Everyone Is Dressing Like They’re in Europe – Whether They’re Getting on a Long-Haul Flight or Not

We’re not technically out of the clutches of winter yet. But after a few unseasonably warm weeks, there is a definite spring energy in the air. And while the height of European summer has passed, plenty of plans for Balearic island adventures and languid Italian road trips are yet to be realised in the shoulder season.

It doesn’t really matter if you’re making the northern hemisphere pilgrimage or not this year, the mood for our current wardrobes is: dress like you’re in a small European town and all you have to do is think about where your next Campari spritz is coming from. Sartorially, it’s a natural progression from last summer’s obsession with sarongs in the city – although silk scarves worn any which way are building blocks for outfits inspired by Jennifer Coolidge’s White Lotus wardrobe.

We’ve moved on from coastal grandma chic and we’re entering our tomato girl summer. The latest trend is essentially the embodiment of a dream life spent carrying fresh produce around in a market tote somewhere with cobblestone streets and €1 espressos.

Most of the resort collections that showed at fashion week in May won’t grace stores until a little later in the year. But there are plenty of Australian brands to shop now that have built their identity around a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Two new names to know from Sydney are Salone and Antipodean. The former launched last week with a collage-inspired debut collection of soiree shirts. And Antipodean opened its digital doors yesterday. Founder Danielle Milojevic has previously designed for labels like Zimmermann, Camilla and Alemais. The brand’s hallmarks – bold prints, sculptural ruffles and an artful state of mind – will be revealed in full as the collection drops in phases over the coming months. But the striped silk Laude and moody floral Freja pieces tease at what’s in store.

Faithfull the Brand launched a capsule collection in collaboration with British stylist Monikh last month. The campaign – fittingly shot in Minorca – delivers the energy we’re looking for. Pieces like the Lido skirt, completed with a multicoloured resin beaded belt; the Azalea midi dress; and the striped Muni maxi are just the starting point. In other collab news, Vrg Grl has teamed up with Swedish artist Astrid Wilson on 12 flower power-inspired linen silhouettes. Tapping into Wilson’s signature vibrant floral prints, the Mid Sommer pants and Fleuriste shirt are whimsical style wins.

Kinga Csilla is another local brand leveraging wanderlust for its latest campaign. The Paloma collection, which includes vibrant printed dresses and shirts, as well as easy-wearing denim and embroidered linen sets, will look right at home in charming seaside towns near and far.

Lucy Folk is never far from our minds when it comes to sunshine dressing. And while the label’s signature towelling dresses do double duty from beach-to-bar, it’s the Watermelon pip jewellery collection that is feeding our style desires at the moment. Sir’s newest arrivals further the minimalist yet made-for-summer agenda. And Matteau has reintroduced a few of its warm-weather icons in oceanic hues this season: the religiously sold-out printed silk shirt and pareo. Just add a swimsuit and some perfectly ripe stone fruit.

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