Winter Wear Trends 2025 : Mastering Style in a Tropical Climate

Winter in Mauritius is a curious season—it doesn’t bring snow or extreme chill, but it does invite a shift in mood, layering, and self-expression. As the winds grow crisper and the days shorter, wardrobes across the island quietly evolve. But winter fashion in our tropical climate isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about dressing with intention, balancing practicality with personality, and embracing seasonal trends that reflect both our lifestyle and culture. To understand what’s shaping the winter wardrobe in 2025, we sat down with two leading voices in the local fashion scene: Suhaylah Bibi Fooljaree, a certified fashion stylist behind Style Up with Suh, and Khandini Rajmun Goraya, Certified Image Consultant and Founder of The Minimalist, School of Image Consulting.

Suhaylah Bibi Fooljaree, a certified fashion stylist from the London College of Style and the creative force behind Style Up with Suh, shares her journey, insights, and practical tips to help Mauritians approach winter fashion with authenticity and flair.

A marketer by profession and a fashion stylist by passion, Suhaylah’s foray into fashion began during her university years. A spontaneous opportunity to style a model during a friend’s shoot unveiled her true calling. “I immediately loved what I was doing and wanted to turn fashion into a career,” she reflects. Her studies in London opened new doors—including working backstage at London Fashion Week for four renowned designers. But 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 says, “It’s about helping people fall in love with themselves.”

When working with clients in Mauritius, Suhaylah blends modesty, practicality, and a modern edge. “People here often prioritise comfort over trends,” she notes. “So, my job is to bridge both—by creating looks that are stylish yet grounded in the client’s personality.” Her styling philosophy leans on balance: looks that are both respectful and relevant, where fashion becomes a tool for self-expression and confidence.

Navigating winter dressing with Suhaylah Bibi Fooljaree

According to Suhaylah, smart layering is key. “Forget heavy coats—focus instead on breathable base layers like cotton or light knits, then build up with blazers, pullovers, or even denim jackets,” she advises. A chic scarf, ankle boots, or a lightweight trench coat can elevate a basic look into a seasonal statement. Earthy and neutral tones, she adds, are always a win.

Looking ahead to 2025, Suhaylah predicts the resurgence of “modern heritage”—think elegant, old-money inspired outfits. Oversized knitwear, brown leather jackets, and elevated accessories like pearls and bold gold jewellery are set to take centre stage. For footwear, high-knee boots and elevated loafers are making a strong comeback. In terms of colour and texture, she’s seeing a rise in olive green, cherry red, suede, fringe, and of course, timeless knits and cashmere.

Adapting these trends to our tropical winters requires creativity. “I rely on lightweight materials, and I love playing with layering, patterns, and accessories to keep things interesting without overheating,” she explains. One of her go-to layering combos? A fitted t-shirt with a structured blazer and wide-legged jeans—or for a more polished look, a turtleneck paired with a pleated skirt and an over-the-shoulder cardigan for that effortless, sophisticated vibe.

Her must-haves for this winter? Ankle boots, midi skirts, oversized cardigans, wide-legged trousers, and a stock of basic staples like plain tees and turtlenecks. For those hesitant to splurge on new outfits, Suhaylah recommends reworking summer pieces with seasonal layers. “A summer dress can easily be transformed—just add a turtleneck underneath, a jacket on top, and some boots.”

One common mistake she sees in winter dressing? Relying solely on dull, dark colours. “All-black can feel flat. Try rich hues like deep red, olive, or mustard—they add depth and warmth.” And for those styling on a budget, her golden rule is to invest in timeless staples, play up accessories, and shop smart. “Thrift shops, second-hand boutiques—they’re treasure troves for chic finds, and they help promote sustainability too.”

Speaking of sustainability, Suhaylah is passionate about conscious fashion. “Quality over quantity. Support local and ethical brands. And don’t throw things away after one wear—repair, reuse, restyle.”

This season, Suhaylah’s own wardrobe will lean into oversized elegance, with a special focus on brown leather and cozy, elevated fits. And for those eager to refine their own style, she offers personal consultations, colour analysis, wardrobe resets, and more. Follow her work on Instagram at @styleupwithsuh or contact her via email at contact@suhestla.com. She’s also preparing to launch a new website and upcoming styling workshops—so keep an eye on her socials for updates.

In Suhaylah’s words: “Winter fashion doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has 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 just a time for a wardrobe refresh—it’s an opportunity to express 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 was born from a passion to help others become their most polished and powerful selves. Her school offers coaching for both individuals and companies, mentoring clients on everything from wardrobe choices and personal grooming to self-presentation and public speaking.

What sets The Minimalist apart 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 built on the belief that cultivating a personal image isn’t about vanity; it’s about empowerment. Khandini describes her work as helping people “walk with grace”—a phrase that reflects her aim to instill elegance, charisma, and presence in those she coaches.

Being an image or style coach, for Khandini, goes beyond clothes. It’s about visual storytelling and emotional intelligence. She views fashion as ever-changing and trend-driven, while style, to her, is deeply personal—a reflection of one’s authentic self. “You can be stylish without following trends,” she says, highlighting her minimalist philosophy rooted in purpose and intention.

Her clientele is as diverse as her services. From corporate professionals to brides and individuals navigating personal transitions, she has guided many through deep makeovers. One such transformation involved a woman grappling with low self-esteem during a tough life phase. Through image coaching, grooming, and confidence building, the woman found her inner strength, ultimately translating that into a powerful outward transformation. Another noteworthy case involved a corporate leader who learned how to align her clothing choices with her professional goals, enhancing her influence and credibility in the workplace.

Winter Wardrobe Refresh

Khandini’s tips focus on breathable layering—think cotton shirts under cropped jackets, or T-shirts paired with denim shirts and lightweight pullovers. “You can stay fashionable without overheating,” she assures. This year’s must-haves 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 climate-appropriate.

As for colours, “Brown is the new black,” she says. Chocolate tones, tans, and caramel hues dominate, alongside bold winter palettes featuring jewel greens, icy blues, and holly-berry reds. Khandini also points out global winter trends Mauritians can adapt—like sheer fabrics and leopard prints—while advising against heavy faux fur coats and nude-toned outfits that don’t 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.”

Culture and modesty are also central to her practice, especially for Mauritian women. Respecting individual values while guiding them toward self-expression is something she approaches with care and cultural awareness. “We must take into account cultural nuances and personal values while helping individuals develop their unique style,” she says. “It’s about empowering people to express themselves authentically while honouring their heritage and beliefs.”

Looking ahead, Khandini envisions growing The Minimalist into a regional leader in image education, expanding offerings and hosting more interactive workshops and collaborations. She is particularly interested in launching online courses to reach a global audience and to further the message of self-empowerment through image consulting.

Her message to women everywhere is both empowering and reflective: “Personal development is an experience we should not ignore. If we do, we are letting the most beautiful version of ourselves fade. Working on ourselves is how we thrive.”

As winter arrives, so does the chance to redefine not just our wardrobe, but our presence. With the guidance of coaches like Khandini Rajmun Goraya, style becomes a tool not just for fashion—but for becoming the extraordinary version of who we already are.

Amnah Ummé Tasneem Mudhoo Noorzai