Melbourne’s premier week for fashion and style, Melbourne Fashion Week, has come and gone once more. What we’ll be wearing over the next six to twelve months stalked the catwalks and presentations throughout the seven-day celebration of style. Here are the hottest trends from Melbourne Fashion Week (many made right here in Australia!) that as a personal stylist, I’m looking forward to styling my clients in this season.
Women’s Tailored Suits
The pantsuit was once the staple of the 90s “power woman” trend – made famous by then First Lady Hillary Clinton and mega-star talkshow host Oprah Winfrey – but they’re making a resurgence in the twilight of the 2010s. A comfortable, chic, and understated style that use tuxedo or blazer style jackets over a blouse or top that matches the overall colour.
TOP PICK: Viktoria and Woods Impressionist blazer and trousers (made in Australia)
TOP PICK: Veronika Maine jacket and trousers (made in Australia)
Pink – Pastels, Lollypop, and Neon
Whether it’s pink from head-to-toe, a burst of colour, or just an accessory, pink is back for Spring 2019. Melbourne Fashion Week mirrored the cornucopia of pink strutting New York runways, with pastel and powder pink the choice of designers Mark Fast and Dolce & Gabanna. Ruffled raspberry, bubblegum, and fuchsia evocative of flowers have been seen on Lady Gaga, Gisele Bundchen and even some haute couture men’s fashion.
TOP PICK: Scanlan Theodore pink silk tank
Lavender
One of the hottest pastels this season, lavender made a big splash at Melbourne Fashion Week. Whether in casual 80s throwback outfits or paired with well-worn denim, lavender is a great colour for spring and pairs back well with your wardrobe neutrals.
TOP PICK: Witchery blazer
TOP PICK: Arnsdorf Skirt (made in Australia)
Puff and Dramatic Sleeves
Puffy, “dramatic” sleeves that evoke the late 80s-early 90s fashion of films such as Working Girl and Pretty Woman are making a comeback in blouses, blazers, and dresses. Paired with vibrant accessories, it can lend almost any outfit a feminine, flowing look.
TOP PICK: AJE blouse
TOP PICK: Country Road top
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda Shorts were invented by the British Army for tropical and desert climates; and they’ve been adapted to fashionable civilian life at Melbourne Fashion Week. Pleated, ruffled, and hanging just over the knee is a style that’ll be out and about at beaches this summer. I’m loving the return of the cut-off jeans also, a look that definitely takes me back to the 90s! If you’ve still got an old pair of Levis 501’s in the wardrobe, give it a try!
TOP PICK: AJE shorts
TOP PICK: Trenery shorts
Shirt Dresses
Bold, dynamic, and sassy, shirt dresses are a natural extension of the pantsuit trend seen at MFW. Fashion stylists will recommend puff sleeves, knee-high boots, or belts, it can go from grunge to glamour; the options are endless.
TOP PICK: Camilla and Mark shirt dress
TOP PICK: Trenery shirt dress
Mid-Century Modern Feminine Style
Mid-century modern style ranging from the 30s to 50s in ruffles, floaty fabrics like linen, layers, and longer skirts are back in for the season. It’s a return to the old school, vintage look that will inspire this season’s Spring Racing Carnival.
TOP PICK: Arnsdorf dress (made in Australia)
Category: Style Advice, Women's Fashion
