Summer Just Wrapped in Australia—Here's What Local It Girls Wore to Look Chic
Bianca Vagner-Cromb, creative director of Kookaï, shares all of the details ahead.
At Who What Wear, our trend forecasting typically stems from an in-depth look at the runway shows, from New York to Paris. What if, for once, we shifted our perspective and turned our attention to a country that is currently a full season ahead of us? Yes, I'm talking about Australia. Those down under have already experienced the weather changes and, most importantly, the wardrobe shifts that summer demands. They know which items sold out immediately, which summer trends made it from the runway to the street, and which trends were ditched by the style set. We can study their Instagram posts and TikTok videos, but we thought it'd be more effective to get the inside scoop from an Australian native. That's where Bianca Vagner-Cromb comes in.
As the creative director of the Australian fashion label Kookaï, Vagner-Cromb knows, from a business perspective, what It girls were into this summer. She also knows from a personal standpoint, as she is an It girl herself and has a distinct personal style—one she describes as "refined, effortless, and feminine."
Based in Melbourne, the country's capital and home to many of the style set, Vagner-Cromb notes that the city has a distinct aesthetic. "In Melbourne, street style feels quite aligned with New York. It's experimental and expressive, as it's very much the fashion hub of Australia," Vagner-Cromb tells Who What Wear. "People dress with intention, but it never feels overworked. Even in summer, there's this slightly undone, off-duty ease." This style often features breathable yet put-together pieces that move with you throughout the day, such as loose pants and a simple yet elevated top. "When I don't want to overthink it, I'll gravitate toward a matching Kookaï set," Vagner-Cromb shares. "It takes all the effort out of getting dressed but still looks considered." If she's not wearing Kookaï in the summer, Vagner-Cromb reaches for other It girl–approved Australian brands like Venroy and SIR.
Keep scrolling to discover what fashion people in Australia wore this summer, according to Vagner-Cromb, and shop the best pieces to help you achieve their looks, no matter where you plan to spend the season ahead. Note that many of the styles mentioned are classic and anti-trend, as Australians focus on a capsule wardrobe that feels personal and is elevated by its cuts, fabrics, and silhouettes.
'90s-Inspired Silhouettes
"A prominent trend I saw was the return of the '90s- and '00s-inspired silhouettes, such as knee-length skirts, capris, headbands, and three-quarter-sleeve tops. I see this continuing into our winter, which I am loving, as I think there is so much to explore there."
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Neutral Tones
"I noticed a shift away from bold prints and overtly seasonal color palettes and toward refined, timeless summer dressing—pieces that feel considered and can live in your wardrobe beyond just one season. Chocolate tones continued to be prominent along with softer neutrals."
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Bermuda Shorts & Capris
"There's been a real shift in bottom lengths, and it's been exciting to see both brands and consumers experimenting with them. Knee-length skirts and Bermuda shorts were popular. Even longer-length, wide-leg capris, which I wouldn't have considered before, have felt surprisingly easy to wear and style from day to night. It's been refreshing to have different bottom options to style back with my core wardrobe."
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Lace Trimming
"I saw a lot of delicate detailing. Lace trims, in particular, continued to trend, adding a more feminine, elevated feel to otherwise simple silhouettes."
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Stripes
"Stripes were trending in Australia, especially across knitwear. I think that's what girls are leaning toward if they want something a little more special, whether it's knitted striped shorts with a tee or a striped dress with flat sandals."
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