There is nothing quite as gratifying as getting a compliment on your outfit from a stranger.
The other day I was wearing a pair of white crochet pants with an oversized cream t-shirt, and all day long, the comments kept coming.
A playground mum asked where I got my pants. A lady in a clothing store tapped me on the shoulder and said she liked my outfit. My husband said I "looked cool today".
As your friendly fashion editor, I felt it was my duty to do something useful with this information.
So I've pulled together a list of the six wardrobe items that elicited the most compliments in 2025, and where you can shop similar pieces — including those crochet pants.
But first, is maximalism on its way to replace quiet luxury? Here's why Lucinda Pikkat thinks so. Post continues below.
1. Resort shirts.
Wearing resort shirts from Morrison (left) and Alemais. Images: Supplied.
Ok, I swear these are a compliment magnet.
"Resort shirts" are the name I've given short-sleeved button-down shirts that have a bit of a fancy print or nicer fabric than your standard cotton or linen shirt.
They're an instant outfit-maker, and the best part is how easy they are to style — just team them with high-waisted pants or denim shorts.
My signature look: the half-tuck. Wearing another Morrison shirt (left) and a velour style by Tombolo. Images: Supplied.
I've garnered quite the collection, including styles from the likes of Morrison, Alemais, Venroy and Ciao Ciao Vacation, and every time I wear them, people ask me for the details.
Morrison Marnie Anglaise Shirt, $299.
Image: Morrison.
Sheike Palma Shirt, $150.
Image: Sheike.
2. Crochet pants.
My pants were a random purchase from General Pants in 2024.
They're my go-to option when I want my outfit to have a bit of beachy flair, without looking like I've tried too hard.
They also tap into the sheer trend in a more accessible way, because the knit is not completely transparent.
The Insight crochet flares that always elicit compliments. Images: Supplied.
Although my pants are no longer available, I've found similar styles at Maurie & Eve and Dissh.
Dissh Agnes White Crochet Wide Leg Pant, $150.
Image: Dissh.
Maurie & Eve Let It Flow Crochet Pant, $189.
Image: Maurie & Eve.
3. Printed bucket bag.
In the opening scene of Emily in Paris Season 5, Emily is seen carrying a green bandana-print bag which clashes chicly with her striped green shirt.
I clocked the bag immediately because it's similar to a style I've been carrying for a few months now from local Lady Startup Bolsa, which makes bucket bags in a rainbow of bandana prints.
My Bolsa bucket bag. Image: Supplied.
Every time I carry this bag, someone stops me in the street to ask where I got it.
I think it's the combination of the punchy red colour and the print accent, which adds something a bit unexpected to any look.
Although it makes a statement, it's surprisingly versatile, working with everything from activewear to eveningwear.
Bolsa The Bucket Bag Red, $129.
Image: Bolsa.
4. Gold necklace stack.
Without fail, the thing that gets the most questions and compliments on an almost-daily basis is my stack of gold necklaces.
I change them up occasionally, but usually stick with a ratio of three complementary styles: a gold choker, mid-length necklace and longer gold pendant.
My chokers of choice are from Arms of Eve and Toni May, and my favourite pendants are the interchangeable styles by YCL.
Wearing stacked necklaces from Toni May (top choker) and YCL (middle necklace and beetle pendant.) Vintage long gold chain.
Arms of Eve Luna Gold Necklace, $79.
Image: Arms of Eve.
Toni May Petra Apatite Gold Necklace, $389.
Image: Toni May.
YCL SYM 4mm Belcher Chain, $399 (chain only, charms extra).
Image: YCL.
5. Oversized cream tee.
The T-shirt I wore with my crochet pants is a style from Australian boutique label Mael, which offers elevated daywear and separates.
It's the Isola tee, which boasts the perfect oversized fit (it covers your bum, which I think is important when your pants are somewhat sheer), and the sleeves fall to the elbow.
Wearing my tee with Dissh pants (left) and Kinga Csilla lace flares.
Whatever I wear it with, someone inevitably asks about it — and this is also a style I've received countless dm's about on Instagram.
Mael Isola Tee, $99.95.
Image: Mael.
Vrg Grl Willow Tee, $75.
Image: Vrg Grl.
6. Knit midi dress.
It's not often you come across a knitted dress with a looser fit — usually they cling to your curves, but I prefer something that skims.
I wore this Mister Zimi high-knit dress on my 2025 trip to France, and to a number of events back on home soil over spring and summer, and always had the girls asking about it.
I've got a lot of wear out of this Mister Zimi midi dress. Images: Supplied.
The brand makes great summer midi's that transition seamlessly from the beach to brunch or a bar.
I've found the style in green below, as well as another chic high-neck option.
Mister Zimi Paloma Dress in Jungle, $219.
Image: Mister Zimi.
Mister Zimi Connie Dress in Ember, $229.
Image: Mister Zimi.
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Feature image: Supplied.
