I might be a fashion editor, but the reality is that I don't own that many designer pieces. I'm very frugal and give every purchase I make serious consideration, more often than not talking myself out of spending anything at all. At least, anything that doesn't feel absolutely worth it. However, that doesn't mean I don't appreciate designer clothing—far from it. In fact, I think my lack thereof has meant I don't take any designer pieces that I do own for granted; their shine and appeal never fade. I believe anything high-end should make you feel the same way, which is why I regularly take time out to unearth the very best designer pieces for you, and today, it's all about dresses.

Rosie HW wows in a shimmery Saint Laurent dress.

Whether you're heading to a winter wedding or looking for the perfect style for a weekend away, dresses are at the fashion forefront right now, and there's certainly no shortage of beautiful options to consider. However, when it comes to finding the best designer dresses, unlike when you invest in a bag and want it to be classic, I believe a designer dress should be more of a showstopper. You know, the kind of statement "wow" dress that'll get everyone talking.

Karina knows the power of an amazing dress, as proven here by her bold ruffled style.

But which designer dresses are the best this season? I went on a deep dive; these styles made me come up for air.

Shop My Edit of the Best Designer Dresses:

The Best Casual Designer Dresses:

The Best Designer Mini Dresses:

The Best Designer Silk and Satin Dresses:

The Best Designer Gowns:

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

For the best part of a decade, a particular brand has been gaining steady momentum and garnering a cult following, culminating in a very star studded couple of years that have led to its meteoritic success. Although you will have almost certainly seen (and loved) the cut-out dresses and stylish separates favoured by some our favourite fashionable women, it might only be now that you are hearing the name Christopher Esber.

The designer has been dominating fashion week in his native Australia since the 2010s, but it was an endorsement from red-carpet darling Zendaya that brought his look to the mainstream, and it didn't take long for a whole host of celebrities to follow. 

Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Katie Holmes and Solange Knowles all count themselves as fans of the Esber's instantly recognisable take on deconstructed ruching and draping, with subtle sensuality becoming the brand's signature. Eventually landing on Net-a-Porter in 2020 and catering to a new, wider customer base, Christopher Esber is now in the wardrobes of It girls everywhere and features regularly in our Instagram scrolling sessions. 

Take note, dress fans and tailoring aficionados. We have a feeling you'll be seeing even more of Esber's brand of relaxed elegance this summer, as his sweeping maxis and floaty shirts easily suit sunset parties, dinners and weddings in sunnier climes. 

While we anxiously await to see what Christopher Esber does next, keep scrolling to see our favourite recent looks from the designer on celebs and influencers alike and exactly where you can shop some of the best bits from the current collection.

More of Our Favourite Christopher Esber Looks

Lucy Williams proves that there's no better colour for a trip to Greece than Santorini blue. 

This outfit perfectly exhibits why tangerine orange is taking over this summer.

This look was the second time Dua Lipa chose a Christopher Esber LBD. (That's long black dress.) 

The classic white cotton shirt, with an extra point of interest, of course. 

Shop Our Favourites From the Christopher Esber Collection

Up Next, Experts Agree: These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Really Count

It’s not clear who or what decides which brands will be the most talked about of the year. Really, it comes down to a heady (and often random) mix of things like instant catwalk buzz; influencer, celeb or fashion-girl backing; award nods and impressive designs. Nailing one of these can lead to a murmuring under the surface, but nail all of them (which often happens in a domino effect) and you’ve got yourself an officially ‘buzzy’ brand.

It's important to note: a buzzy label is not necessarily always new, or a high-end designer that has the cash to get its products seen. It can be either of those, but it can also involve a lesser-known high street brand coming to the fore, or a resurgence of a previously overlooked label that needed time to grow into its identity. Look at Totême for example, which launched back in 2014 and hit peak ‘buzzy’ status in 2021. 

What we mean to say is ‘buzz’ ebbs and flows in the fashion world, and it’s down to a cocktail of talent and luck who ends up with the crown(s). One thing’s for certain, though, the following 7 brands have claimed the title for 2022. From Nensi Dojaka’s ‘naked’ dresses to Connor Ives’ upcycled, breakout designs and Peter Do’s debut catwalk collection which spiked the brand's page views on Lyst by 376% in 24 hours. 

Keep scrolling, then, to see and shop all the buzziest brands the fashion crowd will want to be wearing in 2022…

1. CONNOR IVES

After graduating from Central Saint Martins in only 2020, Connor Ives is already on his fourth collection, has dressed stars like Adwoah Aboah and Vanessa Bryant for the Met Gala and counts Rihanna as a fan. He was also shortlisted for the 2021 LVMH Prize and is part of Net-A-Porter's Vanguard initiative for 2022— If that's not buzzy, we don't know what is. 

Connor's collections also makes use of deadstock fabric and upcycled clothing to create covetable yet sustainable pieces. 

2. NENSI DOJAKA

If you've read any other article on Who What Wear this season, you've probably already heard of Nensi Dojaka. The talk of London Fashion Week and firm celebrity and fashion-girl favourite, Nensi won the coveted LVMH prize in 2021 with her strappy 'naked' tops and dresses, and launched a huge trend in the process. So we can only expect her star to rise even higher in 2022. 

3. CIAO LUCIA

Launched in 2017 Ciao Lucia is, in their own words, a label 'for the girl, on eternal vacation'. Who What Wear US Editor-In-Chief Kat Collings is a big fan of their unique separates and adorable dresses and Emily Ratajkowski has recently been spotted wearing the designs. So you can bet this one's going to be all over your feeds this summer. 

4. COPERNI

The Parisian label counts celebrities like Bella Hadid and Maisie Williams as fans and was named as one of Lyst's 'brands to watch' for 2022 in their Year in Fashion report. The clothing is space age and sexy but it's the structured shoulder bags everyone's talking about, increasing in demand by 90% year on year according to Lyst. 

5. MACH & MACH

The buzz around Tbilisi-based Mach & Mach has been building for a while now but we're predicting these shoes are only going to get bigger for 2022. Who What Wear US Senior Editor Kristen Nichols named them as one of her 'Next Major Designer It Shoes' and there isn't a fashion we girl we know who wouldn't want a pair. 

6. PETER DO

Peter Do has had insiders excited about its beautiful minimalist pieces since it launched in 2018, but the designer's star has really begun to shine since they showed their first catwalk collection for September's NYFW and seriously wowed the crowds. The designs are a perfect fit for SS22's 'low key luxury' trend, so expect bigger and better things only from this brand in the future. 

7. CHRISTOPHER ESBER

Christopher Esber and his sexy yet sophisticated designs have been popular with the fashion crowd for some time now— there wasn't a day of fashion month we didn't see someone wearing his pieces in the crowd. But since ribbed knitted dresses, draping and stringy straps (all his design trademarks) are huge trends for 2022, we can only imagine this brand's buzz growing in the new year. 

Next Up: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About for Spring/Summer 2022

Most stylish people will do their due diligence to stay on top of the big seasonal trends filtering through the fashion world, but for those that are really keen on being ahead of the curve, you're already focusing on what's bubbling under. Today, we're diving a little bit deeper into our favorite pastime of trendspotting to talk about the under-the-radar trends we've noticed are gaining steady traction. They're not as prevalent as some of the ubiquitous styles on the market, but with time, we predict you'll be seeing them everywhere. 

So which designs should you keep your eyes peeled for now? Callbacks to Y2K style, like the trucker hat, are slowly popping up on our feeds as well as subtle riffs on spring's huge cutout trend, like keyhole slits and extreme cutouts that look as if they're busting at the seams. Some of these may fall on the controversial side, but that's the fun of fashion, right? More micro-trends are also making waves slowly yet surely, so get your paper and pencil ready and take note as we run through the simmering trends set to boil over. 

Detached Sleeves

Last year, Chanel's creative director, Virginie Viard, sent a clear message that we should all be shifting our attention to detached sleeves. The design was a reoccurring theme within the S/S 21 collection, appearing in a tiered ruffled dress and with a black-and-white halter catsuit. Mugler similarly made several references to detached sleeves during its latest presentation, so we have a hunch there's some credence to their status as a trend to watch. Is it a glove, or is it a sleeve? That's the big question, but whatever you call it, get ready to see more of it soon.

Chanel S/S 21 collection

Mugler F/W 21 collection

Shop the trend:

Ruched Rings

A micro-trend that seemingly came out of nowhere, ruched rings increasingly picked up steam just at the start of the warm-weather season. We've seen the detail on swimsuits, crop tops, dresses, and more, so it definitely ranks as one of the more wearable trends on this list. 

Shop the trend:

Peekaboo Slits

Now we've come to the risqué portion of our forecast: Welcome to the peekaboo slit. This trend can be described as keyhole cutouts aligned along the sides of a blouse, pants, or a skirt. (You may have to reconsider underwear here.) If you're daring enough to try it for yourself, brands such as Marcia, ACNE Studios, and Christopher Esber have featured the detail in their recent collections. 

Shop the trend:

Threadbare Cutouts

Less can, in fact, be more, as proven by this next micro-trend. It's one that's easier seen than said, but to put it plainly, this craze is all about cutouts that are so stretched out that they look as if they're hanging on by a thread. Of course, you won't bust out of them should you partake in any of these designer versions, but the extreme look is enough to pique curiosity. Designer Rui Zhou has made this look her signature for some time, but other brands like Ottolinger and Poster Girl have recently joined the choir.

Christopher Esber S/S 21 collection

Rui S/S 21 collection

Shop the trend:

Trucker Hats

Get your Von Dutch hats ready. The Y2K fashion phenomenon has graced our timelines for a bit, so we weren't too surprised when trucker hats started to crop up on a few of our favorite fashion people. Newcomer Mowalola Ogunlesi's logo trucker hat has become a cult item among fashion circles, and early-noughts favorite Von Dutch has experienced a resurgence with Gen Z. It's definitely divisive, but my inner preteen is ready for this dose of nostalgia.

Shop the trend:

Layer Up

We've talked about this bubbling trend before, but it's definitely one to keep on your radar for the months ahead. The look is quite simple: Think of two contrasting tops or dresses worn on top of one another, but the exception here is that it's all one piece. We really love how it adds another dimension to a basic top or dress, and it's edgy in a more delicate way than, say, patent leather or heavy metals. It's an easy micro-trend to incorporate into your daily wardrobe if any of the others seem too intimidating to try out.

Jacquemus S/S 21 collection

Shop the trend:

Next up, I'm Not a Sneakerhead, But These Chanel Sneakers Just Convinced Me Otherwise

A brand-new decade only began a few months ago, and already the world has changed so significantly, it's hard not to contemplate what the rest of 2020 might have in store. Will we be able to see our friends again? Will we ever return to the office? And when exactly will we be able to take that much-wanted European vacation?

Though despite the fact there are many unknowns about what the rest of the year may hold, when it comes to fashion, fortunately, there's a little less guesswork involved. From seasonal runways to trend forecasting and search analytics, we have so much information at our fingertips which thankfully allows us to make informed predictions about the year ahead. 

You might be wondering which colours will be popular or which clothing items are set to have a resurgence, and luckily, we've already answered those questions here and here. 

Or you might simply want to know which brands to look out for this year, in which case, you've certainly come to the right place, as our friends at Lyst and Moda Operandi have already crunched the numbers and collated the data on that exact query. 

Whether it be through an increase in search or an increase in sales, the eight brands below are predicted to be on the rise for 2020. Some of the names may already be in your wardrobe, and some might be completely new, though either way, we suggest you keep these on your radar. 

Cecilie Bahnsen

It's hard to talk about Cophenhagen-based designers without mentioning the name Cecilie Bahnsen. The fashion industry and our Instagram feeds were abuzz with dreamy dresses last August after the designer presented her spring 2020 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week and the content hasn't let up since. Not to mention searches for the brand increased by 38%, according to Lyst. 

Rotate Birger Christensen

According to Lyst, in the last six months, searches for Rotate Birger Christensen have increased by 27%. It's hardly surprising given the fact we saw this brand (and its instantly recognisable puff-sleeved dresses) all over fashion month last season and have already spotted it on several members of the fashion set this year. 

Molly Goddard

Known for its larger-than-life designs, Molly Goddard's collections evoke a sense of whimsical playfulness. Evidently, the aesthetic translates very well in the real world, as according to Moda Operandi, the brand saw a 270% increase in sales over last season and according to Lyst, a 46% search increase year on year.

Christopher Esber

While already established in Australia, Christopher Esber is now gaining a fan base internationally, too. According to Moda Operandi, the brand has seen triple-digit sales growth in the last season. 

Pyer Moss

Pyer Moss's S/S 20 runway presentation, which featured a 70-plus person choir, was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about moments of last New York Fashion Week. According to Lyst, following the event, the brand saw a 226% increase in search, and we can only imagine that momentum will continue.

Marina Moscone

As one of Moda Operandi's best-selling emerging designers, there's no doubt that Marina Moscone has solidified itself as one to watch. Specialising in impeccably tailored classics and subtly feminine pieces, this designer should definitely be on your radar for 2020.

Marine Serre

Since winning the 2017 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, Marine Serre has certainly made her mark on the fashion industry. Lyst predicts her brand's popularity will increase even further in 2020, as its search has grown by 32% in the last six months.

Bevza

A lesson in minimalism, Bevza was the designer on everyone's lips after this year's New York Fashion Week shows. The shoes are already selling out on Net-a-Porter and the clothing collection full of slinky "stick of butter" dresses and elegant tailoring is set to be at the top of the fashion crowd's wish list for 2020. 

Christopher John Rogers

According to Net-a-Porter's Global Buying Director Elizabeth von der Goltz, Christopher John Rogers is one of the designers to watch in 2020. The designer won the acclaimed CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award last year and blew everyone away with his jaw-dropping gowns at its A/W 20 show in New York this week. Add these pieces to your wish list and get there before the crowds when they drop. 

Next up, see the colours that are set to dominate 2020. 

Opening Image: @_jeanettemadsen_/

Since relocating from London to Sydney at the start of the year, I’ve been constantly surprised by the reaction of stylish Brits, mouth agape and eyes full of shock, when I tell them the piece they’ve stopped to ask me about is actually an Australian fashion brand. “That’s Australian?” is typically their response when I mention the St. Agni woven leather bag or DISSH dress, just to list a few, I’m wearing hail from down under.

I find this lack of insight, specifically a recognition that these established brands originated on Australia’s sandy shores, a testament to how our local talent transcends our somewhat isolated location to become global institutions in their own right. Australian designers have garnered such a cult following here in the United Kingdom because they’re creating pieces that the market has never experienced.

Style Notes: Who What Wear's Ava Gilchrist wears DISSH's Milano dress, an Australian fashion brand to know that was founded by a mother-daughter duo in the sunshine state of Queensland.

There is a sort of grittiness and dark romanticism that underscores designers who originate from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales because of the culture and history embedded here. In Australia, our overall lifestyle is quite nonchalant and relaxed, which seeps through to what we wear. Silhouettes are understated, sophisticated and never overtly complicated, which is a complete antithesis to the artistic or intellectual designs of leading British designers like Simone Rocha, Sinéad O'Dwyer, 16Arlington or Chopova Lowena.

The Australian fashion brands to know promote an unfussy attitude. These are clothes that can speak for themselves and don’t rely on heavy styling to make an impact. Shapes are breezy, fabrics are light, and the energy is high octane. These principles underscore the brands that cross over, making them a worthy wardrobe addition against the structured tailoring, fitted cuts and functional fabrics you’ll see throughout the city.

Style Notes: Taffy Msipa also wears a dress from the brand; the Gabby midi dress.

Now, thanks to the on-the-pulse buying teams from iconic department stores like Harrods and Selfridges and these Australian brands’ continued international expansion, these languid and dreamy designs are available to shop directly on home soil. (Saving you the hundreds of dollars you’d typically spend on shipping costs and customs fees to import these designs.)

To help you in your shopping endeavours, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the top Australian designers to know. Ahead, you’ll of course find household names like the sister-founded resortwear brand Zimmermann and Sydney’s king of skin, Christopher Esber. But you’ll also discover locals-only labels that have begun making a splash or emerging players you mightn’t have realised are Australian, like Posse or Faithfull the Brand. Effortless elegance, incoming…

Style Notes: Hailey Bieber wears a fine-knit top from beloved Byron Bay-based label, St Agni, while in New York.

1. St. Agni

Style Notes: Founded in 2014 among the blissful waters of New South Wales' Northern Rivers district, St. Agni has transcended its beachy alcove to become one of the most revered and formidable patrons of contemporary luxury. Co-founders and designers, Matt and Lara Fells, have remained unwavering in their commitment to a minimalist aesthetic. However, as the brand has grown, this ethos has evolved from coastal staples like slouchy linen trousers to city-ready styles like slick tailored pants, refined knit tank tops and sharp basics.

Shop the Brand:

2. SIR.

Style Notes: SIR originally began under a very simple premise—creating timeless sets, intimates and ready-to-wear. (Hence the name). The brand began in 2014 amid the nascent wave of social media, making it one of the first-ever viral exports to originate in Australia. The lens of the brand is both masculine and feminine, where structured blazers, floor-length linen dresses and a best-selling cut-out silk dress mingle without difficulty. Vintage prints, like baroque florals, and archival-inspired silhouettes, including the '70s wrap dresses or '80s velvet minis and '90s halter necks, set this brand apart, too.

Shop the Brand:

3. Matteau

Style Notes: Matteau is living proof that sustainability should never compromise on style. Born in Noosa, a luxury beach town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Matteau makes clothing that is designed to last and not dictated by trends. Using ethically sourced fibres and the industry know-how of the brand's fashion stylist and consultant co-founder, Ilona Hamer (who shares the brand with her sister Peta Heinsen), Matteau personifies the concept of a tropical paradise with broderie anglaise throw-ons, ruched bandeau midi dresses and floaty minis with shirred bodices.

Shop the Brand:

4. Christopher Esber

Style Notes: In the 15 years since Christopher Esber began his eponymously titled womenswear brand, the label has consistently been at the forefront of the sartorial landscape at a pace that makes him on par with some of the biggest luxury houses in the world. Always sensual and fluid, his pieces pioneer and set trends, as is the case with his stone studding, pierced orbit flourishes, wired cut outs, open twist tops and lace trims.

Shop the Brand:

5. Zimmermann

Style Notes: As one of Australia's biggest success stories, it should come as no surprise that Zimmermann arrived on the scene with humble origins. A then-fashion design student studying at one of the top inner-city colleges, Nicky Zimmermann first introduced the brand in the early 90s at Paddington Markets after the clothes she was making during lessons and in her family's garage piqued the interest of her social circle. Fast forward nearly 30 years, the brand has become entrenched in the glamorous wardrobes of the well-travelled jet set. From the beaches of Capri to the heart of Mayfair, where there's an opulent holiday destination, there's a Zimmermann dress to be found.

Shop the Brand:

6. DISSH

Style Notes: DISSH is the name on everybody's lips at the moment, and for good reason. A true compliment earner, the brand prioritises simplicity and elegance with clean lines, thoughtful details and a bright colour palette that rarely deviates from chic neutrals. Suitable for tavernas, sophisticated alfresco luncheons at seafood restaurants and romantic date nights at candle-lit restaurants, DISSH makes everyday dressing an occasion.

Shop the Brand:

7. Faithfull The Brand

Style Notes: Faithfull The Brand is wanderlust in a label. Each collection is inspired by the sights and sounds of a location bearing cultural significance, with the colours of the place's architecture and pieces adorned by their locals distilled and recontextualised under Faithfull's own starry-eyed lens. For designs that make you feel like you're on holiday, invest in the brand's viral Hedy dress, a strapless design inspired by the Greek island of Hydra, stripped polo, which draws influence from the Scandinavian sky in high summer, or linen tops that rival the outfits of St. Tropez locals in the late 50s and early 60s.

Shop the Brand:

8. Posse

Style Notes: A charming softness underscores the designs of Posse, an Australian fashion brand founded in 2016 by Danielle Mulham. Fusing darling leisurewear with quaint one-and-done dresses, Posse's designs are nostalgic but still current, like butter yellow puff-sleeved blouses, gingham shorts, polka-dot tops and striped strapless dresses, like the ones worn by Megan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Katie Holmes.

Shop the Brand:

9. Rèalisation Par

Style Notes: There's not an It girl in operation today who doesn't own a Rèalisation Par dress. Originating in Sydney but with a strong presence in both London and Los Angeles, the brand is revered for its flirty cuts, head-turning prints, sumptuous silk fabrics and low-maintenance styling. For days that turn into nights and the woman who isn't ever far from the dance floor, this brand will have a piece for you.

Shop the Brand:

How We Chose

Ava Gilchrist is a Sydney-born, London-based fashion writer with five years of experience in the luxury fashion industry. From sitting front row at Australian Fashion Week, interviewing upcoming and established designers from her native country and keeping her finger on the pulse for emerging trends, Gilchrist is well-versed in the Australian designers to know. Now located in England, she's imparting her knowledge on the stylish brands hailing from down under with Who What Wear readers. This list was compiled based on how well-known the brand is, accessibility in the United Kingdom and if they have a reputable cult-following both here and abroad.

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

After keeping up with fashion month shows in New York, Paris, London, etc., we’re starting to get excited for our own here in Australia. Granted, it is still a while away (May 13-17, to be exact) but that doesn’t mean we’re not already anticipating what we’ll see at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) this year.

As much as we love spotting the street style trends that other cities are experimenting with, Australian style is a little different. Being in a different hemisphere, with different seasons, it makes sense that we do things in our own way—and we can’t wait to see what designers have come up with for resort this season. While we will have to wait until the shows to be certain about which Australian trends are going to be big this upcoming year, we do at least know some of the names we can expect to see showing at MBFWA.

Today, the preliminary schedule has been released for fashion week—and it already has us buzzing. If the news that Camilla and Marc are kicking off the week wasn’t exciting enough to amp you up, the participation of these brands at Fashion Week Australia is sure to start inspiring some fashion week frenzy. To see the brands who have been announced to be presenting this year so far (and to shop a few of our favourite pieces by them) read on.

Brands Presenting at MBFWA 2018

• Acler
• Akira
• Albus Lumen
• alice McCALL
• Anna Quan
• Blair Archibald
• Bianca Spender
• Camilla
• Camilla and Marc
• Client Liaison
• C/MEO
• Christopher Esber
• Deadly Ponies
• Double Rainbouu
• Hansen & Gretel
• I.AM.GIA
• Jets
• Justin Cassin
• Karen Walker
• Karla Spetic
• Lee Matthews
• Leo + Lin
• MacGraw
• Mariam Seddiq
• Matchesfashion.com X Emilia Wickstead
• Michael Lo Sordo
• Pereira Fitzgerald
• Raffles
• Romance Was Born
• Roopa
• Still Still Studio
• Tafe
• Ten Pieces
• Thomas Puttick
• Thurley
• We Are Kindered

Shop some of our picks, below:

Related: Let the Countdown Begin: Camilla and Marc Is Confirmed to Open Fashion Week

There's no better time to start thinking and shopping for a Christmas gift to spoil the fancy (and picky) woman or women in your life, and let's be honest we all have at least one. Whether it's your stylish mum, your fashionable sister or your cool BFF that loves labels, we’ve picked out our seven standout pieces that’ll take her entire wardrobe from a solid eight to a perfect ten. Not 100% certain on what she’ll love? These gifts are intended to keep within the realms of simple and classic, but upgrading a notch to ‘remix’ her personal style. She’ll be wearing the gift at every occasion given the chance and expect a flood of compliments on your special choice.

Click through to shop our selection for Christmas and check out more of Who What Wear Australia’s Christmas guides here to spark inspiration.

Opening image: Collage Vintage.

Love Christmas guides? Follow us on Pinterest.

If the thought of wearing yet another floral dress to an upcoming spring wedding is just not winning you over, you may need a spark of fresh inspiration. Finding the right spot between being the best dressed (save that for the bride) and being lost in the crowd is the goal for any wedding guest, and the trick is to go for something a little eye-catching. Try a unique print, a statement accessory, or a beautiful classic piece that's styled well.

For a coastal locale, you can't go past the our five editor-approved go-to brands for flattering and lightweight options. And for a weddings located in areas where the evening temperatures might drop, we've also found stunning sleeved options that will take you from the ceremony to the dancefloor effortlessly, all while outfit repeating for the next event planned in the calendar. (Yep, they're really that good.)

So, if you're ready to set aside your usual wedding look, we've got four fresh outfit ideas to spark some inspiration for the next nuptials you need to attend.

Keep scrolling to see the outfits in action and to shop similar pieces.

Mismatched set: For something you know you'll be the only wearing, slip into a mismatching two-piece outfit. Keep an element in common, such as a frill detail in the outfit above, and wear heels in a neutral tone. 

Shop similar: Finders Borderlines Top ($160), C/MEO Collective Everlasting Skirt ($150).

Black silk: A luxurious choice is a head-to-toe silk outfit. Don't be afraid to go with black, and dress it up with a standout clutch and high heels. Classic and timeless. 

Shop similar: Matin Silk Blouse With Wide Cuff ($380), Christopher Esber Dune Bias Trouser ($790).

Matching top and skirt: Best suited to a casual outdoor wedding, a top and skirt in an interesting fabric dressed up with beautiful fine jewellery will win compliments on the day.

Shop similar: We Are Kindred Ines Lace Top ($140), Kaila Suede Mini Skirt ($265).

Polka dot print: Instead of florals for spring, polka dots are a feminine and pretty choice. Styling this is easy, just pair your dress with standout white heels and go retro with a bold lip.

Shop similar: Zimmermann Folly Kimono Dress ($795), Paul Andrew Imari Leather Slingback Pumps ($1291).

I lived in Sydney for most of my 20s, so Australian fashion holds a special place in my heart and a lot of the prime real estate in my wardrobe. Given my well-documented evolution into a more minimal, low-key style, I understand there may be a little surprise from a casual observer that I'm as invested in Aussie brands as I continue to be.

If you haven't been paying careful attention, you might have missed that there's a quieter, moodier side that's slowly but surely beginning to dominate. Australian fashion's aesthetic has taken a turn from the typically sunny demeanor with which it once was synonymous that's rooted in swimwear and colorful resort collections. These buzzy designers are doing all sorts of good things with neutrals (not exclusively but consistently), offering pieces very much at one with the quiet luxury energy that's dominating style globally. There are more, but here are eight Australian brands you should know. They definitely know how to do effortless basics, and most importantly, you can shop them from the U.S.

Anna Quan

I first stumbled across Anna Quan when I shot a story featuring up-and-coming designers at Australian Fashion Week in 2016. Even back then, designer and ex-lawyer Anna Huong described her collection to me as "tailored, minimalist, and discerning," and her elevated staples have only become more and more essential.

Beare Park

Only a few years old, Beare Park is one of the newer brands on the scene but already very much at home among the world's best fashion at the likes of Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi. Creative Director Bella Pereira is another one who turned away from a corporate career to launch her label, and I'm very glad she did.

Camilla and Marc

Brother-and-sister duo Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman have treated Australia to 20 years of forward fashion and particularly great tailoring. Both their current collections and the very chic new Woollahra store are the epitome of minimalist luxe.

Christopher Esber

If you paid even a smidge of attention to the cutout trend of the past few summers, then you know Christopher Esber. There have been strategic splices of skin ever since he debuted at Australian Fashion Week in 2010. The sheer dress in that collection was truly the sign of many good things to come, from a slew of celebrity fans—including Zendaya and Hailey Bieber—to Carmen Kass starring in his recent resort campaign to the brand's on-schedule October show in Paris.

Matteau

Sisters Ilona Hamer and Peta Heinsen of Matteau went from cult-favorite swimwear brand to full-blown fashion label after dabbling in a ready-to-wear capsule for Net-a-Porter back in 2018. Their floral maxi dresses will likely be a moment at every wedding and barbecue in Australia until the end of time, but their effortless tailoring is really where it's at.

SIR

To be clear, SIR probably does cool color and modern summer prints better than anyone. But founders Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote are seemingly offering increasing doses of elevated neutrals, from suiting to silky dresses, that are far from boring.

St. Agni

Lara and Matt Fells run St. Agni out of the once hippy, now somewhat bougie surf town of Byron Bay. It's a dreamy place that's delightfully at odds (at least in my mind) with the chic, moody vibe of their intensely minimal brand. The apparel is impeccable, but the accessories are where they really hit their stride.

Zimmermann

Since its inception in the early '90s, there's maybe been no Australian brand more synonymous with upbeat summer frills and paisley pastels than Zimmermann, but co-founder sisters Simone and Nicky Zimmermann sure know their way around some tailoring. Their gently retro take on winter classics, from heritage-print overcoats to Fair Isle knits, is a whole different speed to the collections you imagine hanging in their Saint-Tropez store, but they're very at home this winter in New York. 

As we head into the final month before summer, I'm using this opportunity to prepare my wardrobe before the heat sets in. The last thing you want to see is a text from friends saying: "Beach. Now." and you still feel utterly unprepared. Spring in Sydney has been mild, so I expect an extremely hot summer will be headed our way. I'll be adding lots of linen basics to stay cool, new swimsuits that can double as outerwear, and sunglasses, and a hat to be sun smart.

Australian designers do summer so well, so this month, I'm indulging my patriotic side and shopping only from local brands.

Keep scrolling for my favourite new-season finds.

under $100 

Under $500

under $1000

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Fashion buyers help shape the way we shop and what we wear, so after fashion week is done and dusted, it’s the buyers we want to talk to next. What were the best pieces? Which designers are on the rise? We sat down with MyChameleon founder and buying director, Giselle Farhat, to discover the labels we should keep a close eye on.

Keep scrolling to read why Christopher Esber, Georgia Alice, and Albus Lumen are the ones to watch.

“My Chameleon has carried Christopher Esber since his very first collection and we are endlessly fascinated by his artistic touch. I loved the textural fabrics and exaggerated silhouettes in his Resort 17 collection; the embellished crystal detailing was beautiful. Esber's woman is modern, strong, elegant and ever-evolving.”—Giselle Farhat

WHAT: Christopher Esber, Resort 17

Shop our favourite piece from the current collection:

“With only a few collections under her belt, Georgia Alice took the sartorial stage with drama and poise at Fashion Week Australia. There's something about a woman in a crisp white shirt that denotes confidence unlike anything else. I know Georgia understands this perfectly, modernising hers with exaggerated sleeves and voluminous hemlines. I'm so excited to see what her future collections will offer, especially because there is so much of Georgia herself in them. .”—Giselle Farhat

WHAT: Georgia Alice, Resort 17

Shop our favourite piece from the current collection:

“Designer Marina Afonina's Resort 16/17 collection for Albus Lumen, exhibited an exquisite attention to detail. We saw banded ribbon finishes, subtle ties, and top stitch details that were married with suede and sheer silks and cotton that draped on the body. Her background as stylist was no secret in the considered composition and delivery of this collection. It was an all-encompassing presentation that elevated resort wear into something more sophisticated.”—Giselle Farhat

WHAT: Albus Lumen, Resort 17

Shop our favourite piece from the current collection:

What designer do you think is 'one to watch'? Share in the comments below!

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It’s the week we spend an entire year thinking about, and it’s almost here. Kicking off on Sunday May 15, the Australian fashion industry and spectators will be hooked on the hashtag #MBFWA (and #TheStreeties if you’re reading Who What Wear Australia). Sixty-nine leading and emerging designers will present 45 collection shows, and we’re going to bring you a tight edit of everything you need to know and see from each day. If you aren’t already, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Snapchat (WhoWhatWearAU) for real-time updates and takeovers. The best bit? You’re going to see fashion week through the lens of a Who What Wear editor—curated, with a point of difference.

Keep scrolling to discover the shows we can’t wait to see, and then let us know who you’re most excited for in the comments below.

10. Romance Was Born

9. KITX

8. Ginger & Smart

7. Georgia Alice

6. Christopher Esber

5. Karla Spetic

4. Dion Lee

3. Maticevski

2. Albus Lumen

1. Misha Collection

What are you looking forward to? Share in the comments below!

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Do you remember those incredible Céline skateboards that blew up a few years ago? The creator behind one of the most coveted (at least for me) items of 2011 was fashion blogger Jayne Min, of Stop It Right Now. The stylist and creative director has since become a go-to source of inspiration for her skate-meets-fashion vibe. Her style is very Sydney right now. Combining denim with sleek design and cool outwear (like this perfect bomber jacket) means when she visits Australia, she slips in like a local.

Jayne was recently in Australia for a summer break, and we couldn’t help but catch up to grill her on Australian style. Keep scrolling to find out her favourite labels, where she loves to eat in Sydney, and how to curate the perfect travel suitcase.

Who What Wear Australia: How was your recent trip to Australia?

Jayne Min: A true vacation in every sense of the word. Eat, swim, sleep, swim, eat, sleep, and eat again. Each time I visit, my Australian retirement plan gets a little more cemented in my mind.

WWW: What did you enjoy most?

JM: I always enjoy the food. Australians really know how to do a good breakfast! No one does it better.

WWW: Is there a special link between you and Australia?

JM: When I finally went freelance after nearly a decade working at companies, I took a really monumental Eat Pray Love-style solo trip to Australia. It will always be a special, magical place that healed me and got me excited about my new life. Oh and that taught me about breakfast plates.

WWW: Did you discover any new Australian labels? What designers do you love best?

JM: I've been a long-time fan of Ellery, Dion Lee, and Christopher Esber. New labels I love are Matteau Swim and Her The Label. They make the best one pieces hands down. And this time around I became full-blown obsessed with Country Road beach towels, ha-ha! An Australian institution!

WWW: What do you think is different about Australian style?

JM: I think because it's so remote, Australians have had to be self-reliant and cultivated a lot of great domestic brands. The fashion scene really reflects the lifestyle here. It's the perfect mix of city and beach, almost like if you blended LA and NY. Australian women are chic!

WWW: What were your favourite places you visited in Australia?

JM: To be honest, I just love my go-to breakfast spots ha-ha. My favourites are O Organic Produce, Reuben Hills, Bunker, Gnome, and Shuk. The Art Gallery of NSW has to be one of my favourite museums anywhere, so I always make sure to stop by. The Blue Mountains are gorgeous too.

WWW: What do you owe your success to?

JM: Hard work and not caring what other people are doing.

WWW: What is your best fashion advice?

JM: Wear what makes you happy.

WWW: What is the worst fashion advice you've been given?

JM: For me personally, anything that errs on the side of feminine.

WWW: How do you curate your wardrobe to fit into a suitcase when you travel?

JM: Everything black. One black trouser, one black denim, one black skirt, one black cashmere sweater, one black T-shirt, one black tank. Mix and match everything. 

WWW: What do you always pack in your suitcase?

JM: I usually end up packing more toiletries than clothes or shoes. It probably takes up half of the weight limit, no joke. I pack a full skincare regimen, various creams and serums and SPFs (Australian sun is serious business!) and every kind of mask, plus I always pack a scented candle no matter what. Other than that, a compact iPhone charger I can put in my purse. I never ever, ever travel without one, I'm so paranoid of getting lost and being without Google Maps.

WWW: What Australian designers do you think are the ones to watch in 2016?

JM: Dion Lee and Ellery have been steadily gaining more global attention. I'm just waiting for them to open US stores!

Shop Pieces From Jayne's Favourite Australian Labels:

Related: The Trends Fashion Bloggers are Saying Goodbye to in 2016

What designers do you think are the ones to watch in 2016? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Australian designers know how to make a killer dress. With our long, sunny days, and social calendars starting to fill up (party season will be here in a heartbeat), we spend a lot of time in beautiful dresses—so it’s no wonder Australian-made always stands-out in the spring collections.

This is the season for colour and fun, and our local designers aren’t holding back. With embellishments, fresh colours and structured shapes, you’re set to make a stylish statement.

We’ve asked some of our favourite designers to name their hero dress of the season and why they love it.

Keep scrolling to see the dresses you need to get your hands on before it’s too late.

''The abstract, paint brush print we created for The Visage dress in house has a contemporary yet feminine feel. This looks is perfect for Spring Racing and summer cocktail parties.'' — Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman

''I love the Jeanne gown as the perfect answer to modern cocktail dressing this season.'' — Alex Perry

"The Belted Overlay dress from our NYFW runway collection is the perfect black dress. Classic in silhouette, with intricate details; backless bodice, sheer overlay and signature split." — Dion Lee

"The Ruby sheer panel floating dress is my favourite from the collection. It sums up the story of my collection with the lines, silhouette, colour and print. It’s wearable casually during the day with sneakers, or a pair of heels for a special outing. I like that it’s sheer on the sides discreetly revealing the skin.'' — Karla Spetic

''We love the Without Compass Trapeze Maxi. It’s a beautifully dramatic trapeze dress crafted from digitally printed silk organza.'' — Cheryl, Vanessa and Gabrielle Manning

''I love the Pleated Rib Scarf dress, as it takes the ease from something basic like the iconic jumper, using fine pleats to emulate ribbing, for an elevated way to jumper dressing." — Christopher Esber

"With versatility in mind the Halo pencil skirt and Bandeau top was designed to be worn together for a modern take on romantic lace, or paired back with denim for a more casual occasion." — Susien Chong and Nic Briand

"I love the sculptural element of the Division dress and the way this fabric forms on the body." — Toni Maticevski

''We love this simple light-weight summer dress. We designed the print in collaboration for the Chiffon Heart Banksia dress with iconic Australian artist Linda Jackson… We love it for its easy, breezy, beautiful everything.''— Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett

"The Latitude collection is inspired by the strength and fragility of the Australian landscape. The Flourish dress is one of our favourite pieces, as we developed the wattle lace in our design studio, and it is the perfect dress for the Spring Racing carnival." — Alexandra and Genevieve Smart 

Will you be rushing out to buy any of these dresses? Sound out in the comments below!