Spring 2025 style guide: Here’s the vibe for the season ahead – By Lucy Slight

Update your wardrobe with our local picks or get inspired to experiment with pieces you already own

As the days start to stretch out and the air takes on that unmistakable spring feeling, it’s time to shrug off winter’s heavy layers and slip into something lighter, fresher, and a bit more fun. 

Since the northern hemisphere has just wrapped its spring/summer 2025 runways, we’ve had a clear peek at what’s about to take over racks and Reels here. From sheer layers to sporty ballet vibes, here’s your guide to the vibe of the moment. 

Before we dive in though, remember it always pays to shop your wardrobe first. With many of these trends having been around before, online reseller platforms and your local op shop will likely house a treasure trove of pieces looking to be loved once again too.  

Sheer genius

If there’s one word to sum up spring 2025, it’s transparency. Designers leaned hard into sheer fabrics, think floaty overlays, structure organza and see-through skirts in lace and fine mesh. This isn’t about baring it all, though, instead it’s about being clever with your layering. Slip a gauzy blouse over a bralette, pair a sheer midi skirt with an oversized tee, or try a see-through knit over your swimwear if you’ve got a holiday lined up.

Shop the look locally: Harris Tapper Camilla Skirt

Balletcore 2.0

Blame it on the ongoing love affair with all things ballet, but spring has soft femininity written all over it. Ballet pink is the shade of the season and with ruffled hems, puff sleeves, and peplum shapes popping up everywhere, you’ll find you’re able to put together whimsical outfits that are also very wearable. The key is to style it with a modern edge, such as pairing a soft pink dress with chunky sandals or dance-inspired sneakers, or tuck a floaty blouse into tailored pants.

Shop the look locally: Remain Sydney Cami

Cut it out

Peek-a-boo fashion is going nowhere with garments sporting artful slashes, side cut-outs and keyhole details trending up. To make it work for real life, balance is essential, so try a shirt with an unexpected back cut-out paired with wide-leg pants, or a midi dress with waist cut-outs under a boyfriend-style blazer. 

Shop the look locally: Paris Georgia Berni Camisole

Down the barrel

Barrel-leg may have been the denim silhouette of winter, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite shape for the warmer months. Summer versions of this popular style are hitting shelves as we speak, with cotton poplin being the fabric of choice thanks to its ability to hold the exaggerated curves with ease. If you find footwear an issue with a barrel leg, jandals or leather sandals with fine straps are the best option to elongate the legs. For those looking to move on from a slim-leg pant style but aren’t ready for a wide leg, a barrel is the perfect choice. 

Shop the look locally: Sophie Effortless Pant

Sporty but sweet

We’ve long loved activewear worn as casual wear, but this season there’s more of an elevated take on this look, with the likes of satiny trackpants, fitted bodysuits and luxe joggers with a feminine edge coming into the fold. Absolutely aligned with the balletcore trend, you’ll likely be spotting sporty pieces in pastel colourways and a bit more polish, which makes the transition from exercise to a social event even easier. 

Shop the look locally: adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes

A little bit sleazy

Yes, indie sleaze is staging a comeback but it’s ever so slightly more slick in 2025. The low-slung denim and lived in layers are an essential to this look – and if you need any inspiration, Zoe Kravitz is your gal. A vintage tee over a silk slip dress is an easy option too, with undone hair and a pair of flats (ballet flats or jandals) and an earring stack or wrist-load of jangling bangles. 

Shop the look locally: Twentyseven Names Al Dente Tee

More, more, more

After years of minimalism, maximalism has crept back into the spotlight. We’ve been seeing exaggerated textures, loads of layering and plenty of colour on the runways, but to recreate the look from your own wardrobe it’s as simple as mixing prints, adding extra accessories or opting for structured silhouettes. Think of it as an invitation to have fun with fashion and get a bit more experimental when getting dressed each morning. 

Shop the look locally: Karen Walker Quilted Drift Vest

A mini revival

The Y2K comeback shows no signs of slowing, and this season it’s the micro mini making waves. Style short skirts with oversized blazers or baggy shirts, loafers or sneakers, and perhaps a sheer pair of tights while you wait for the weather to warm up a bit more. If you’re not game for a micro length, try a shorter-than-usual hemline in a tailored fabric and really play with those bigger layers for balance. 

Shop the look locally: Sylvester Denim Pleat Skirt