Ditch tacky Uggs & put jumpers in the freezer, plus my 83p hack for making cheap clothes look pricey, says royal stylist
IF you are keen to give your wardrobe a 2025 upgrade, then you’ve come to the right place.
London’s most sought-after style expert, Oriona Robb, knows exactly how to get a chic look – and which items to leave on the shelves.
Oriona transformed her love for customising jeans into a global fashion empire and has dressed everyone from royals to A-list celebs.
Not only does Oriona have a number of royal clients, whom she can’t name as a result of signing NDAs, but she’s also dressed Nicola McLean, Emeli Sandé, and Girls Aloud star Cheryl, just to name a few.
After growing up in a small town in Poland, the 47-year-old moved to the UK in search of bigger opportunities and was soon working with luxury brands like Burberry, Eurostar, and Ferragamo.
But Oriona didn’t stop there – her flair for fashion soon extended beyond brand collaborations – and she’s now styled stars from around the world.
Whether she’s dressing a royal for a red-carpet event or helping a busy mum rediscover their style mojo, Oriona’s mission remains the same: to make people feel unstoppable in what they wear.
In an exclusive chat, she tells Fabulous: “I believe fashion is about more than just looking good.
“It’s about showing the world who you are and feeling amazing while you do it.”
From fur coats and pointy shoes to mocha and all things leather, here Oriona reveals the in trends and fashion classics that you can wear time and time again – as well as the items you must ditch for a chic and elegant look this year.
Not only this, but Oriona also shares her top tips you won’t want to miss – including the freezer trick you’ll have to try this winter.
THE DOS: Experiment with accessorising
If you want to turn heads this season, Oriona stresses the importance of accessorising – but warns fashionistas must follow the ‘less is more’ rule.
She says: “Less is more when accessorising. If you’re wearing really big earrings, don’t wear a big necklace with it.
“Let one accessory do the talking. If you want to keep things elegant and timeless, I would say less is more.
“You can use silk scarves and twilly handkerchiefs – I put them around my neck and it provides a delicate addition to an outfit.
“Tie them to your blazer sleeves or wrists – this little detail adds definition to an outfit.
“And it’s all about belts this season – you can really play around with belts to add definition to coats, blazers and cardigans – but it needs to be the right proportion and you need to experiment to get right.”
Get steaming and swap your buttons
Oriona also shares her two simple tips that will instantly elevate any outfit – using a steamer, which you can nab from Argos for £38, or even cheaper, changing boring buttons to something more chic, which you can nab from Temu from just 83p a pack.
She confesses: “If you’ve got something that looks a bit cheap, you can replace buttons and that will really make a difference.
“Swap them for something more wooden on your blazers, jackets or coats and it can really elevate your look. Little details can really break or make an outfit.
“A steamer is a non-negotiable for me. Always prepare your outfit in advance.
“If you take care of your clothing and steam jumpers, you don’t have to wash them as much.”
Not only this, but the fan pro also shares her super simple freezer trick to ensure your clothes smell and look fresh – without needing a spin in your washing machine.
She adds: “Put your clothes in a plastic bag and put them in your freezer for 24 hours.
“This will take away the odours and you don’t have to wash it.
“It also helps with moths – before I put my cashmere away for the summer, I place them all in individual plastic bags and put them in the freezer overnight, and I’ve never had problems with moths.”
All about the fabric and the fit
And according to Oriona, looking expensive can be put down to two factors – the fit and fabric of your clothes.
She shares: “Avoid anything that is too tight or ill-fitting.
“It’s all about the fit. Make sure that your clothes sit nicely.
“Pay attention to fabrics. Invest in cottons and stay away from synthetics.”
THE DON’TS: Ugg boots
Whilst they’re incredibly popular with many, Oriona says Ugg boots may have had their day.
Oriona says: “My suggestion is to go for something a little bit more refined.
“So instead of Ugg boots, I would probably choose a nice suede ankle boot, just to make it a little bit more elegant.
“I’ve seen the new ones with a really big platform. I kind of like them, but I prefer them on teenagers than adults.”
Chunky trainers
Not only is Oriona ditching Uggs, but she’s also saying goodbye to her chunky trainers too.
She continues: “Chunky trainers are definitely out…
“Sambas are much more slimline, it’s more about Adidas, that kind of retro trainer, compared to chunky trainers.
“I’d keep them just for the gym but personally wouldn’t be wearing chunky trainers. It’s about wearing something a little bit more delicate – comfortable, but not chunky.”
Tracksuit bottoms
And if it’s stylish that you’re after, it’s time to ditch the tracksuit bottoms.
Oriona claims: “We’ve done tracksuit bottoms. This was post-Covid era.
“Let’s leave the tracksuit bottoms in the loungewear department and let’s wear jeans and high waisted trousers.
“As soon as you put something on that makes you feel better, I feel like you will perform better.
“Tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie and Ugg boots – it’s not gonna give you too much of a power statement.”
Ripped jeans, low-waisted denims and skinny
Whilst high-waist jeans are in, Oriona explained that three signature styles are out.
When it comes to ripped jeans, she says: “I personally dislike them. There are better choices at the moment on the market.
“Lower waisted jeans are out at the moment and skinny jeans are not very in either, so be looking for something a bit more baggier.”
Mini skirts
Not only do you need to pay attention to your denims this season, but Oriona also shares her thoughts on skirt trends too.
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Disc belts
“A hit with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively, the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do – it was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up.
“And it seems it’s not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to TikTok to give their views, saying: ‘Oh no not the disc belt! I don’t think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around’ – I feel you.”
Jelly shoes
“After not being seen on shelves for decades, they’ve made a reappearance and this time they’re not just for kids.
“Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions.
“Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren’t the comfiest – blister plasters will come in handy.”
Pedal pushers
“The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, but this time the model fash pack are all over them – with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently.
“The original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot helped make the trousers – also called Capri pants – look effortlessly cool and glam.
“Somehow this time round they don’t seem to be having that same effect.”
She claims: “Mini skirts are definitely out. We’re looking at more high-waisted and fuller length skirts, which are super elegant and flattering.
“Mini skirts are fine for a disco or a party, if you want something a bit more of an evening look, but mini skirts are definitely less popular this season.”
Fakes
We all know that splashing out on designer items is something many of us can’t afford, but according to Oriona, you’re better off nabbing a dupe rather than a fake.
She explains: “I think when we wear fakes we are definitely taking away from the designers. You know, they spent a lot of time and a lot of money to create something. There is a lot of craftsmanship that goes into it.
“Saving money to buy something that is real is so much more rewarding than actually wearing fake things if you like something from a designer, for example, but can’t afford it.
“You can buy something similar, not exactly a fake version of that, but similar to it, but still, from brands that are quite respectful, quite sustainable.”
Loud logos
Similarly, when it comes to loud logos, you’ll need to say goodbye to them if you want a look that will turn heads this season.
Oriona says: “We’re stemming towards more of quiet luxury, so definitely no logos.
“It’s not a choice I would go for. At the moment, the style is a little bit more minimalistic and a little bit more ‘old money’.
“I would suggest staying away from all the logos from very loud designers, and go for a little bit more quiet luxury.”
THE DOS: Anything mocha
Whilst leopard print appears to have made a return in 2025, there’s a brand new colour in town – and Oriona swears by it for an elevated look.
Oriona says: “Pantone announced the new colour of 2025 which is Mocha Mousse – a really delicate brown colour. I’m a big fan.
“There will be a lot of mocha this year. I’ve seen combinations of this chocolate colour with pistachio and lavender – it’s all about unexpected colour combinations. It’s all about colour combinations.
“Everyone’s going to be talking about it. I think that will be a great way for anyone to elevate their wardrobe.”
Fluffy coats
Also this season, according to Oriona your wardrobe won’t be complete this year without a fluffy coat.
She recognises: “Fluffy coats are definitely in for 2025. Zara has got a lot of short, fur coats, it’s going back to the 80s.
Pantone announced the new colour of 2025 which is Mocha Mousse – a really delicate brown colour. I’m a big fan
Oriona
“Sometimes the fur coats can even be full length, you’ll definitely see more of that this year – we’ll see them in chocolate, white and camel.”
Pointy shoes
And to elevate your fluffy coat, this season it’s all about pointy shoes and ballet flats.
Oriona highlights: “Pointy shoes are definitely staying this season. We’ll be seeing more kitten heels in 2025.
“Post Covid, there’s been a shift from wearing trainers to wearing comfortable shoes.
“Ballerina shoes are all over the catwalk with collections dedicated to this. And high street shops are copying it too – you’ll see them everywhere, M&S and Zara.
“It’s all about shoes for a chic look – I start with my shoes. Pointy shoes I would definitely recommend.”
Blazers
A blazer screams chic this season and it’s a must have for your wardrobe.
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The East/West Bag
Baguette bags have had a good run after returning from the 90s shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern fashion icons like Hailey Bieber.
In 2025 the East/West bag, which is a similar but elongated shape with has long, thing straps that are easy to throw over your shoulders.
They’ve been on runway models arms at nearly ever designers shows like Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta and are hitting the highstreet too.
Powder pink
Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of the Barbie film in 2023 and didn’t appear last year, however for this year the more polished and expensive looking pale shade is taking over.
Pantone may say that it’s the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise. From Prada to Erdem the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks worn head-to-toe or on its own.
If the sugary shade is too girly for you then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour.
The shell jacket
The 80’s classic is back but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025.
We all know that for most of spring we’re likely to see rain and, let’s face it, snow and your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket.
Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear with surges in ‘80s windbreakers’.
Seen on the stylish streets of Copenhagen, to the Miu Miu catwalk – hurrah to mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair, you’re in fashion.
The turn-up jeans
Whilst jeans shape remains the same, barrel jeans are still going to be seen everywhere, the way we’re styling them is different.
This season transform your wide leg, baggy denims into turn ups.
And for this look size doesn’t matter, whilst deep turn-ups pairs are a hit from jean trend-leaders, Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good – as only as it’s just one single fold.
Peep-toe shoe
Get your pedicures booked in sharpish as this season your toes are the main event.
After a long hiatus the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold by brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear all with the tiny hole.
From mules, to pumps and clogs, yes clogs will be around too, there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street, but they will have peep-toe.
Sheer blouses
See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk but rarely filter into everyday life, until last season.
Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their SS25 catwalks and M&S even had sell out success with their black sheer pencil skirt from last season.
Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.
Oriona adds: “A loose blazer or a well structured one, which you choose really depends on your style personality.
“You could have more of a classic style personality, or go a bit more avant-garde but either way a blazer is definitely my go-to, the best investment that you can have in your wardrobe.”
Leather trousers
And you’ll need to nab yourself a pair of leather-look trousers too because according to Oriona they add chic and elegance to every wardrobe.
She continues: “I go for either dark, so black, or very in at the moment is burgundy as well, and I have seen a really nice selection at Marks & Spencer.
“I like to pair two different fabrics so if I go for leather trousers I would pair them with a really nice knit on top.”
Leather jackets
Whether it’s the biker variety or oversized, a leather jacket is a wardrobe staple which is sure to never go out of fashion.
Oriona explains: “I absolutely love leather jackets. I saw a beautiful leather jacket at Mango.
“As soon as you pay for real leather obviously the price goes up a little bit, but Marks & Spencer have got a lovely selection as well.
“I would go maybe one size up, so you can put knitwear underneath.
“It’s one of these things that never goes out of fashion, either in black or chocolate.”
Cardigans
Whilst cardigans might not have been cool back in the day, according to Oriona, they aren’t be missed in 2025.
Oriona says: “Cardigans are amazing – they allow you to create layers and also control your temperature.
“Depending where you are, you can add a layer or you can take it off.
“As it gets a little bit colder you can wear a roll neck, a shirt, and then add the cardigan to it.
“I would always play a little bit with the sleeves, so if you were wearing a shirt, you can get the sleeve out of the cardigan.
“You can play around with that, create layers, and play with different shades of the same colour.”
Black boots
Not only are cardigans in, but Oriona also says that investing in a pair of black boots is essential this season.
She advises: “Everybody should have a pair. There is something for everyone.
“A boot can really elevate a look, and there is everything from ankle boots to over the knee boots that can really instinctively add that kind of va-va-voom to an outfit.
“There’s lots of different colours and vibrant colours, so you can have that white shirt, blue jeans, a blazer, and red boots, so straight away your shoe becomes your hero.”
Quilted jackets
If you don’t want to double up with leather trousers and a matching jacket then a quilted jacket is a fabulous alternative.
“Quilted jackets are definitely back,” says Oriona. “They’ve literally been everywhere. Every season, there’s something slightly different about it.
“I would definitely take into consideration your body shape, and also how much layering you will be doing because that quilted look can create a bulky effect.
“Buying a quilted jacket that’s a little bit thinner so it flows slightly longer in the body will look less bulky than one which is cropped.
“I’ve seen really good ones at Marks & Spencer, Zara, Mango, & Other Stories, so I think it depends on the budget, but there is something for everyone.
“If it’s your investment piece for the season, calculate how much it would cost per wear and invest in the best quality you can afford.”