All The Trends We Spotted On and Off The NZFW Runway

New Zealand Fashion Week may have wrapped, but the trends it left behind are only just beginning to take over.

From the runway to the streets, this year’s style mood was all about playful detail, refined elegance, and accessories that made just as much noise as the clothes. Claudia Li reminded us why she’s a designer to watch with her signature ruching, Zambesi brought a touch of romance with lace, and street stylers proved that clutches and hats aren’t just extras – they’re power players. And at Karen Walker, preppy dressing got the kind of cool-girl update that has us rethinking our spring wardrobes already.

Ruching Renaissance
At the Claudia Li show – and echoed by street stylers – ruching was everywhere, sculpting garments with flattering texture and soft volume. It turned simple silhouettes into tactile chic – think gathered skirts and bodices with a lived-in, luxe finish, proving again why Claudia Li’s penchant for detail makes her “designer of the year” terrain.

Delicate Lace Trimming
Subtle romanticism took centre stage at Zambesi. Lace trims edged pieces with an air of elegance – think scalloped hems and sheer overlays whispering quiet sophistication. Whether framing necklines or climbing seams, lace added emotive softness to a collection with an otherwise architectural edge.

Clutch Obsession in Street Style
The compact clutch made a serious comeback outside the shows. Street-style photographers couldn’t get enough – each snapshot revealed structured minis and raffia-clad numbers, hinting at the broader trend of accessories doubling as statement pieces. These petite bags brought intentional polish to casual looks and runway-themed drama alike.

Fun Hats as Style Anchors
From floppy summer brims to sculpted caps, hats became must-have accessories. Not just for sun protection, fun hats helped frame looks and added whimsical final touches – perfect for those “effortlessly editorial” street-style moments.

Cool-Girl Preppy – Karen Walker Edition
Preppy got a cool-girl upgrade at the Karen Walker show. Expect sharp tailoring, polished polos, but served with a dash of nonchalance. There was a scholarly polish in the air, softened by relaxed fits, undone hair, and that “just-rolled-out-in-style” vibe. It felt like taking prep school and giving it a twist of urban defiance.

Statement Eyewear
Big, bold, and unapologetically playful – eyewear made its mark in street style (inside and at night). Oversized shades, colourful lenses and sculptural frames elevated even the simplest looks. It wasn’t just about function; glasses became the exclamation point on an outfit.

Why These Trends Matter

• Ruching signals a shift toward tactile, wearable elegance  – perfect for autumn’s embrace of texture.

• Lace trims reflect the growing romance in design – highlighting beauty in details and craftsmanship.

• The clutch comeback shows that power accessories can make or break an outfit – especially minimalist or streetwear-infused looks.

• Hats served as visual punctuation – showing that accessories are once again headline-makers, not just afterthoughts. (This aligns with global accessory cues like eccentric shapes and playful designs highlighted for Fall 2025.)

• The preppy reboot taps into a nostalgic elegance – but with cool-girl ease, echoing wider “academic excellence” vibes seen in fall runways this year.

• Statement eyewear underscores the power of bold accessories in completing and amplifying any outfit.