Style Reset: Easy Summer Wardrobe Tweaks That Make a Big Difference

As we gear up for the new season and drag our dusty summer clothes out of the back of the cupboard, it’s easy to feel like we’ve got nothing to wear – despite the pile of perfectly good clothing in front of us. But with a few tweaks, some quick updates and a nod to the latest trends, you can transform that tired-looking stack into something that feels fresh and modern as we head into warmer weather. And for anyone picking up a couple of new-season essentials, many retailers – including Cotton On – now offer Click to Pay with Mastercard as a streamlined checkout option during the festive rush. Plus, you can win big prizes like a year's worth of coffee and parking, clothes, movie tickets and more when you checkout with Click to Pay using your Mastercard. 

Here are five easy wardrobe updates for the coming season – quick fixes for anyone looking to get a trendy bang for their buck.

Add a dash of espresso

Through winter and into spring, the dark chocolate leather bomber persisted. Now, the espresso colour story is injecting some caffeine into the warmer months. Add a classic key piece such as a linen-cotton blend mini shift dress paired with a layered oversized shirt in dark oak brown, or go subtle with this Bottega-inspired woven clutch in deep chocolate. 

Beyond Havaianas

With the boho revival surging ahead and Y2K trends continuing into 2026, it’s no wonder that the two biggest shoe styles for summer have been declared the boho-adjacent wedge and the early-2000s favourite, thongs. So why not upgrade your shoe wardrobe with both at once? A wedge-thong hybrid will give you height with a steady base while keeping your outfit relaxed and effortlessly cool. 

Plaid princess

As the NGV prepares to present its major exhibition Westwood | Kawakubo, and the northern hemisphere embraces ’90s plaid across the Dior and Burberry runways, it’s time to revisit the classic check for summer. So why not translate that into swimwear? Channel Cher in a classic bikini with a scoop neck top and full bottom in espresso check, or switch up the ’90s reference in a fresh bright like this tomato check string bikini for those who like something more bold.

Lace and layers

Winter’s flirtation with lace continues, with boudoir-inspired pieces emerging everywhere in fashion right now. Nod to the trend with a little lace-edged crop peeking out from underneath a loose button-up or double down and layer a relaxed lace-edged dress over some laid-back trousers for an easy day-to-night look.

The bigger the better 

Have you heard? Big sunglasses are back. From Balenciaga bug-eyes to Loewe’s almost-frameless “shield” sunnies, it seems the bigger, the better. All the more reason to hide behind them after a big night, we say. As we head into summer, inject a pop of colour with these fun blush frameless “shield” sunglasses by way of Y2K. 

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Mastercard. Mastercard Click to Pay offers consumers a faster, simpler and more secure checkout experience. This festive season, make a qualifying Click to Pay transaction with your Mastercard at any participating Click to Pay Merchant including Cotton On & you could enter the draw to win a range of exciting prizes including 5 Cotton On vouchers valued at $2,400 each. Enter here. T&Cs apply. Must be 18+. Ends: 11:59pm AEDT December 31, 2025. Limit one entry per transaction and max one prize per person (excluding SA). Retain proof of purchase (see T&Cs). NSW Authority: TP/03815. ACT Permit No. TP25/ 02825 SA Permit No. T25/ 2143.