What’s hot and what’s not for summer fashion 2024-25 and where to buy the best looks

When the days get longer, the temperature rises — hemlines too — and summer finally rolls around, there’s the usual fashion trends we can expect to see; linen sets, strappy sandals and denim shorts. Summer staples, essentially.

But what about the other sort? The year-by-year fashion trends that pop up and disappear as fast as they came — call them one-season wonders.

With financial pressures escalating and disposable income plunging, it pays to have nifty tricks up your stylish sleeve to stretch your wardrobe’s wallet even further this season.

Claremont Quarter stylist Clare Ryan recommends shoppers focus on smaller trends that can be easily incorporated into one’s wardrobe, such as accessories.

“Incorporating accessories is an easy way to refresh your wardrobe for the months ahead, minus the hefty price tags. Bags, shoes and jewellery can make a big difference,” Ms Ryan told The Sunday Times.

“Something as simple as a new pair of aviator oversized sunglasses with a coloured lens, add a refreshing, on-trend touch to an old outfit. I’ve seen lots of fun styles out there in the shops between $20-$50.”

Ms Ryan suggest shoppers consider the wearable longevity of a piece, and how often they wear it.

“A matching set, for example, would go a long way. You can wear a matching set together or separately with other clothing, and increase the number of wears, so it’s worth the money spent on it,” she said.

“Pick a fun statement piece, like a colourful shirt that you can layer over different outfits. It’ll add some summer fun into your wardrobe, and can easily be worn over neutral or black clothing that you already have.

“There are so many matching sets in bold colours and patterns in short/shirt combo or pant/top combo, so there are many options out there to cater for different price brackets.”

Another accessible retail offering is Target. The department store on Sunday launched its latest summer womenswear collection filled with versatile, stylish pieces ranging between $35 and $70.

Highlights from the Preview and Lily Loves range include the Tie-Strap Tiered Mini Dress ($50), Linen Square Neck Cami Blue Stripe ($35) and the Strappy Tiered Midi Dress ($70).

Department store David Jones forecasts summer 2024-2025 to be a season of bold experimentation and timeless elegance.

Executive general manager of womenswear, footwear and accessories, Bridget Veals, revealed women’s fashion is embracing head-to-toe tailoring, resort print dressing and “all shades of blue”.

“The going-out top has also returned with its own modern twist, featuring metallic blouses, sheer tops, and embellished pieces to enhance any outfit. Lilac has also emerged as a key colour, offering timeless elegance through lavender dresses, periwinkle bags and violet shoes,” Ms Veals said.

“Playful patterns and breezy combinations in the form of matching sets are also making a statement, reflecting the optimism and energy of the season ahead.”

David Jones recently welcomed Australian brand SIR the Label into their wide offering of more than 60 Australian and international brands.

SIR co-founders Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote mirrored Veals’ sentiment of playful prints and patterns set to reign supreme.

“We’re leaning into pieces that evoke a feeling of an endless vacation. Pieces you can wear from the beach to sunset drinks – sheer cover-ups over printed swim and bold colours,” the co-founders said.

West Australian resortwear designer Shondel Michaud, of Shondel the Label, has had her signature crochet designs worn by the likes of Kylie Jenner, Kelly Rowland and Maya Jama, as well as internet sensations Alixe Earle, Charlie D’Amelio, supermodel Shanina Shaik and Australian influencers Anna Paul and Tammy Hembrow.

Ms Michaud says bold colours and floral textures will prove to be popular following vibrant palettes dominating the spring-summer 2025 runway shows at fashion week.

“Particularly a new age modern abstract take on the old-fashioned florals we are used to seeing,” she said.

“Think rich colour palettes combining abstract floral elements. Our new-season prints, exuding these factors, have done extremely well for (my brand).”

The local designer said crochet bucket hats were a key accessory for the season, already embraced by celebrities including Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid.

“The most perfect addition to add some versatility to your looks, between beach days, running errands, coastal lunches or cute little dates they are a piece you will constantly reach for. Adorned with handmade detailing and a burst of colour, it becomes an expression of your individual style,” she said.

When it comes to the quintessential seasonal category of swimwear, personal and red carpet stylist Juvelle Behrendorff said we should expect to see retro nods and a return to the bohemian aesthetic.

“While cheeky briefs will always be seen on Aussie beaches, expect to see some swapped out for high-waisted short shorts paired with bandeau bikini tops, as seen by local Australian swimwear label Fella,” the stylist and Australian Style Institute trainer said.

“Thanks to the resurgence of the bohemian aesthetic, crochet has slowly been making a comeback over the past few seasons in clothing as well as accessories.

“Now it will take a hold in swimwear from crochet string bikinis to crochet swim cover-ups in crisp white (it’s summer after all) as well as bold colours and patterns.”

Ms Behrendorff, who recently styled North Melbourne AFL ruckman Tristan Xerri’s wife Maddison for the Brownlow Medal, noted many of her clients pivoting to more sun-safe fashion alternatives.

“For the guys, the retro inspiration has also taken effect with swim shorts and board shorts trending in a ’70s style shorter length (no longer than mid-thigh) in bold colours or stripes,” she said.

“Men’s swim shorts featuring tailored details like pin-tucks, allowing for the wearer to easily dress up their board shorts with the addition of a tee or linen shirt, to go from the pool to the bar.”

Jody Carheel, founder of WA-based SAFE fashion runways, similarly noted a return of retro in menswear, and “old-money style” was back.

“Retro influences are making a deeper comeback with ’70s and 80s vibes reappearing in sport-inspired looks — similar to the charm of old school tennis aesthetics: white polos and pleated lightweight pants,” she said.

“Neutral and earthy palettes will dominate, with shades like light navy, clay, and sage green adding a subtle flair.”

Jeweller Michael Hill has seen a rise in men “wrist layering” with accessories, something its experts expect to continue.

“Men are embracing a contemporary and individual approach to jewellery styling, creating their own unique and personalised looks,” said executive general manager of merchandising Claire James.

“Mixing metals such as in a wrist stack or with a two-toned ring or watch; adding a range of textures from beaded bracelets to a diamond tennis and layering in unique finishes such as oxidised silver or semi-precious gems.”

Local fashion magnate Kathryn Cizeika of Fremantle-based womenswear label Empire Rose, says it’s out with the LBD (little black dress) and in with the LPD (little print dress) for summer.

“Silhouettes are (also) much less fitted, more fluid, voluminous, slouchy and most of all comfortable — there is a certain ease to looser clothing that is perfect for warmer weather,” she told The Sunday Times.

“We have been producing some wonderful, exaggerated silhouettes like our wide leg denim culottes with an elastic waist; our best selling House dresses are designed to sit off the body and feature kimono sleeves for a chic stylised effect.”

Sophia Jalla, owner of Leederville fashion boutique Perlu, agreed, stating: “a shadow of “each to their own” is at play – gender-neutral silhouettes are on the rise, blurring the lines between society’s standards of femininity and masculinity”.

Ms Jalla said one of the most prominent trends in the fashion industry, continues to be the importance and value of sustainability – something she has witnessed firsthand through sales in her store and customers favouring slow-fashion brands.

“Consumers are continuing to demand transparency in origins of materials, manufacturing, biodegradable fabrics, recycled / vegan fibres, and innovative plant-based materials like lab-made leather using materials such as pineapple fibres,” she said.

The key to nailing this season’s hottest trends is opting for versatile pieces that assimilate into your signature style seamlessly.

Nail the trend, no matter your budget

Lavender dress

Mariel Trapeze Midi Dress, $295, AJE

Tymia Midi Dress, $99.95, Showpo

The Fated Jonette Mini Dress, $55, TheIconic.com

Abstract Floral

House Dress in Palm Royale Cherry Red, $199, Empire Rose

Aurelia Dress, $425, Shondel the Label

Cabana Short Sleeve Shirt, $59.99, Cotton On

Blue EDIT Short Sleeve Floral Printed Shirt, $55, NEXT

Printed Long Sleeve Double Breasted Shirt, $180, Venroy

Retro Nods

Retro Shirt with Vertical Stripes, $59.95, Coast Legend

Carpenter Shorts 22”, $99.99, Afends

Mens Pleated Wide Pants, $59.90, Uniqlo

Seamolly Striped Colorblock Halter Tie Side Tankini Set, $52.85, Sea Molly