones. "It’s about embracing what works for your body type and the environment you’re in," she adds, "and having the confidence to wear it."
Cultural respect and modesty are also integral to her approach, particularly for Mauritian women. She navigates individual values while guiding them toward self-expression with care and cultural sensitivity. "We must consider cultural nuances and personal beliefs while assisting individuals in developing their unique style," she affirms. "It’s about empowering people to express themselves authentically while honoring their heritage and values."
Looking forward, Khandini envisions expanding The Minimalist into a regional leader in image education, broadening offerings and hosting more interactive workshops and collaborations. She is particularly interested in launching online courses to reach a global audience and further promote the message of self-empowerment through image consulting.
Her empowering message for women everywhere is both inspiring and reflective: "Personal development is an experience we should not overlook. By ignoring it, we allow the most beautiful version of ourselves to fade. Working on ourselves is essential for thriving."
As winter approaches, we have the chance to redefine not just our wardrobes, but our presence. With guidance from coaches like Khandini Rajmun Goraya, style becomes a tool not just for fashion, but for embracing the extraordinary version of who we already are.