I Spotted These 5 Major Trends Everywhere in Sydney

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Simkhai)

Sydney was in the spotlight last week thanks to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, where talented designers showcased their Resort 2019 collections. I had the opportunity to travel to Sydney to see the shows in person, get a sense of the local fashion scene in Australia, and study the trends emerging on the runways.

Some of the highlights from the week included collections from brands that offered a point of view that felt specific to Sydney. Labels like Matteau and Bondi Born showcased their refined, minimal takes on swim and resort-wear that were styled to perfection with details like chain-link necklaces and headscarves. Designers like Christopher Esber and Michael Lo Sordo debuted collections featuring strong eveningwear looks with details like delicate feathers and crisscross silhouettes that I can’t stop thinking about. Other brands including Anna Quan and Double Rainbouu were newer to me but instantly made an impression with their takes on resort-wear.

So what are the most important takeaways from the shows that will influence what the fashion set will be wearing in months ahead? Here are the five trends to know about from the Resort 2019 runways at Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Australia.

Terra-Cotta Shades

Earthy hues have returned and were spotted on everything from swimwear to matching sets. This is the shade to invest in for your vacation looks.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bondi Born)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Matteau)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bondi Born)

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Crisscross Silhouettes

Tops and skirts were detailed with wraps and ties that fastened around the waist—and were among the pieces that instantly spread across Instagram.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Matteau)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Simkhai)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Christopher Esber)

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Flat Sandals

Heels seem to be shrinking each season and the shows in Sydney followed suit. In fact, strappy flat sandals were the shoe of choice that was paired with everything from beachwear to evening dresses.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Michael Lo Sordo)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Matteau)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Anna Quan)

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Maxi Lengths

Ankle-grazing skirts and dresses are the silhouettes to work into your wardrobe.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Christopher Esber)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Lee Mathews)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Ten Pieces)

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Bucket Hats

The hat trend isn't slowing down, according to designers in Sydney.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bassike)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Double Rainbouu)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Hansen & Gretel)

Shop the trend:

This press trip was paid for by IMG. Editor's opinions are her own.

Up next? The 17 pieces I'm wearing on repeat right now.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.