Spring Break Style Forecast: Australia’s Summer Is Our Preview
Wondering what to wear as we preview summer on spring break? There’s really only one place to look: the place where summer is already in full swing, Australia.
Every year, in the cold slumber that is winter in Boston, many of us are cozying up in matching sets, clutching a mug of hot tea and mindlessly scrolling TikTok-at least I am-only to be reminded that there’s an entire hemisphere living in sunshine, dressed in bright colors and effortless summer silhouettes.
Instead of feeling personally victimized by the algorithm (as I take another sip of tea, clinging to the space heater I’m definitely not supposed to have in my dorm), I realized there’s actually a silver lining: we get the preview. Australia is essentially giving us a live runway of what summer 2026 could look like here, and even better, it does so just in time for spring break.
Perfectly timed for when we collectively want to give up on puffers and endless layering, spring break becomes our moment to relax, reset, and maybe have just a little fun, preferably in the sun. So what should we wear while we’re doing it? There’s no better inspiration than the streets of Sydney and Melbourne, the very places where all those TikTok screenshots of impossibly cute pieces seem to be born.
Lucky for us, Boston College Fashion Club’s Head of Partnerships, Sophia Crouse, is currently studying abroad in Sydney, so with true boots-on-the-ground reporting, you can trust these trends are genuinely in full swing.
Before we get into color palettes and silhouettes, there’s one important note I want to make: if you’re feeling tempted to pick up something new for spring break (which you absolutely don’t need to do), don’t let the week become an excuse to buy an entirely new wardrobe filled with fast-fashion pieces you’ll never wear again. Instead, think investment in quality pieces you’ll reach for long after this spring break, this summer, next spring break, and the one after that.
Lucky for us, Australian summer style right now makes sustainable shopping easy. It leans minimalist and effortless, and many of these looks can be thrifted, borrowed, or sourced secondhand. Sustainable and stylish, always.
One last disclaimer: this isn’t about forcing trend participation. We all know how fast fashion and social media move; at the rate trends evolve, I could probably rewrite this entire article in two weeks with an entirely new lineup. But inspiration is just that: exposure to what’s resonating right now. What you choose to do with it is entirely up to you, and I think that’s one of the best parts about fashion.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration, February 28th is quickly approaching-and if we’re ordering from Australia, we definitely don’t want to cut it too close. Let’s get into it!
The Color & Pattern Story
The first thing I noticed while scrolling through my favorite Australian brands (listed below), confirmed by Sophia, was a strong sense of cohesive color.
Butter yellow is back for a second summer, though truthfully, it never really left. Light blue and aqua tones are everywhere. Espresso brown continues to dominate, particularly in coordinated sets. Pops of red and fuchsia are woven throughout, with my personal favorite pairing being red and light blue.
More of a pattern person? Stripes are having a moment, seen on maxi dresses, shorts, and bikinis, often in vibrant and unexpected color combinations. Abstract, large-scale florals are also making appearances, alongside zebra and other animal prints.
Elements We’re Seeing Everywhere
Certain design details are popping up again and again that I can’t seem to escape! Fringe is having a moment, especially on tops, skirts, and dresses, adding movement and texture to otherwise simple silhouettes. Lace is also on the rise, particularly in the form of longer silk tanks with lace trim and full lace pants, which I personally love for the way they make any outfit feel that much more unique and fun.
Specific top styles also seem to be dominating. The cowl neck is maintaining its popularity, while off-the-shoulder T-shirt style tops are quickly emerging as a favorite. Mesh and sheer layers are everywhere too, often styled with a cami or tube top peeking through.
The Go-To Day Outfit Formula
I don’t know about you, but I’ve fallen victim to the white-top, color-bottom formula far too many times, but what do they say? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And according to Sophia, the classic combination is only getting stronger in Australia: statement bottom, simple top.
Whether it’s a patterned maxi or mini skirt, tailored mini shorts, or oversized linen or denim pants, pairing them with a fitted white or black spaghetti-strap tank or a structured white tee creates the perfect balance. It feels put together without trying too hard.
Dinner Looks - The Matching Set
When it’s time for dinner and you’re feeling like elevating things a little without putting in too much effort, matching sets are the answer. Skirt sets in particular are everywhere, as you’ve likely noticed throughout this article, whether it’s a midi skirt paired with a coordinating tank for something chic and elegant, or a bra top with a flowing maxi skirt for a more statement, beachy feel.
Another easy option is a statement midi or maxi dress, with long sleeves especially popular. And the best part? According to Sofia, you won’t have to change into your go-to black mini skirt and top if you’re heading out after, people just go in their dinner outfits. Casual denim and linen, midi skirts and dresses are all acceptable attire for a night out in Sydney. Going to a bar in a midi dress? Sounds like a dream to me!
By the Water
Swimwear might be my favorite category this season.
Seasonal colors, like light blue, and playful patterns dominate, especially stripes and animal print, but they all follow one tried-and-true silhouette: the tie bikini. It’s classic, adjustable, and somehow never goes out of style. Beads and charms on the straps and ties make it even more fun.
And what are we wearing over it?
We’re retiring the oversized middle-school soccer tee as a cover-up and replacing it with crochet and lace, letting the swim peek through, or, even easier, matching swim shorts or skirts. If life is a runway, the walk to the hotel pool might as well be one too, right?
Accessories
Clothes may be the main act, but accessories are what elevate everything.
Sophia notes a strong presence of chunky black sandals on the warm, sun-soaked streets of Australia (jealous as we navigate the snow sludge here in Boston). Fun, colorful flip-flops are also here to stay this summer, the perfect way to make an outfit feel casual in the coolest way.
For jewelry, cord necklaces are resurging (think an elevated 2016 choker vibe), along with single, long statement necklaces featuring playful pendants that instantly lift an entire outfit. Shell bags are also bringing this elevated look to life.
And lastly, perhaps a slightly bolder move, fringe scarves tied around the waist of skirts or pants are making an appearance. I’m here for it. They add a unique, unexpected element that breaks up a look in the best way.
Maybe 2026 really is the new 2016; I just hope we aren’t wearing exactly what I was (strictly Ivivva!).
TLDR (don’t worry, I get it):
Colors: Butter yellow, light blue, espresso brown, red, fuchsia
Patterns: Stripes, florals (large-scale), animal prints (zebra)
Elements: Fringe, lace, mesh
Tops: Cowl neck, off-the-shoulder, mesh
Silhouettes: Statement bottoms + simple tops; sets: midi + tank, bra + maxi
Swim: Bright, vibrant tie bikinis with playful details
Accessories: Chunky black sandals, fun flip-flops, cord and statement necklaces, fringe accents
Brands: Venroy, Glassons, Peppermayo, HNTR the Label, With Hean, White Fox Boutique, Sasha Therese, One Mile the Label, Kookai, SIR the Label, Garments by El, Mode Mischief Studios, Hansen and Gretel, Bydee, VDM the Label, With Harper Lu, Tiger Mist, Beginning Boutique, DISSH, Cotton On, Bamba Swim, Acre Lou, Tony Bianco
So that’s what we’re seeing from the other side of the world. If you’re planning to place any orders from Australia in time for your departure, take this as a reminder to get on that soon; international shipping can be unpredictable (I know I will). T-minus 10 days!
Summer may not be here yet, despite what Zara Larsson says, but the inspiration definitely is, and so is spring break. So dress like it: whether that means taking notes from Australia or doing your own thing, I’m looking forward to doing and seeing a bit of both!
Love these pieces? Check out these links below!
Light yellow set
https://venroy.com/products/deep-cowl-sheer-silk-halter-pastel-yellow
https://venroy.com/products/silk-cotton-mini-skirt-pastel-yellow
https://www.glassons.com/us/p/linen-blend-bead-halter-top-bv356987lvt3-dusty-dandelion
Fuchsia
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/party-after-party-shell-maxi-dress-fuchsia
Matching set
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/sweet-charm-cowl-neck-top-baby-pink
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/kia-low-rise-asymmetrical-midi-skirt-chocolate
https://www.hntrthelabel.com.au/en-us/products/isabelle-pant-aqua-1
https://withjean.com.au/products/sharni-top-off-white
https://whitefoxboutique.com.au/collections/summer-shop/products/lifetime-top-chocolate?variant=40634025181256
https://whitefoxboutique.com/collections/two-piece/products/tropic-drift-midi-skirt-baby-blue
https://sashatherese.com/products/violette-maxi-skirt-blue
https://sashatherese.com/products/luna-midi-skirt-brown
Espresso/matching set
https://onemilethelabel.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/pamela-maxi-skirt-chocolate
https://www.kookai.us/products/solis-top-ice-water
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/party-for-you-mini-dress-chocolate
https://whitefoxboutique.com.au/collections/summer-shop/products/lifetime-top-chocolate?variant=40634025181256
https://sashatherese.com/products/luna-midi-skirt-brown
Cowl neck
https://venroy.com/products/deep-cowl-sheer-silk-halter-olive
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/sweet-charm-cowl-neck-top-baby-pink
https://www.hntrthelabel.com.au/en-us/products/isabelle-mini-dress-aqua-1
https://www.hntrthelabel.com.au/en-us/products/isabelle-pant-aqua-1
https://withjean.com.au/products/sharni-top-off-white
Light blue
https://venroy.com/products/cotton-poplin-halter-top-pale-blue
https://us.sirthelabel.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/lilou-scarf-liora-blue
https://us.sirthelabel.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/lucie-gathered-string-top-washed-blue
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/vedetta-mini-dress-blue
https://www.hntrthelabel.com.au/en-us/products/isabelle-mini-dress-aqua-1
https://www.hntrthelabel.com.au/en-us/products/isabelle-pant-aqua-1
https://garmentsbyel.com.au/products/camilla-halter-4
https://modemischiefstudios.com/en-us/collections/all/products/melt-panel-dress-blue
https://hansenandgretel.com/products/cleo-mini-dress-seaspray
https://sashatherese.com/products/violette-maxi-skirt-blue
Crochet
https://venroy.com/products/crochet-strapless-column-dress-cream
https://venroy.com/products/crochet-cami-mini-dress-off-white
https://us.bydeeaus.com/products/zelie-crochet-mini-dress-in-cacao
Bigger pants
https://venroy.com/products/silk-linen-drawstring-pant-cream
https://venroy.com/products/heavyweight-panelled-linen-pant-white
https://venroy.com/products/relaxed-low-rise-denim-jean-mid-indigo
https://www.glassons.com/us/p/low-rise-wide-leg-tailored-pant-pw364865phe-chestnut-butter
Fun bottom
https://vdmthelabel.com/products/remi-midi-skirt-indigo
Fun shorts (stripes)
https://venroy.com/products/striped-terry-knit-short-dark-chocolate-fuchsia-stripe
https://venroy.com/products/striped-terry-knit-short-bright-green-blue-stripe
https://www.glassons.com/us/p/low-rise-knit-mini-short-sw309741stp-neutral-aria-stripe
Stripes
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/otillie-knit-maxi-dress-yellow
https://withharperlu.com.au/products/halter-maxi-dress-vintage-stripe
https://tigermist.com/products/celeste-mini-dress-multistripe?variant=44280352505995
https://www.beginningboutique.com/products/nicoby-pink-multi-stripe-halter-maxi-dress
Fun floral
https://venroy.com/products/beaded-silk-mini-skirt-off-white-fuchsia-flower
https://us.peppermayo.com/products/melisandre-mini-skirt-cuba-cuba
Light blue Dinner dress
https://venroy.com/products/crushed-satin-slip-dress-silver-blue
Lace pants
https://venroy.com/products/cotton-lace-pant-off-white
https://dissh.com/products/agnes-black-crochet-midi-skirt
https://hansenandgretel.com/products/ember-lace-pant-ivory-lace
Bikini
https://venroy.com/products/triangle-bikini-cream-blue-olive-v-monogram
https://us.sirthelabel.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/lucie-gathered-string-top-washed-blue
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/calista-bikini-bottoms-sea-salt-stripe
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/mauritius-swim-short-sea-salt-stripe
https://withharperlu.com.au/products/classic-swim-short-emerald-stripe
https://www.hntrthelabel.com.au/en-us/products/mali-triangle-choc-zebra-1
https://withjean.com.au/products/juni-bikini-top-multi-stripe
https://cottonon.com/AU/string-triangle-bikini-top/6338645-57.html?dwvar_6338645-57_color=6338645-57&cgid=co-trending&originalPid=6338645-57
https://www.bambaswim.com/collections/all-swim/products/ursula-top-multi-stripe
https://www.bambaswim.com/collections/all-swim/products/tropique-top-multi-stripe
https://www.bambaswim.com/collections/all-swim/products/isle-top-tribe
https://us.bydeeaus.com/products/sienna-bottom-in-sereno
https://vdmthelabel.com/products/bobby-indigo-reversible-top
Cover up
https://withjean.com.au/products/elouise-dress-cream
https://www.beginningboutique.com/products/underground-white-backless-dress?variant=39456002768953&tw_source=google&tw_adid=732769025484&tw_campaign=22234656439&tw_kwdid=pla-2458599360430&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22234656439&gbraid=0AAAAABf2jh4EeyOfiwRA6XYDlbd-4gk3p&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7rDMBhCjARIsAGDBuEDC5dzv6QfpeYnhLPP_the2V4QEVXCCiX45oya5w3sKom75IOCZseIaAgT5EALw_wcB
Mesh
https://onemilethelabel.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/josephine-maxi-skirt-black
Scarf:
https://dissh.com/products/andrea-black-cupro-lace-scarf
https://dissh.com/products/leo-sandstone-knit-top
https://whitefoxboutique.com.au/collections/summer-shop/products/start-me-up-pants-white?variant=40759286857800
Fringe
https://www.glassons.com/us/p/edt-strapless-fringe-mini-dress-kd358079knt-black
https://acrelou.com.au/collections/shop-all/products/dani-mini-skirt-black
https://acrelou.com.au/collections/shop-all/products/dani-mini-skirt-black-copy
Tank top:
https://us.peppermayo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/blondie-tank-top-blue
https://cottonon.com/AU/hold-me-cami/2060406-06.html?dwvar_2060406-06_color=2060406-06&cgid=womens-new-arrivals&originalPid=2060406-06
https://whitefoxboutique.com.au/products/let-it-out-oversized-tee-white?variant=40033762377800
Tiger mist
Shoes
https://tonybianco.com/collections/platform-shoes/products/ives-black-como-sandals