fashion

'I'm a shopping editor and these are the 5 styles you'll live in this summer.'

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As your friendly fashion editor, it's my job to be across the latest arrivals in-store and online, and my duty to share the ones that are actually worth your hard-earned dollars.

Micro-trends come and go, but some new season styles actually feel sticky: they're the pieces you'll be wearing for months to come, in different ways and for different occasions.

These are the ones we're going to pay attention to.

Watch as Lucinda Pikkat explains how to pick the right dress code on the Nothing To Wear podcast. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

So if you're keen to elevate your summer wardrobe starting now, take note of these five key styles.

Style 1: Minimal linen and cotton separates.

There's a feeling of ease coming through in the summer collections, and nothing is easier to slip on than a tailored linen or cotton poplin piece.

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These styles sit away from the body and are the perfect blend of comfort and style.

Split image. On the left, a bright red poplin shirt. On the right, Shelley is wearing a brown linen shirt and white linen pants.Image: Instagram/ @_tamaradavis_, @_shelleyloves.

We're seeing a lot of pared back shapes, rather than fussy silhouettes, that are refreshingly approachable to wear.

I'm loving all the oversized collared shirts, shorts and high-neck mini dresses on the market, especially in punchy brights.

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Don't overthink your styling; the simplicity is the statement.

Mael Florence Shirt, $139.

Image: Mael.

Camixa Poppy Oversize Cotton Shirt, $99.90.

Model in pink poplin shirt. Image: The Iconic.

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Seed Heritage Linen Structured Shift Dress, $169.95.

Model wearing yellow linen mini dress.Image: The Iconic.

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Nude Lucy Organic Poplin Short, now $56.

Model wearing white tank with blue striped poplin shorts. Image: Nude Lucy.

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Style 2: Hints of lace.

In case you missed it, the cool-girl top of the summer is a lace-trimmed cami.

It's one of those popular social media trends that I think will hang around through to Autumn, because of its versatility and the many layering possibilities.

It also speaks to a broader trend for lace accents — negligee-inspired midiskirts and sheer lace pants are all over the shops right now.

Split image. On the left, Emelia wears jeans with a white tee, and a brown lace shirt underneath. On the left is a white tee with white lace pants.Image: Instagram/@emeliamorrisstylist, @_tamaradavis_.

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To avoid the nightie connotations, it's all about what you team these pieces back with.

For example, a cami works well contrasted with a blazer, and a lace pant looks chic with a roomy tee.

Zara ZW Collection Lace Camisole Top, $105.

Model in yellow camisole top with lace trim.Image: Zara.

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Forever New Lani Lace Wide Leg Pants, $119.99.

Black sheer lace pants.Image: The Iconic.

Witchery Asymmetrical Lace Camisole, $139.

Model in mid-length white camisole with lace trim.Image: Witchery.

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Style 3: Silk and satin everything.

As fashion enters a relaxed mood for summer, the silhouettes are naturally starting to chill out too.

Just like the trend for lace, we're seeing silk and satin pieces such as flowy tunics and elasticised pants start to take over from more structured separates.

Split image. On the left, Jesinta stands in a yellow silk set with lace trim, on the right, Aleksandra is in all-white silk set.Image: Instagram/ @jesinta_franklin, @aleksandraastepien.

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A word of warning: these aren't the kind of clothes you can throw on a chair and expect to keep their shape.

Nothing creases or stains like satin, so keep a steamer handy and your dry-cleaner on speed dial.

PrettyLittleThing Satin Draped Halterneck Wide Leg Jumpsuit, now $60.

Model wearing cream satin halterneck jumpsuit.Image: PrettyLittleThing.

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City Chic Chloe Cowl Neck Top, $79.95.

Model wears a chocolate brown cowl neck top in silky fabric.Image: City Chic.

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VRG GRL Rae Satin Pants Kelly Green, $139.

Model wearing bright green satin pants with striped shirt.Image: VRG GRL.

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Style 4: Spots and stripes.

The new way to approach prints and patterns for summer is to keep it graphic.

Polka dots are having a major moment across dresses and daywear, while matching striped sets are popping up everywhere.

While black and white feels traditional, on-trend tones like chocolate brown and cream provide a fresh update.

Split image. On the left, Lau wears a yellow and brown striped maxi dress. On the right, selfie of black and white polka dot set.Image: Instagram/ @lau.maree, @miastevenson.

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One optical element in your outfit can pack a real punch. If you're committing to a bold print, keep the look clean with minimal accessories and barely-there jewels.

Bronze Snake Romy Set White, $159.

Model wears two piece, strapless black and white set, with pants.Image: Bronze Snake.

JNJL Elsie Maxi Skirt Chocolate Polka Dot, $69.95.

Model wears a semi-sheer polka dot maxi skirt in chocolate brown and cream.Image: JNJL.

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Billy J Romi Shirt and Shorts Set, $89.95.

Model wears a striped short and shirt set in brown and white.Image: Billy J.

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Calli Connor Dress, now $119.99.

Model wears a camel coloured maxi dress with white and grey stripes.Image: The Iconic.

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Style 5: Woven details.

This is one of the biggest accessory trends leading into summer, and it just makes sense.

We tend to gravitate to weightier, more streamlined pieces in the cooler months (think leather handbags and loafers) and get looser when the weather warms up… hence the jelly cage sandals we saw everywhere last year.

Split image, on the left Tam holds a bright green woven shoulderbag. On the right, a women takes a selfie with a brown woven wide brim hat.Image: Instagram/ @_tamaradavis_, @frankrae.

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Now, things are going in a more artisanal direction, with colourful crochet and more earthy natural fibres set to make their way into our wardrobes.

A crafty woven bag, hat or shoe is a fun way to inject some island style into your look, even if you're not going anywhere exotic over the holidays.

Mimmi Terra Woven Shopper Tote Marina, now $90.

Cobalt blue woven tote bag laying on side.Image: The Iconic.

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Avenue The label Izzy Sunhat, $160.

Woven natural tan sunhat.Image: Avenue The Label.

Midas Murph Black Woven Leather Ballet Flats, $169.95.

Black woven ballet flats with leather strap.Image: Midas.

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For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied.

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