Nothing prompts a wardrobe refresh quite like a change of season.
Spring brings a welcome warmth to the air, meaning we can finally bring out our sandals and shorts and swap our heavier layers for lighter ones.
While we’ve had plenty of time to eye up the trends from overseas, we’ve got the inside info — and guidance — on how to wear the top trends of the season.
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According to THE ICONIC’s Head of Style, Nicole Adolphe, our wardrobes are about to become a touch more retro and feminine, with returning trends like Bermuda shorts, lace trims and broderie making their way to Aussie shores.
As for colour, we’re ditching all things bright in favour of a softer, more neutral shade: dusty pink.
Our footwear is getting a glow-up too, with peep-toe kitten heels and mules stepping in to replace our closed-toe silhouettes for the foreseeable future.
Wondering how to wear them? Nicole shares how to style the season’s top trends for spring.
Lace Trim
Whether it’s trailing at the bottom of a midi skirt, or delicately placed along a neckline, lace trim is having a real resurgence this spring, prompted by our fashion friends in the Northern Hemisphere.
While we’ve seen this elegant material before, “this season the lace trims feel more edgy than feminine and it’s a modern mix,” she adds.
Particularly popular across lace-trimmed tops, Nicole says when paired with denim, lace trim offers a cool and feminine look at the same time.
The best part? There are endless ways to wear the trend.
“I’d style with bermuda shorts or denim during the day, and for night, I’d pair the trousers with a blazer or bomber jacket, even lace with faux leather if a perfect match.”
Nicole’s top picks:
Pyjama Pants
While barrel-leg trousers are still making waves, there’s another trending pant shape appearing in luxe-looking fabrics this spring.
“Pyjama-style pants continue to move from loungewear into genuine daywear, with fluid, relaxed silhouettes and satin or silky fabrications leading the charge,” explains Nicole.
To avoid them looking bedtime-adjacent, many fashion girls are styling their pair with fitted knits, shirts or even blazers for after-dark plans.
“Any trend that combines comfort and polish is a win for me,” says Nicole. “Pyjama pants have that effortless, slightly undone quality that makes an outfit feel cool without looking like you’ve tried too hard.”
Her tip? Focus on contrast by “pairing them with something more structured on top and a great shoe to make the look feel intentional.”
Nicole’s top picks:
Bermuda Shorts
One thing is for certain this season, short shorts are out, and longer lengths are in. Specifically: Bermuda shorts.
“This season we’re seeing cargo-style shorts and tailored Bermuda shorts paired back with oversized lightweight blazers, tank tops, and silky camis,” explains Nicole.
The perfect alternative to pants and denim on warm spring days, Nicole notes that the shape we’re about to see everywhere feels “new and contemporary after a few seasons of wide-leg and balloon pants.”
“I love the tailored Bermuda paired back with a knee-high boot as a silhouette that has a bit of edge, but also when you pair with a kitten heel it changes the look to something more feminine and polished,” she explains.
As for the weekend, her stylist expertise suggests a pair of simple yet stylish ballet flats.
Nicole’s top picks:
Broderie Anglaise
Bohemian dressing returns every season, except this year there’s a major spotlight on broderie anglaise, which Nicole says is back as a “softer, more textural alternative to lace”.
Bringing a retro, designer Chloé-esque look to our wardrobes for spring, there’s a touch of a European vacation — even if you weren’t able to make it overseas.
“I love broderie because it has that nostalgic, feminine feel but can still look really modern depending on how you style it,” Nicole explains.
“Rather than leaning too romantic, I’d balance a broderie piece with simple accessories like flat sandals, or something more structured. It’s also one of those trends that works beautifully from beach days through to long lunches.”
Expect to see a lot of broderie paired with capri pants, silk headscarves and kitten heels as we head into the warmer months.
Nicole’s top picks:
Open-toe shoes
Spring has us rotating through the same shoes every season, a pair of ballet flats, versatile sandals and comfy kicks. Yet there’s another trending shoe shape gradually appearing in stores.
“Open-toe silhouettes are making a comeback after a few seasons dominated by closed-toe shoes, with peep-toe mules and low kitten heels leading the way,” says Nicole.
Perfect for the transeasonal weather, the sleek shoe has been spotted across both heel and flat styles, offering an alternative to a sandal this season.
Nicole says she “loves” the return of the peep-toe, making outfits look a little more dressy.
“The new versions feel much more minimal and refined than the styles we remember from the 2000s, and they work with everything from relaxed tailoring and denim to a slinky dress.” So be sure to add a low heel or mule to your spring shopping list.
Nicole’s top picks:
Dusky Pink
Every season a fresh colour subtly creeps its way into our wardrobes. This spring, it is set to be dusty pink, a muted shade that looks more neutral than bright.
Offering an alternative to everyday shades of neutral, it allows you to add a pop of colour to your outfits without feeling overpowering.
“The muted tone works as easily across knitwear and shirting as it does occasionwear, and pairs beautifully with neutrals like chocolate brown, cream and denim,” says Nicole.
The best thing about the trending shade? It’s so easy to add to an existing wardrobe.
“I particularly love it paired with chocolate brown or burgundy for a richer look, or with cream and denim when you want to keep things fresh and relaxed,” Nicole advises.
Nicole’s top picks:
