5 summer trends to splurge and save on, according to a fashion editor.

As someone who quite literally shops for a living, I'm quite a late adopter to trends.

It often takes me months to decide whether I want to opt into a style that 'everyone' is wearing on social media, and maybe that's because it's my job to report on them.

After decades of watching things cycle in and out of fashion, I've developed… let's just say, a healthy scepticism. And it serves my bank balance well.

To give you a few examples, I didn't buy that stripey Lioness top (even though I was tempted; the top looks good on everyone), but I did snap up some $20 jelly thongs… more on those later!

The best open-toe shoe for walking? We share our recs on Nothing To Wear. Post continues below.

There are trends worth buying into because they help reframe our outfits as stylish for seasons to come — like updating the silhouette of your jeans from baggy to barrel leg.

But while the constant churn of the algorithm might make it seem like certain micro-trends are essential, it's important to consider whether these styles add value to our wardrobes. And what value we actually want to assign to them.

As we turn our attention to fresh new season styles, it's a good time to sense-check where we want to spend versus where we can save.

Here are the summer trends I'm buying on a budget, and two key pieces I'll be investing in.

Buying on a budget: The sheer trend.

This $40 Target find is my entry into the sheer trend. Image: Supplied.

Transparent clothing has been one of the breakout trends of 2025, with styles like sheer midi skirts and tunics getting a lot of traction online. It's a look I want to experiment with, but not plunge headfirst into.

When I was in Target recently, I spotted this semi-sheer shirt in two chic colourways; pistachio and chocolate brown. I bought the brown for the bargain price of $40, knowing it's a piece I'll get plenty of wear of through summer and beyond.

It's a great beach cover-up over a bikini, but will also look effortless with my white jeans when the weather starts cooling off.

Target Sheer Relaxed Shirt Deep Brown, $40.

Image: Target.

Target Sheer Relaxed Shirt Pistachio, $40.

Image: Target.

Buying on a budget: Matching summer sets.

The cutest terry set. Image: Supplied.

Co-ords are everywhere right now, and there are so many affordable options on the high street that you really don't need to spend a lot to get that cohesive look you're craving.

I couldn't go past this cute striped set from Best & Less. I live in terry towelling in summer, and I went for a slightly oversized fit in the top to contrast with the little shorts.

Cannot believe I scored this outfit for 36 bucks.

Best & Less Crew Neck Cotton Slouch Tee, $18, and Terry Fleece Short, $18.

Image: Best & Less.

Kmart Long Sleeve Oversized Seersucker Shirt, $25, and Seersucker Shorts, $15.

Image: Kmart.

Buying on a budget: Jelly shoes.

Tamara wears jelly shoes from Rubi (left) and Billini. Images: Supplied.

I was in a designer boutique the other day, eyeing off a range of clear flats from the likes of St Agni, Christopher Esber and Chloe.

The reality is, no matter how high-end the brand, you're ultimately paying a premium for rubber shoes (it's a different story when it comes to leather or suede.)

So I'm happily wearing my jelly thongs from Rubi and Billini this season, right until they snap.

Rubi Blake Jelly Flip, $20.

Image: Rubi.

Billini Stellan Slides, $69.95.

Image: Billini.

Glassons Jelly Thong, $20.

Image: Glassons.

Investing in: The elevated thongs trend.

Tamara's Alias Mae thongs have served her well through the transition to summer. Image: Supplied.

Like I said, leather shoes are in a different category.

I've always gotten my return on investment when I've paid more for leather styles from reputable Australian brands. I bought the Charlize flats from Alias Mae as my answer to this season's trend for sleek thongs, and I've barely taken them off since they arrived.

Polyester is a good option if you're buying it for ethical reasons, but if you want your shoes to last, a better-quality leather will outstand the faux version.

Alias Mae Charlize, $189.95.

Image: Alias Mae.

Senso Xeo II, $199.

Image: Senso.

Investing in: Artisanal jewellery.

Tamara wears a Gem Totem necklace (left) and a Boniet bracelet. Images: Supplied.

You've no doubt seen the reports around that dainty jewellery is giving way to chunkier, earthy styles for the year ahead.

The trend's already infiltrated the shops, but I think this is a great opportunity to support female-owned small jewellery businesses who specialise in these kinds of pieces.

They offer unique, handmade styles designed to treasure beyond one season, and for me, that's always worth the investment.

Boniet Astra Necklace, $129.

Image: Boniet.

Gem Totem Euphoria Anklet, $220.

Image: Gem Totem.

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.