From pastels to polka dots, the six spring trends blooming right now.
From pastels to polka dots, the six spring trends blooming right now.
The trend that was first spotted, (excuse the pun), on Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman’s unforgettable fashion moment, makes its return this spring. The polka dot renaissance offers a more experimental take on styles and fabrics, opting for bold and diverse ways to wear what was once a classic.
Approved by many celebrity IT girls, less is more when it comes to spring shorts. These short but sweet micro numbers create a flattering silhouette clinched in at the waist and zipped up at the back, and can be paired with an array of top options including blazers, silk camisoles, band tees and more.
Romance isn’t dead! Delicate and decretive trimmings will have you romanticising about days in the sun with a rose’ in hand. The super chic, feminine designs led by sheer and lace fabrics are the epitome of a spring show-stopper.
Once boring, now ultra elevated; the classic thong is unquestionably having a moment.
The simple and sturdy structure provides comfort and ease, and is a nod to early 2000’s fashion trend worn by the likes of Paris Hilton.
Evoking a more whimsical, romantic mood, powder pink takes centre stage this spring, as we say goodbye to ‘Barbie-core’ bright pink. Cobalt blue steps down for a cooler, icy blue, while mint green and peach join the Spring pastels.
Bringing with it decades of style heritage and a fresh, modern artistry, woven textures will be prominent in spring accessories. Whether you lean towards minimalist neutrals or love a pop of colour, woven inclusions add instant character and understated elegance to any outfit.
Words by Lauren Doogan
Transeasonal style? Nailed it.
As we transition to (slightly) cooler autumn days here on the Gold Coast, our wardrobes call for a subtle seasonal upgrade. Both stylish and casual, autumn fashion takes tones to a rich reflection of the season’s landscape.
Warm up your wardrobe with trans seasonal and layering garments, balanced with textured accessories and outerwear.
Here’s what’s hot this autumn:
This hugely exaggerated style is the trend of the season! Every IT girl will have a pair, and why wouldn’t they, when this comfortable piece creates a cool, curvy leg vs fitted waist juxtaposition.
Commonly associated with autumn, the colour burgundy is on everyone’s wardrobe wish list right now. This stylish tone may be bolder than your average neutral, but can be injected more subtly through accessories if you’re only wanting to dip your toe in the burgundy waters.
A must -have in the modern women’s wardrobe, these stylish pants are the epitome of versatile. Pair with a blouse, blazer and heels for the office, or throw on a belt, tee, and some boots for dinner. Either way, feel polished in these flattering fit pants.
The shirt-jacket aka “shacket”, is a perfect outerwear option for a climate like Gold Coast autumn. Choose to button it up, roll up the sleeves or layer it over a singlet; the lightweight shacket is an effortless piece that quite literally goes with or over anything!
Indulge in quality and elevate your outfits with the accompaniment of textured accessories. Suede boots and felt hats add warmth and character to an otherwise classic look, whilst aligning with autumn aesthetics.
Words by Lauren Doogan
Small wardrobe, big impact.
Curating a tight edit of pieces that you love is guaranteed to see your closet consuming less while, quite literally, saving you time, money; and stress on the daily.
Firstly, let’s get clear on what a capsule wardrobe actually is…
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of thoughtfully curated, easily interchangeable items designed to maximise the number of outfits you can create. These long-lasting looks focus on a quality over quantity philosophy, while streamlining your closest and embracing fashion sustainability.
But before you start culling your wardrobe, you must be clear on your desired personal style. Your wardrobe, (no matter how big or small), must reflect your style and be in complete alignment with your body shape, personality; and lifestyle.
Here are my five must-have items to build your first capsule wardrobe…
Depending on how casual, corporate or elevated your lifestyle is, a classic white tee or button-up shirt is the perfect base to any wardrobe. Simple, clean, timeless and will match or layer with almost anything; a white top will likely be your most worn item in a capsule wardrobe.
Denim as a fabric holds such great durability and adds an understated yet edgy structure to an outfit. Shorts, skirt or jeans; find the perfect denim cut and wash for you. Plus, this trans-seasonal staple can be paired with any colour of the rainbow.
A comfortably elevated option and a beautiful dopamine hit. A maxi dress provides an easy reach when you receive those last minute invitations, and can be dressed up or down as you please. You can opt for a floral, pattern or stick to a plain colour; the maxi dress requires very little thought!
Although matching sets may seem quite on trend at the moment, (and that’s not what a capsule wardrobe is about), the value-per-wear and versatility of a set is enormous. Wear each piece as a separate or as a pair, dress with heels or with flats, top buttoned up or open with a tank underneath; a matching set covers all bases.
So often it’s the footwear that can be the Achilles heel of a head-to-toe look. Many of us will spend time and change our entire outfit, simply because we had no appropriate footwear to match. A simple tan sandal/slide or white sneakers are a perfect final touch to the wardrobe. You won’t have to think about matching or discomfort, agreeable and versatile footwear is where it’s at always!
Words by Lauren Doogan
Personal/Editorial Fashion Stylist and Founder/Owner of The Style Files Aus.
Lauren Murphy, the Founder/Owner of The Style File Aus is our go-to Gold Coast girl when it comes to fashion advice. She’s the resident stylist for Robina Town Centre, a personal and editorial fashion stylist and a busy mum of two. So, it’s safe to say she knows how to dress to impress! Lauren gave us a rundown on the 2022 Melbourne Cup fashion trends and why she loves calling the Gold Coast home.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
My family moved from Sydney to the Tweed Region, (just South of the border), when I was four. At 17, we relocated to Tallebudgera Valley. I then spent my early twenties renting beachside units from Mermaid to Currumbin, and in 2015, bought a house with my husband in Elanora, where we currently live and love with our two children.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The main things I love about the GC are the laid-back lifestyle, the weather, the beaches, the incredible business starts ups, the healthy lifestyle and the fact that it is a beautiful place to raise young children. I also love the proximity to everything.. for example; the fact that I can go from school drop off to morning pilates to taking a client shopping, followed by a live football game, to dinner and drinks by the beach all in one day is very gratifying.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband Scott, who works FIFO as a Mining Manager, and two beautiful children – Cuba, 6 and Yorke, 4. I worked my entire teen years, every weekend and school holidays in a Kirra beachfront surf shop. I then went on to complete a Marketing Degree and a 10 year career in Media, Events and Public Relations. But after my second child was born, I decided to shift my career focus solely to my styling business, The Style Files Aus. I work closely with freelance clients on cleansing their wardrobe and shopping in alignment with their personal style, and I am the Resident Stylist at Robina Town Centre. I am a true Libran – a calm creative who loves beautiful things, a fighter of fairness but I am extremely indecisive. I have five brothers and sisters and five foster siblings also.
What made you want to pursue a career as a stylist?
A natural-born creative and a lover of all things fashion, I had dabbled in elements of styling without even knowing it as such in my old jobs. I found myself googling fashion courses while at my desk one day and I had a friend tell me she had enrolled in a styling course. I remember telling my husband “I wish I could do that” and his response was simply, “why can’t you?”. And from that moment on I decided no excuses would override my passion. I enrolled in the Australian Style Institute and took annual leave to complete my intensive personal and editorial styling training in Melbourne. The rest is history!
What trends do you think will be huge this year for the spring racing season?
I’m 100% confident that colour will be huge, especially monochrome colour play with shades of purple, pink, green and orange will taking centre stage. Feminine gloves, puffy sleeves, bows and statement eyewear will all be dominant. Along with woven, rattan textured accessories. Overall, a European Summer influence.
What’s on trend for headpieces this year? Fascinators, headbands, hats, what is your pick?
I think we will see a lot of netting and classic bows. Along with wide brim, sleek hats. And as mentioned above, I think we’ll see a beautiful display of woven, rattan textures.
What has been your favourite spring racing fashion trend to have emerged in recent years?
I love seeing suiting on women on track side! Although it can be a little warm on the GC for that year-round, so I’m going to say the glam 60’s style. Think structured smocks with pinched waistlines and buttons, paired with big hair, thick headbands and mini handbags.
What race day style trends do you think are overdone?
Those higher neck, lace dresses that make a person look 10 years older than what they really are and bodycon/bandage dresses. They are so done.
Which Australian designers are your favourites for racing season?
Aje and Zimmerman always bring the feminine frock goodies and some personal faves favourties of mine for a slight edge are Alice McCALL, Shona Joy and Dion Lee. If you’re chasing a last-minute spring racing outfit, Issue 1 at Robina Town Centre always have beautiful Australian labels.
What do you love about Gold Coast race day fashion?
I love that us Gold Coasters dare to be different and always wear a smile! We aren’t afraid of colour, colour and more colour, and wear outfits that make us feel good aka we’re big on “Dopamine Dressing”.
How will you be celebrating the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival?
I will be getting dolled up and heading to Nineteen at The Star with a couple of girlfriends for a few champagnes and a cheeky punt. I have always loved getting dressed up for Melbourne Cup and putting a complete look together, head-to-toe, and being around other people so full of energy and good vibes. I can’t wait!
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Coffee- My local Down to Earth Café for coffee (7th Ave Palm Beach)
Breakfast spot: Plantation House (Tallebudgera Creek Road).
Restaurant: Tommy’s in Currumbin or Light Years in Miami for a girl’s lunch, Nineteen at The Star for fine dining, Ze Pickle Burleigh for a casual burgers and wings.
Bar or place for a drink: I can’t go past a Gold Coast Surf Club! Palm Beach, Currumbin or Tallebudgera are where I go most. Otherwise, it’s my favourite restaurants above with a side of margaritas!
Beach: The Alley, Kirra or 11th Ave Palm Beach. Gosh we’re luck here to be spoilt for choice.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
My days off usually consist of running around after my kids haha. Cuba plays football for Currumbin Eagles and is in Palm Beach Nippers, and Yorke dances at Coastal Dance in Currumbin. There is also soccer and touch football during the week. We also attend lots of kid’s birthday parties and social events lots of different venues around the Coast. I like to try and get to one of our local markets and if I can sneak away, I’ll do a reformer pilates class at Studio Pilates in Palm Beach. BBQ’s with friends by the pool are definitely popular in Spring/Summer, as are beach days with a few sneaky bevies to finish off!
