There are lots of trends floating around social media that are practically useless for us in the midst of an Aussie summer.

Leather bomber jackets? Not applicable.

Business suits with neck ties? I'm getting flustered just thinking about it.

Jelly ballet flats? Hard pass. I don't need my foot sweat on show.

But the return of thongs — now that's something I can get on board with.

Watch: While you're here check out the top summer shoe trends. Post continues below.

In case you missed it, flip flops — and their kitten heel counterparts — are experiencing a stylish comeback, and are currently the shoe of the moment. But thongs are just the tip of the iceberg.

Surf culture has long been a point of reference for the fashion world, with mixed results as far as stylish interpretations go. Remember that time in the early noughties when we all wore peplum tops and dresses to the office in… wetsuit material? Or the distinct period of the late '90s where every t-shirt or singlet (or car windscreen, for that matter) had a frangipani on it?

Fast-forward to 2025, and once again designers are turning to the ocean for inspiration.

Buzzy fashion brand Bottega Veneta's Sardine bag, complete with a metal handle loosely shaped like a fish, has fast become one of the most covetable It-bags on the market.

The Bottega Veneta Sardine bag. Image: Net-a-Porter.

At the Schiaparelli Spring Couture show in September, Kendall Jenner modelled a high-end corseted version of a one-piece swimsuit paired with slouchy jeans.

We saw that same effect on the spring-summer 2025 runways, where designers including Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch played with the concept of swimwear as daywear. At the latter, sequinned razor-back bodysuits were styled with loose lounge pants and tinted glasses. Oh, and the backdrop for the show was a pool.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Schiaparelli (@schiaparelli)

A look from the Tory Burch runway show. Image: Instagram.

You might be seeing outfits with a coastal leisure-wear vibe pop up on your socials, too. In a TikTok video, wardrobe stylist and viral fashion commentator Allison Bornstein predicted what she coined "surfer nephew" energy was going to be big for summer, acknowledging the trend's West Coast origins and giving some context to why we're suddenly seeing long shorts and big tees everywhere.

If you're feeling thrown by the name, rest assured the look is more elegant than perhaps the term 'nephew' conjures up. We're not talking about ducking into your local surf shop for some boardies here.

I spoke about the trending aesthetic on a recent episode of Nothing To Wear, with host Leigh Campbell, and we both agreed it's a mood we're going to be channelling throughout the hot months ahead. Woven-knit dresses, cabana shirts, sarongs and shell jewellery are all hitting the shops now, and they're looking seriously refreshing.

You can listen to the episode of Nothing To Wear here. Post continues below.

So how do you adapt it to your wardrobe if you live miles from a coastline or work in the city? And what if you don't want to resemble someone's, er, nephew?

Good question. Important question. Here are five of my styling suggestions.

Oceanic prints.

A cute sea-inspired motif might be all you need to tick off this trend. I recently got this embroidered linen cabana shirt from Australian label Morrison, but rather than heading for the beach, I wore it with jeans for a lunch date.

Left: My Morrison shirt, and right: one of my terry towelling party shirts. Images: Supplied.

Wrap skirts.

Giving the feel of a sarong, only with slightly more security, linen wrap skirts are an easy way to lend your look a beachy feel. Team one with a collared shirt and flats, or a simple white t-shirt and bold jewellery.

Towelling fabrics.

Whether it's a robe dress or midiskirt, terry towelling is a fun way to nod to the surfy mood. Try wearing a textured party shirt with knit pants and slides for an effortless weekend outfit.

Beachy footwear.

As mentioned, jelly sandals are a tricky one for our climate — at least Crocs let your feet breathe. For an even cooler option, try pairing streamlined leather thongs or t-bar sandals with a relaxed evening 'fit or your regular officewear.

Woven accessories.

Raffia sandals and bags made from natural woven fibres just feel like summer, but you can wear them year-round. Eclectic and nonchalant, they're a great way to offset a more tailored look.

Shop the look.

Target Crochet Shirt, $35, and Crochet Shorts, $35.

Billini Quartilla Chocolate Raffia, $99.95.

Image: Supplied.

Rove Verano Midi Skirt, $199.

Image: Supplied.

Rubi Lydia Round Sunglasses, $19.99.

Image: Supplied.

Glassons Graphic Oversized T-Shirt, $29.99.

Image: Supplied.

Mister Zimi Poolside Mini Dress in Ecru, $179.

Image: Supplied.

Terry Raffia Market Bag, $80.

Image: Supplied.

Terry Estate Short, $210.

Image: Supplied.

Arms of Eve Siesta Gold Earrings, $110.

Image: Supplied.

Assembly Label Reese Silk Linen Tie Skirt, $160.

Image: Supplied.

Havaianas Slim Square Logo Pop Up, $49.99.

Image: Supplied.

Dissh Loula White Lace Shirt, $149.99.

Image: Supplied.

Target Crinkle Scoop One Piece Bathers, $40.

Image: Supplied.

A-Emery Kinto Leather Sandals, $240.

Image: Supplied.

Will you be trying out this trend? Let me know in the comments below.

Feature image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_; @Venroy; Supplied.