Ready to start prepping your spring and summer wardrobe? In the coming warm seasons there’s a focus on easy and practical garments, (with a small dose of drama). 2025 spring and summer fashion in Australia is all about eye-catching outfits that feel good to wear. This includes embracing pleated skirts and dresses, incorporating boho touches in your outfits, rocking some lace and sheer layers, and adding statement belts. It might also involve wearing utilitarian clothing with plenty of pockets! Whatever the case, there’s a spring/summer look to suit every taste.
Let’s have a look at some of the trends set to hit Australian women’s fashion over the coming months.
What’s in store for spring and summer women’s fashion in Australia?
1. Linen Endures
Well, this fabric never goes out of fashion. In essence, linen’s qualities render it eternally sought after in spring and summer, as it is breathable and moisture wicking, which are both useful features in warm weather garments. Add to that, linen is made from the flax plant, so is a natural fibre. Good vibes all round!
Linen is best when it’s a little loose-fitting, so expect to see relaxed linen sundresses this season, in short and midi lengths. You’ll see pockets on ladies’ linen dresses (handy for holding sunglasses), linen dresses in floral prints for spring, and abstract and botanical prints for summer. Linen pants will also trend, with wide leg versions especially popular. Watch out for pleat and lace details on linen pants!
Women’s linen tops will obviously also be in demand, whether it be long linen tunic tops, linen shirts, or linen blouses. Linen top designs like high-low shirts, linen embellished with sequins or embroidery, asymmetrical hems and double-layered linen tops, will keep things interesting. Colour and print wise, you’ll see a lot of floral prints, as well as pastels and neutral shades. Basically, as long as it's linen, it's on trend!
How to wear it: Pair wide-leg linen trousers with a fitted tank and platform slides for effortless resort style, or wear a linen shirt unbuttoned over a swimsuit for a relaxed beach look.
2. Practicality & Pockets
Recent seasons have focused on maximalist layering, however in 2025’s upcoming spring/summer seasons, a more pared back approach is expected. There’ll be a focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics, and garments that offer practical features, like extra pockets. The utility jacket will continue to be popular, as will pants with plenty of places to store things. These items will be easily paired with singlet tops and graphic t-shirts. Casual dresses with pockets will also trend.
The ‘simple and practical’ fad doesn’t mean your outfits need to be plain. In fact, there are a variety of women’s pants and dresses in unique and colourful prints out there that combine visual interest with practical chic.
How to wear it: Style utility jogger pants with a singlet and chunky sandals for a casual streetwear vibe, or pair a denim jacket with a floral dress for an unexpected mix of structure and softness.
3. Sheer Glimpses
Sheer fabrics have been invited to the spring/summer party, with fashion designers including transparent elements in a variety of garments. In particular, skirts are appearing with longer sheer layers over a base layer, and dresses with sheer skirts and sleeves are trending. Women’s tops and pants in sheer fabrics are also sought after.
The thing about the sheer fashion we will see over spring and summer is it’s not ‘revealing’ as such. Instead, the sheer details on garments are there to create a mysterious and ethereal vibe, while the outfit as a whole remains modest.
How to wear it: Go arty/casual with a sheer tunic top worn over jeans and paired with wedge heels or sandals. For a formal event, opt for a lace dress with sheer overlay, heels and statement jewellery.
4. It’s Statement Belt City
Belts are always handy for accentuating your silhouette, and this spring/summer, you’ll see a lot of statement belts cinching waists. Wide belts with interesting buckles will be fastened over dresses and blouses. Braided straw and fabric belts will be worn with skirts and high-waisted pants.
A statement belt can really help draw an ensemble together, so if you think your outfit needs a little something, embrace the statement belt style this season.
How to wear it: Use a statement belt over a loose shirt dress to instantly add shape, or cinch a wide belt over a lightweight knit for a chic, layered look.
5. Boho Returns
Boho is back, baby! This time round, it’s pretty polished, with relaxed-yet-elegant boho maxi dresses and midi dresses at dressy spring occasions, as well as short boho dresses on hot summer nights. There’ll be embroidered fabrics, tassels, lace and crochet details, and floaty skirts, offering an overall carefree yet upscale vibe.
How to wear it: For a day party, pair a boho dress in a subtle paisley print with wedge heels and a summer wide-brim hat. For a more casual look, pair a t-shirt with boho pants and summer sandals!
6. Statement Belts
Belts are always handy for accentuating your silhouette, and this spring/summer, you’ll see a lot of statement belts cinching waists. Wide belts with interesting buckles will be fastened over dresses and blouses. Braided straw and fabric belts will be worn with skirts and high-waisted pants.
A statement belt can really help draw an ensemble together, so if you think your outfit needs a little something, embrace the statement belt style this season.
How to wear it: Use a statement belt over a loose shirt dress to instantly add shape, or cinch a wide belt over a lightweight knit for a chic, layered look.
7. Tomato Red Attack!
Every fashion season chooses a ‘favourite child’ when it comes to colour, and this spring and summer, it’s tomato red! (Find yourself some tomato red items and you’ll be rocking it.)
Whether it’s a summery dress, flowy blouse, or lightweight pullover, red is always a confident choice that draws attention. Wearing red is also fun and is commonly thought to give you a mini power trip (yet to be scientifically proven).
How to wear it: Pair a red midi dress with neutral wedge sandals and statement accessories for an elevated day look. What accessory colours work best with tomato red? You can try crisp whites, warm golds, earthy tans and olives, or for contrast, bold pops like turquoise or hot pink.
8. Lace & Broderie Anglaise Touches
Romantic fabrics like lace and broderie anglaise are expected to be popular in spring and summer ‘25. Not only do these fabrics add texture and femininity to your outfit, but they allow for airflow to the skin, which is super helpful in the warm months.
Expect to see a lot of lace dresses around, particularly during the spring racing season. Some dresses may be entirely enmeshed in lace, whilst others will just have lace or broderie anglaise panels or embellishments.
You might also notice crochet appliqués on cardigans, which also bring that feminine and vintage charm to an outfit. They will look good worn either in combination with a lace dress, or will bring the lace effect to an ensemble, such as when worn over a camisole with jeans, or over a plain sundress.
How to wear it: For daywear, pair a broderie anglaise shirt with tailored shorts and mesh flats. For evening, opt for a full lace midi dress with strappy heels and a metallic clutch.
9. Pleats Repeat
Pleats are a fashion trend right now, although they’ve never entirely gone out of style. With the use of pleats dating back to Ancient Egypt, where linen skirts were pleated to show a sense of refinement, pleats have a timeless appeal. Pleats also remind us of vintage glamour, such as the pleats used in the flapper dresses of the 1920s, and in the mid-length skirts of the 1950s.
Pleats can have a preppy flavour to them, reminding us of sport skirts or school uniforms. Whatever the pleat vibe you prefer, they’re definitely in for spring and summer of 2025.
Be on the lookout for fit-and-flare dresses with pleated skirts, dressy skirts with narrow pleats, and occasion dresses with soft and loose pleats that offer a gentle and ethereal look.
When choosing a pleated dress or skirt, pay heed to where the pleat begins, and what type of pleat is used. Some evening dresses will have a loose pleat falling from just below the bust. Other dresses, such as fit-and-flare knit dresses, will feature a pleat that falls from around the hip, creating a shapely silhouette. Then there are skirts with pleats that begin at the waist, and balloon out a little, creating shape and volume at the hips. Choose what works best for your figure.
How to wear it:
- Pleated Special Occasion Skirt – Pair a pleated midi skirt in glitter fabric with a silky blouse or camisole. Add strappy heels and an evening clutch for an elegant look.
- Pleated Fit-and-Flare Dress for Work – Pair with a fitted blazer, closed-toe heels and a statement belt (if the dress doesn’t already include one).
- Pleated Evening Dress for a Formal Occasion – Opt for luxe fabrics like silk or shimmering lurex, complemented by metallic heels and statement earrings for a red-carpet-ready vibe.
10. Floral Flourishes
It’s pretty much a given that florals will be popular during spring, and 2025 fashion is no exception. So, you won’t be out of step if you grab yourself some floral blouses and floral dresses for this approaching spring and summer. This time around, perhaps blend trends by opting for floral dresses with lace and/or boho elements, or with tomato red in the colour palette.
How to wear it:
- Pair a floral midi dress with a woven belt (tying in the statement belt trend) and strappy sandals for garden parties.
- Mix floral blouses with utility-style cargo pants for a romantic-meets-practical daytime look.
Last Words on Spring/Summer 2025
Spring/Summer 2025 in Australia is shaping up to be a season of contrasts — practical yet playful, polished yet relaxed. From the bold energy of tomato red to the timeless elegance of lace and pleats, and from breezy linen to statement belts, these trends give you endless ways to express your style!
Need help keeping up with the spring/summer trends? Easy! Just explore Femme Connection’s collections for the garments that will keep you looking fabulous this season.