Fashion month: leading stylists on five of the biggest trends, and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe
As fashion month comes to a close in Paris — after stopovers in New York, London and Milan — we turn to our local sartorial set to spill on how to translate the styles seen strutting the global runways into our own wardrobes for the seasons ahead.
Into the wild
The cyclical nature of fashion was on full display this season as fresh takes on classic prints, colours and tailoring took centrestage — including animal print.
It’s one of the rare trends that never truly disappears, explains stylist and creative consultant from The Peach & Pineapple Co, Zara Bryson, with each season bringing a fresh interpretation.
“One of my favourite moments from the shows was from Meryll Rogge’s debut collection for Marni, where a slim long-line leopard coat was styled with a dual-colour camisole, lace skirt, red earrings and statement boots, a masterclass in eccentric yet elevated dressing,” Bryson says. “Leopard also appeared in a dramatic faux-fur coat at Philipp Plein, while GCDS layered leopard and snakeskin prints throughout the collection.
“At Roberto Cavalli, zebra-print bralettes and sleek black mock-croc textures offered a more refined, tonal take on the trend.”
To add a touch of the wild to your own wardrobe, Bryson recommends investing in a leopard print coat — noting her own faux-fur leopard coat has been a wardrobe staple for the past decade.
Footwear is another easy entry point, with the chic zebra Selene square-toe wedge sandal from Betts adding personality to everyday outfits. Pair them with double denim, poking from slouchy white jeans or with a little black dress.
Animal print denim — particularly items with a subtle palette, such as the Citizens of Humanity barrel-leg options — is another way to incorporate the trend. Bryson recommends pairing with a white tee and marle-grey cashmere knit for an effortless cool-weather look.
“I’ve always believed that styling animal print well is less about a head-to-toe statement and more about one impactful piece,” she says.
Get the look
Selene square toe wedge sandals, $129.99, Betts
Leopard Jacquard Coat, $349, Country Road
Citizen of Humanity miro long 29 in python, $570, Adam Heath
Anine Bing Paxton shirt in black and brown leopard, $499, Miss Henry
The Duke zebra belt, $89.95, Naked Vice
Animal print twill cap, $35.95, Zara
Charlotte Tilbury Hot lips 2.0 in glowing Jen, $66, Revolve
Blush crush
From the soft ballet tones at Ulla Johnson and Stella McCartney to the electric peach seen on the Prada and Roberto Cavalli runways, pink is poised to be big in the seasons ahead.
“Satin trousers gleamed in fuchsia, chiffon gowns floated in powder blush, and sculptural silhouettes wrapped the body in candy-coloured drama,” says stylist Teagan Sewell of the runway looks.
“Texture played its part too: plush knits, liquid silks, and frothy ruffles amplified the romance, transforming pink into something tactile, modern, and irresistibly expressive.”
Yet this season’s blush is far from girly and demure, with everyone from Christian Dior to Diesel offering edgy, individual takes on the tone.
For a relaxed approach, Sewell suggests opting for the colour in knitwear— such as the plush Marius knit from Australian label Sir — paired with a wide-legged pant and ballet flat for an effortless look.
Get the look
Poppy earrings, $150, Romance Was Born
Glowy Blush in Peachy, $26, Go-To
Marius knit sweater in Strawberry, $390, Sir the Label
Tilly wide leg lace pant in Rouge, $385, Flannel
Alchemy Ballerina flats, $975, Zimmermann
Louisa shoulder bag in rouge, $449, Oroton
Cruella de Vil
Overlooking her dubious character flaws, there is no denying the Disney villain had a bold style — one that continues to be reimagined across runways this fashion month.
As Sewell explains, monochrome drama was a striking narrative throughout the shows, with spotted coats, sculptural white and inky lace channelling the animated icon’s unapologetic glamour.
Oversized spots were a key part of Jacquemus’ designs, while Dolce & Gabbana leaned into monochrome with lace skirts layered beneath undone white shirts. Erdem and Christian Dior balanced Victorian romanticism with razor-sharp tailoring, as Bottega Veneta and Burberry took an opposite approach, wrapping models in clouds of cream shearling and feathered volume.
Because monochromatic is always in vogue, Sewell says timeless investments in the style will continue to pay dividends.
Turn to Wuthering Heights-inspired additions, such as sheer lace over a crisp white shirt, or embrace Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s CK-chic style, as portrayed in the new series Love Story, with a tailored jacket and trousers.
“Hunt for textured pieces you can add to your wardrobe to achieve this look: big, bold shirts paired with sheer black stockings for the juxtaposition between volume and sleekness,” Sewell says.
Get the look
Evette shoe in black/white pony, $229.95, Alias Mae
Feather bucket bag in black, $550, Scanlan Theodore
Cloudy sunglasses in black, $240, Poppy Lissiman
Long Wishbone Earrings in Slate, $310, Dinosaur Designs
Mecca Max Zoom Zip Liner in black, $22, Mecca
Shine bright
Great news, divas — sparkle is back.
The Gucci runway might have gone viral for its star-studded line-up — including Kate Moss in a daring backless gown with g-string on display — but its Milan show also delivered some seriously bedazzled looks with embellishment, shimmer, sequins and head-to-toe sparkle dominating the collection.
While those looks might feel bold, the inspiration can easily translate into everyday dressing, explains stylist Clare Ryan.
“It could be a slightly embellished top, a pair of boots, or even a sequinned dress styled back with something more relaxed, like a blazer,” she says.
As we move into winter, layering a sequined piece over a crisp white shirt and topped with a tailored jacket — or incorporating sparkle in a statement bag or accessory — are easy ways to embrace the trend.
For those ready to commit to a full Gucci-inspired moment, Ryan says local label Meraki loves a little sparkle, with creative director Alvin Fernandez known for incorporating sequins and detailing in a way that still feels modern and effortless to wear.
Get the look
Gathered Sequin Bucket Bag, $109, Zara
Casablanca gown in Sapphire Sequin, $449, L’IDEE
Oseree Lumiere Plumage Short Dress in Chocolate, $829, Girls with Gems
Laina mid rise diamonte denim jeans in Midnight Blue, $199, Meshki
Sabre Sequin Midi Dress, $199, Vrg Grl
Anastasia Beverly Hills Shimmer Body Oil, $76, Sephora
Willow bracelet, $209, Love Isabelle
Feeling blue
Pale blue has had its time in the sun, with bolder tones set to keep us warm this winter.
Stella McCartney embraced cobalt blue in its colour-drenched runway look, pairing high-waisted trousers with a silk shirt sprinkled with white stars and tie detail, as well as a corduroy boxy-fit jacket trimmed with denim. Chloe’s take was a boho-style flowing maxi with ruffles and sheer elements, finished with worn cowboy boots.
Isabel Marant showcased the colour in another one of fashion month’s biggest trends — the sweater dress — complementing the turtleneck mini with a chunky black cross-body bag.
Layering was a key styling element across designers, says Ryan, with bright blues paired with deeper tones like navy, grey and black to create depth.
Or, if you don’t want to commit to a full monochromatic look, Ryan suggests introducing a statement piece like a jacket, dress or skirt. Accessories are another way to try the trend, with local brand Poppy Lissiman offering pieces in vibrant pops of blue.
Get the look
Snap Sandal, $450, Deering World
Oval shape sunglasses, $9, Kmart
Fine knit collared sweater, $49.99, H&M
Dominique earrings, $250, Mountain & Moon
Lioness Elements mini dress, $89, The Iconic
Drew Boy bag in Electric Blue, $160, Poppy Lissiman
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