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With #EuropeanSummer clocking up over 775 million views on TikTok, it’s safe to say the continent should be a ~bit~ busy in the coming months.
If you’re among the many fortunate enough to be heading overseas to escape the winter chill, and wondering what you’re going to wear, you’re in the right place. Ahead, Australian fashion stylist Georgina Downe shares some of her favourite trends she saw at Australian Fashion Week this year, along with how they’ll work for Euro summer.
From naked dress moments seen at nearly every show, to shells on accessories shown in looks off the runway, these are the AAFW trends Downe predicts will be spotted everywhere from London, to Mykonos, to St Tropez.
Naked Dress
“This trend was everywhere at AAFW,” Downe says. “Albus Lumen had multiple naked dress moments with sheer black and white maxi slip dresses. Anna Quan featured a barely-there dress in an embellished white slip dress with white briefs. Bondi Born’s opening look was a sheer white maxi dress, and Michael Lo Sordo showed how to make this a striking night-time look.”
As for how to wear this trend in summer, Downe says to take cues from St Agni, who featured a netted dress over a matching black brief and bralette, styled with slides and a belt bag, at their show. Kendall Jenner also showed us how to do the trend in summer, recently wearing a navy blue sheer maxi dress as a beach cover-up in the south of France.
“For Euro summer, throw the naked dress over your favourite bikini and pair with a straw bag,” says Downe. “It’s also a perfect option for when you don’t have a lot of room in your suitcase and need pieces that transition from day-to-night. For night, go a little more conservative with the undergarments. Skims’ ‘Fits Everybody Brief’ is my personal go-to.”
The key to this trend, Downe says, is balance. At AAFW, the sheer dresses included were all maxi length, balancing the amount of skin shown, keeping the look sexy, yet chic.
Shells
Downe predicts shell will be a major jewellery trend this European summer. Though she did spot it at a few shows – Christopher Esber featured gold shell pendant necklaces and earrings – she mostly saw it off the runway.
“Guests at Anna Quan’s show paired looks with shell necklaces,” she says. “Jacquemus has also featured statement shell earrings and Simkhai created the bag of the summer with its oyster clutch, which was also spotted at Sofia Richie’s wedding.”
Summer Suiting
Summer suiting was all over AAFW too, with St Agni showing matching vest and pant sets and raw cut edge suits, paired with Havaiana thongs, says Downe. Anna Quan, Maggie Marilyn and Bianca Spender also featured this trend.
“To get summer suiting right, think about materials, cuts, fits, colours and how you style it,” says Downe. “Think soft linen, cotton, raw edges, relaxed and slightly oversized fit, and neutral colours. Basically, materials that will keep you cool in summer temperatures.”
For Euro summer, pair your summer suit with Havaianas to make it more casual, or Adidas Sambas or Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, says Downe.
Bold Colours
“This AAFW, there were no pastels in sight,” says Downe. “It was either neutrals or strong primary colours. To wear this trend, keep it to one of two statement summer dresses, don’t mix colours. Pair it with a simple, neutral sandal and bag, and make a colour ‘sandwich’.” Like white sandals with a green dress and a white bag.”
Lace
“Bec and Bridge and Anna Quan both elevated summer dresses using lace,” says Downe. These are the perfect pieces to dress up for a summer night’s dinner. They’re romantic and sexy. Keep accessories simple with these looks, as the lace creates all the drama.”
