We’ve watched (Brat) summer play out for our Northern Hemisphere friends. And now it’s our turn. We’re turning our attention to personality-heavy outfits that speak the language of long, hot days fluently.
Even though trends can be fickle, there’s no denying a number of core themes are running through collections from our favourite Australian and international brands this season. If you’re more classically minded, spice up your capsule wardrobe essentials with shoes, bags and jewellery that feel very of the moment.
This is what you can expect everyone to be wearing from now until autumn.
Broadsheet’s top buys for spring/summer 2024
• The sheer skirt: St Agni sheer column skirt, Camilla & Marc Lattice maxi skirt, Maison Essentiele lace skirt
• The polo shirt: Christopher Esber Straccio knitted polo, Alix Higgins 2004 polo, Best Jumpers Mate polo
• The thong sandal: Aere leather thong sandals, St Agni Sumi slide, A Emery Kinto sandal
• The pearl pieces: Anna Quan Aria dress, Albus Lumen dress II, Elka Collective Hana skirt
• The yellow saturation: Aere cotton shirt, Posse Rio shift dress, Alemais Dahlia maxi dress
• The metallic moment: Paris Georgia Valentina wedge, A-Esque Fold mini clutch, Acler Iverly Knot wedge
• The bubble hem: Emma Mulholland on Holiday Pavlova bubble skirt, Harris Tapper Lindsay top, Maggie Marilyn You’re The Sun to Me mini skirt
• The fringed finish: Faithfull Bodil top, Paris Georgia fringe dress, Jac + Jack Pillar fringe skirt
• The statement denim: Alemais Carmen jeans, Blanca Violette jeans, Wynn Hamlyn fray jeans
• The white dress: Friends With Frank Lucia dress, Matteau Broderie plunge dress, Lucy Folk silk long Grid dress
• The coloured sneaker: Adidas Originals Handball Spezial women’s, New Balance 475, Puma Speedcat OG
Sheer strength
The naked dress walked so that sheer skirts could run. This season is about baring it all from the waist down. Go for black pieces that you can layer with matching slips and underwear or lean into a high-contrast combo and pop a pair of statement knickers on underneath a lace or sequinned silhouette.
Our picks
Not-so preppy polos
The return of ’00s fashion has been felt for the past few seasons. And now, another icon is back: the polo shirt. If you’re keen to lean into the preppy vibes but want to mix things up, choose an oversized silhouette or styles made from upcycled materials and finished with tongue-in-cheek branding.
Our picks
Thong sandals
Dust off your Havianas because thongs are about to be the shoe of the summer. If you want to level up the laidback silhouette, choose styles made from leather and finished with fashion-forward details, such as a squared-toe profile or padded straps. Mini heels quite literally elevate this style, but we’re feeling the flat for all-day comfort.
Our picks
Mother of Pearls
Mermaidcore is making itself known this season. And while you could opt for anenome-inspired jewellery or an oceanic print, we’re after luminescent pearls. Specifically when they’re applied to clothing. Whether you’re a modern bride or looking to level up classic black pieces, pearl-embellished styles will rule this season.
Our picks
Spreadable shades
Mellow yellows have been growing in popularity – this season things take a zestier turn with buttery shades morphing into juicy lemon curd varieties. Swap out classic white pieces for citrus shades that still give off a timeless vibe. Yellow also creates the perfect backdrop for colour-pop prints to steal the spotlight.
Our picks
Metallic moment
High-shine accessories were heroes on and off the runway at Australian Fashion Week earlier this year. And now, gold and silver shades arrive just in time for party season dressing – swap out your favourite black heels for a shimmering wedge style this summer. Clutches and bags are an easy way to accent more pared-back looks, too.
Our picks
Bubble up
Bubble hems are back. Love them or hate them, the 2024 iteration is sleeker than those we saw in the ’80s and early ’00s. Opt for a mini skirt – you could style with a polo shirt if you really want to drive home the Y2K message – or let the silhouette bring new dimension to cropped tops paired with high-rise pants. Technical fabrics offer structure without too much puff.
Our picks
Fringe benefits
Texture is the ultimate way to add interest to tonal outfits. And right now, we can’t get enough of fringed finishes. From woven macrame touches to faux-feathered styles, creating movement is key. Embellished or beaded elements will also up the ante.
Our picks
Done-up denim
Denim is the cornerstone of our wardrobe each and every year. But if you’re tired of the same old indigo pieces, this season is all about enriching your collection with embroidered and embellished styles. Wide leg and loose fit silhouettes continue to chart as attention turns to statement-making finishing touches.
Our picks
Game, set, match
Tennis whites take on new meaning this summer. If you caught the action at the US Open, you’ll know that stadium stands are the new race track when it comes to stylish spectators. Crisp cotton, charming embroidery and elegant silk finishes elevate classic summer dresses. Vintage-inspired sunglasses and a trending bag are all you need to win with these looks.
Our picks
Contrasting kicks
White sneakers? We don’t know her. Put away your neutral shoes in favour of bright kicks this summer. Pink, blue, green, red and yellow are on feet on the streets – pair them with basic pieces from your wardrobe or double-down on dopamine with printed dresses and pants.
Our picks
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