FIRM FOUNDATIONS
Beneath every great look is the right undergarment that fits you like a glove.
Beneath every great look is the right undergarment that fits you like a glove.
WORDS NICKY ADAMS
Designs by Hotmilk.
Underwear shopping generally requires endless patience; hence many of us end up finding a formula that works well enough and sticking with it. What that doesn’t allow for, though, is the way our bodies and wardrobes change over time. The holy grail is a regularly updated core range of pieces that sculpt and smooth on all occasions, and above all make you feel fabulous.
BABY GOT BACK
The hardest working bras in my arsenal are those designed to accommodate fleshier areas (namely my back and underarms). I’m a long-time advocate of Bendon’s Flawless Form Contour bra; with its cross-over double-winged side straps it addresses the ‘problem’ areas. But now there’s a new player in town. Mount brand Hotmilk (known for its maternity underwear) has launched Evolve, a range designed to combat the niggly changes we encounter with age. The Effortless Sculpt T-shirt bra feels as though it fits your body, rather than expecting your body to fit into it. Wider side and smoothing back panels, underarm-shaping panels for squidgy bits – it does exactly what’s needed. The Refined Flexiwire Full Cup bra is pretty but practical – again, a wider side strap and clever engineering. All bras were tried and tested; Hotmilk comes out on top with the Effortless Sculpt-T shirt bra.
YOU BETTER SHAPE UP
Despite the latest fabrics and designs aiming to achieve a streamlined finish, shapewear can be restrictive and simply push your flesh into different areas until you resemble a sausage bursting from its skin. Try a full shaping slip, preferably seamless, with an inbuilt bra. A thicker fabric and higher elasticity can be a secret weapon against visible cellulite. Check out Nancy Ganz and Jockey.
STUCK ON YOU
In my opinion, every home should have an emergency roll of boob tape. For hauling things into place, creating cleavage, and securing nipple covers (another excellent tool, perfect for the perky), plunging necklines and backless numbers, this invisible adhesive tape is the gift that keeps on giving. It can also prove a secret weapon when it comes to securing stick-on bras, which can add volume and cleavage, but also weight, hence the need for additional assistance. Boob tape is the answer! What was once the equivalent of double-sided Sellotape is now available in silicone, different widths and multiple shades. Lingerie shops stock selected brands, while the Warehouse sells Booby Tape, which gets top reviews for being sweatproof.
BAND ON THE RUN
There’s an art to finding the ultimate strapless bra. Noting the trend towards bandeau styles, I tried a Skims version, which, if the price and marketing is anything to go by, should be the cream of the crop. Unfortunately, at one stage during testing, it rolled down to sit around my ribcage, rather than supporting the all-important breast area, so it won’t be my go-to. Instead, I suggest being fitted at a local lingerie shop. Sometimes, finding the right combination of comfort and support takes an expert eye.
TRF JACKET, $149
STYLE STATUS
Spring things to improve your mood.
NEW OLD FAVOURITES
Spring tends to herald a wardrobe refresh – out with the comforting and practical, in with the light and playful. That said, making space for the new is best achieved by adding pieces that work with your existing aesthetic, as opposed to trying to completely overhaul your image. Colour-wise, if you feel as though you can’t escape butter yellow, it’s because you can’t. One reason it’s still trending is because it works so well trans-seasonally with other shades in the post-winter wardrobe, such as chocolate brown, plum, burgundy and navy. Another spring must-have is capri pants. If that sends an ‘I’ve been here before’ shiver down your spine, calling them pedal pushers won’t help. Reimagining this perennial favourite for 2026 is the name of the game, and I highly recommend looking at this easy-to-wear style with fresh eyes.
CAPRI PANTS, $109
IN CONTRASTS
It’s time to shed the winter coat and graduate to a lighter jacket. One with military-esque details and a vintage feel will fit the bill as a statement piece, but word to the wise: although the Napoleon style is chic, try to avoid going full Sergeant Pepper. Contrast the structure of a garment like this with a drapey skirt or some on-trend balloon pants. Another look seen on and off the runway involves juxtaposing garments made from floaty fabrics with a heavier jacket, like a leather bomber or suede blazer. In terms of accessories, as a long-time enthusiast of large suede totes, I’m usually resigned to dealing with their limitations, such as the lack of practicality (dirt and rain being very real hazards), but this season, there are some infinitely more workable options out there. A lightweight nylon bag is a spring-to-summer essential that will take you from the supermarket to the beach.
HALSTON DRESS, $350 KNEUFERMANN.CO.NZ
INDULGE YOUR INNER DIVA
“Wear the outfit, add the sparkle, buy the boots” – so goes the mantra that’s part of what’s known as the ‘Dolly Parton philosophy’. The antithesis of a fashion icon but someone who stayed true to her own aesthetic, the late singer was someone who relished her own personal style. If standing out like a rhinestone cowboy doesn’t appeal to you, there are a plethora of more subtle options that are equally fabulous – although given sequins and heavy embellishments are dominating the spring/ summer looks, everyday shimmer may be hard to avoid. Another firm favourite for the warmer months is the lingerie look. It’s a trend that has gathered momentum; its popularity possibly rooted in the fact that it can be styled in so many ways. Readers who err on the side of conservative could slip a simple lacy camisole under a blazer, while those who want to maximise the effect could go full boudoir with sheer separates, a corset or a satin negligée-style dress.
ILSE DRESS, $450
NEW ROMANCE
Another trend that’s equally resistant to being parked is the bias-cut slip dress or skirt. Also crossing over into the lingerie genre, along with the beloved original ’90s look, there are fresher variations on the theme for spring. One update is the asymmetrical hemline, and the addition of lace in some way, around the waist, along the hem or cutting diagonally across. It might be the versatility that makes a bias-cut slip dress so beloved – worn with chunky boots or flats by day and heels by night, it’s a highly flexible look. For the feet, ballet flats are still a great go-to, some now with a lace-up feature. In my experience, it doesn’t take long for ribbons to unravel and gather unflatteringly around the ankles, but the ballerina vibe is forever beautiful, so if you can get them to stay up, this is a lovely spring look.
Spring fling
Watch as fashion flourishes this season.
Watch as fashion flourishes this season.
WORDS NICKY ADAMS
CABELLO MIDI DRESS $289, FLOANDFRANKIE.COM
SWEETEN YOUR WARDROBE
Not many people can resist refreshing their wardrobes for spring. This doesn’t have to mean a fashion overhaul; it can be as simple as adding a few basics from a seasonal colour chart. In this case for 2025, you might be looking at welcoming in the warmer weather with some pastels. There’s buttery yellow, which has been dominating not just the catwalks but mood boards everywhere, powder pink, sky blue, seafoam and mint green. Keep your shades clean and clear rather than sickly sweet. Sometimes this can be by picking separates and styling your pastel with a plain white top or bottom; other times it can be by picking a simple style where the colour is the feature rather than an elaborate design.
PASTELS TO PRINTS
Plaid will be the pattern of the moment. Usually associated with cooler months, its throwback 90s feel has been reimagined with elegant results. With versatility being a bonus, used in lighter fabrics to fit with the season, it’s so multi-functional it’s hard to pass over. If office wear is an area you’re looking to jazz up, then pale shades make perfect tailored trans-seasonal pieces. Style wise, watch out for a boxy short jacket or a blazer, either of which can be paired with Bermuda shorts for a super on-trend aesthetic. Add a low kitten heel and ta-da! We can’t really talk about spring without touching on the craze for technical fabrics. Wet weather gear has hit high fashion, with light waterproof jackets appearing as the unlikely hero of the outfit.
1 & 2. H&H ESSENTIAL CARDIGAN $30; BIAS CUT SKIRT $30, THEWAREHOUSE.CO.NZ
3. SAMSUNG GALAXY RING $699, SAMSUNG.COM
4. NEW BALANCE 204L SHOES $220, NEWBALANCE.CO.NZ
5. KAREN WALKER RUNAWAY PARKA $275, WENDYSBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ
6. ISOBEL DRESS $299, RUBYNZ.COM
7. REPETTE JACKET $797, UNITY SHORTS $497, TAYLORBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ
8 & 9. TRIXIE HEEL $349, ELLIE BAG $329, KATHRYNWILSON.COM
Trending now
Most wanted this season.
WORDS NICKY ADAMS
SHOPAFROLIC DRESS $799, WENDYSBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ
SOFT AND STYLISH LOOKS
If you’re not feeling sorbets just yet, then a great follow-on from the burgundy of winter would be an earth tone. Add a lovely warm tan or copper to your outfit – you’ll find this will break down a sombre black monotone or mix up a pure cream aesthetic. Always understated, these tones fit in with the boho vibe and feel authentic and grounded. Lovers of animal print may want to change up the theme and swerve away from the usual suspects. If this is the case, then zebra is the perfect pattern. It feels like the most subtle offering from the animal kingdom, with its ability to be dressed up or down.
MAKE A STATEMENT
‘Simply stylish’ seems to be the direction designers are gravitating towards for spring and summer, with silhouettes that are all about keeping it easy but effective. The elements we have seen for previous seasons, such as cut outs, lace, asymmetrical cuts and puffball skirts are still all very much in play. But for this spring the ‘feature’ is often presented strategically. Frills, ruffles and lace are always welcome wardrobe additions, and if head to toe feels too 18th century, then look at pieces with small insets. A lace collar, or a blouse with trim; something that says timeless as much as trendy. Long, short and everything in-between, the pleat is the style of the season that comes in a variant to flatter everyone. Micro knife, big fat box or even gentle folds, soft drapes and swathes of fabric say spring like nothing else.
1. SOLSTICE EARRINGS $125, LINDIKINGI.COM
2. CAESAR SANDAL $239.90, MERCHANT1948.CO.NZ
3. EVELYN PLEAT SKIRT $699, JULIETTEHOGAN.COM
4. INDI & COLD BEA VEST $215, RUBYROSETEAWAMUTU.NZ
5. SOLSTICE NECKLACE $115, LINDIKINGI.COM
7 . YU MEI ANTONIA BAG $935, YUMEIBRAND.COM
7 & 8. SOLACE SCARF CAMI $149, RELAXED PANTS $209, AJEWORLD.CO.NZ
Material girl
Find your way around the fancy fabrics and texture trends of spring and summer.
WORDS NICKY ADAMS
Smocking
With clothes that are designed for warmer weather inevitably involving less fabric, there is more onus on clever design features, fabric or textures being put to play to make a statement. Nostalgia looms loud and proud in the trends we are seeing so it’s little surprise that traditional trimmings and techniques have been incorporated to bring drama to the daytime. So, what are the wondrous ways that are being repurposed by designers to elevate our spring and summertime essentials?
SMOCKING
A practice that has been around since the 13th century, smocking is a way of adding shape to a full garment, as well as providing elasticity. Essentially an embroidery technique that is used across an area of fabric, the material is gathered (often with thin elastic) and held in place. The effect is textured and appears almost like rouching. Smocked tops are often easy-wear bandeau style, while a smocked dress can be both incredibly comfortable and flattering, depending on where the gathers have been created. If the smocking is all the way from the top to the waist or just below, chances are it will suit most figure types. If it sits on the top across the bust (like a boob tube), there’s a danger the well-endowed could look like a Bavarian barmaid, so be mindful.
BRODERIE ANGLAISE
This is another traditional technique with a vintage/boho vibe which you’ll see used across everything from bikinis to blouses. Bringing with it understated elegance, it feels increasingly sophisticated. Essentially a close worked embroidery used around the edges of intricate cutwork, the look is fine and feminine, with the cutout often inspired by florals, petal shapes, or even circles. A Broderie Anglaise can either be overlaid across another fabric or will feature with the cutout unlined. So, depending on how it’s being used, the final feel can be super demure or rather risqué. A classic fabric, this can be picked and styled to suit any personality.
CROCHET
Most of us will be familiar with this; a process where threads or yarns are crafted to create textiles. It’s one that has been popular over the years, not just across multiple eras, but because it appears in many ways, shapes and forms. Memories of crocheted woollen squares being sewn together to make everything from Aunty Agatha’s blanket to ponchos to teapot covers can detract from the elegant ways it can be utilised to bring us high fashion pieces. It’s possible to crochet a variety of yarn from silk to cotton, and intricate and innovative patterns will ultimately produce the most beautiful and unique designs. Whilst the overarching mood of a crochet piece tends to be beachy and festival, if we look to high-end designers, it’s often used in the most elaborate and sophisticated ways: think Missoni, who has incorporated the crochet-knit style as its signature aesthetic.
Style status
Spring into action with trans-seasonal pieces
Spring into action with trans-seasonal pieces
Words Nicky Adams
Augustine Ezra Skirt $159.99, Betty Blazer, $199.99, AND Kesha top, $139.99, all from Augustine.co.nz
READ THE ROOM
Again and again the same phrase is being reiterated – timeless rather than trendy; reimagining and repurposing classics with sensitivity to the economic climate. Staples should make up around 70 percent of your wardrobe and be trans-seasonal. If you update with one basic, make it utility wear – a pair of cargo pants, jacket or dress. Rather than the shapeless low-rise trousers of Y2K, this time cargos are tailored, and utility wear boasts well-placed pockets and comes in a range of colours and fabrics. Trousers are a solid staple this season; along with
ultra-baggy styles, straight leg (both jeans and tailored) are a great investment.
Unisex ACW X TBL Hunting Parka, $1,500 from timberland.co.nz
Xander tailored pant, $159 from iloveugly.co.nz
PUMA Cali Court sneakers, $160 from nz.puma.com
RETRO CHIC
Great for the office, casual or event wear is the spring staple of florals, and jewel tones give a fresh perspective. Tweed is strong this season and along with the classic jacket, there are sheath dresses and two-piece combos. Meanwhile the white sneaker trend has morphed into subcategories. Celebs have been seen in Adidas Originals which look great with wide-leg pants. Elevated sports luxe tends to be understated and easy to pair with anything, while the closest to a “trainer” often introduces colour while giving a 90s vibe (the Asics Gel Kayano celebrated its 30th anniversary with a new release). These are best paired with oversized blazers and baggy jeans, not dresses.
Trelise Cooper At A Cinch Dress, $899 from wendysboutique.co.nz
Asics Gel Kayano Legacy, $340 from asics.com/nz/en-nz
Twist detail halterneck jumpsuit, $215 from Cos, Commercial Bay, Auckland
TRENDING NOW
Most wanted this season
BRIGHT, SUNSHINY DAYS
As the weather starts lifting, why not lean into glamour with something elegant or slinky. Corset styles are here to stay, and have been worked into patterned and floral dresses, giving off a vintage rather than bedroom feel. If you gravitate more towards easy to wear, easy to care, then a strapless silhouette is a key look, whether in maxi or mini length. Again, there’s that 90s minimalism prevalent in the aesthetic, but stretch fabrics have come a long way in that time, so comfort is a bonus. Necklines have been a focus for summer styles, with delicate shoulder reveals and halter necklines big news, whether in tops or incorporated into all-in-ones. Spring pastels are a tried and tested seasonal win. While barely there hues of baby pinks, blues, lavender and sunshine-yellow may feel like a cliché, they just look so good as the weather brightens.
Knewe Dakota Dress, $229 from street2surf.co.nz
L’idee Vacances top, $262 & skirt, $239 from superette.co.nz
Venice Shoes, $319 from nicolerebstock.com
Simply Italian Wreath Earrings, $244 from tillyandtiffen.co.nz
FESTVAL FEVER
If concert wear is front and centre, you’ll know that the bigger the star, the more themed the ensemble. While festival fashion has always been a thing (think Coachella, as much a fashion statement as an event, or Glastonbury grunge aesthetic), it seems themed threads have gone mainstream – so much so that some websites (ASOS, One Teaspoon) devote sections to concert looks. Cowboy boots will forever be synonymous with boho, as chic with shorts as with sequins; the Taylor Swift Eras tour has made fringed outerwear a must-have. Check out party dresses that can be paired with sneakers as well as heels – comfort is key! The concert must-have of 2023 is the perspex bag; rather than just another revival of a 90s look, its high visibility ticks all the security boxes.
Self Portrait Gold Sequin Mini Skirt, $589 from superette.co.nz
All Star Hand Embellished Leather Jacket, $780 from oneteaspoon.com.au
Aviator sunglasses, $39.99 from
Golden Emboss Glamour shoes, $219 from minx.co.nz
Celestial Rose Long-sleeved Top, $109 from oneteaspoon.com.au
Mini Slouch handbag, $380 from helenmiller.co.nz
WHAT TO WEAR
How to tackle a dress code.
Event wear dressing goes hand in hand with several “in a perfect world” prerequisites. Ideally, the outfit will be unique enough that you don’t arrive and find you’re twinning with anyone else; the ensemble will be crease-proof – and sweat-proof – enough to survive the day and, of course, it goes without saying that you feel like the very best version of yourself when you rock up to the do.
Depending on your relationship with fashion, the chance to go all out for an event, whether it be the races, a wedding or a formal evening, can either get the adrenalin pumping through exhilaration or sheer terror. You may have more than one date in your diary, but lots of events doesn’t have to mean lots of looks. Going to the races calls for something on the classic and conservative side (go easy on the cut-outs, sheer and above-the-knee) as does a wedding, so it’s possible there could be crossover for these events. Equally, for a cocktail or a black-tie event, one outfit could serve both purposes. Change up the accessories, jackets and hair and no-one need know.
If you want to guarantee a unique look then shopping for vintage is fun, but if you’re buying unseen then it’s worth remembering sizing has changed over the years; a dress from the 70s will size smaller than present day. Renting occasionwear is increasingly popular and is a great way to source a label you might not find locally. Australasia has some phenomenal boutique designers; the smaller the run rate, the better your chance of being a standout.
Decoding the invitation
Navigating a dress-code can sometimes feel dicey, but it doesn’t need to be:
Smart/casual – dress up a little and break out that elevated look that’s just a smidge too smart for a dinner date. Preferably not jeans (unless they’re dark denim and you might get away with it) paired with a chic top for women or collared shirt for men rather than a tee, and heels or dress shoes as opposed to trainers.
Cocktail – bring on the satin, silks, velvets... A cocktail dress is traditionally thought of as around knee-length, although maxi is equally on point. For men, suits (with shirt and tie), usually dark in shade but if it’s a daytime event, light colours can be cool.
Black tie – gown or cocktail dress, go big or go home. Elevate your look with accessories, evening bags, jewellery, shoes. Tuxedo for men with bow tie.
White tie – this is top tier, so if you’ve been invited to an event like this, it’s unlikely you need advice! On the off-chance you do, then floor length gown terrain, tails for men – and white gloves all around.
Key looks for event wear spring 2023
Orange has been noted as a number one wedding guest colour this season, while green, brown and navy are also topping colour charts. Along with longer hemlines, cocktail, boho and western looks. High/low hemlines, tulle and ruffles. Elevated fringe.
Inside scoop
For women:
“The biggest trends we’re seeing are lots of bright colours and beautiful prints which Trelise Cooper does so well; we’re also seeing florals coming from our European labels.” The team at Wendy’s Boutique
For men:
“Shades coming through are rich dark greens, with complementary brown/tan buttons and contrasting stitch on jackets. White or black shirts with subtle textures look sharp worn underneath.” Jason Dovey, Bond & Co.
FASHION FORECAST
Get ahead with the latest summer fashion trends.
Seeing Red
For those desperately trying to balance out the shades of pink that are everywhere this spring, then throw in some red. A colour that is not only strong for summer, but one that is dominating the colour wheel for next autumn, it’s being showcased as head to toe rather than just accents. If you want to get ahead of the curve, this is one way to do it.
Wrapped Up
Never far away from the top trends, the bow is back this summer. On skirts, dresses and blouses – whimsical and romantic, for 2023, the bigger the bow the better. Oversized makes for a statement, and whether
on the shoulder as a strap detail, or added as a three-dimensional embellishment, the feminine look is a hit. If this is too much, then the easiest way to wear a bow is a loosely tied pussybow blouse.
Water Works
Summer resort trend is all about the mermaid inspiration – ranging from
a sprinkling of ocean to full- on Ariel under the sea. A body-skimming gown with a fishtail skirt is an obvious interpretation, along with pearl jewellery, crochet separates and sequin column dresses. If sequins feel like they’ve supersized, that’s because they have. Outfits are bedecked with lots of the larger scale-like sequins – paillettes. Sealike shades bring the look into force, with aqua, cerulean and cobalt colourways.
Pep Talk
If you’ve started noticing a resurgence of the peplum trend, you’d be right – and by summer it will be in full force. Generally a more structured look that in itself can be divisive, historically it has played into tailoring; however with its summer ’23 reboot it’s being incorporated not just into dresses but also jackets and tops, while being softened into almost a frill
in some cases.
Style Status
Wardrobe staples to see you through spring and beyond.
Wardrobe staples to see you through spring and beyond.
Words Nicky Adams
Everything Essential – A Spring Checklist
It may be hard to believe, but the most on-trend spring/summer essential for 2022 is the humble white tank top. The perfect combination of staple cum fashion set favourite, whether as a foundation piece with jeans or
as a tool to make a sleeker bottom feel more casual, the tank fits with the quality basics and timeless piece aesthetic that is strong for spring. If you’re looking to zhoosh your look up a little then a halter neck top can be a striking aesthetic and comes in many variants, both the runways and the shops are full of crisscross and ornate loop details. To change the mood up from spring florals try gingham – it’s fresh, timeless and the ultimate transitional print.
However exciting it feels to be shedding those extra layers, a jacket is still a must-have. The bomber jacket is well and truly back: when Rhianna and Hailey Bieber are both wearing it you know it’s officially a thing – wear it slouchy and oversized. Get ahead of the game with a cropped blazer; a change of pace from all the large-fit jackets that are in vogue, cropped is a look that will be in full force by Autumn. Meanwhile the love/love relationship with the biker jacket continues. Coming in a spectrum of styles from form fitting to funky to oversized, this is another item that transcends age and figure type and looks pretty blooming good on everyone.
Trending Now
Most wanted this season.
The Future Is Bright
This spring it’s time to trade in the traditional tan two-piece. While we’ve seen a prevalence of pink suits coming through strongly, as the season progresses there will be a rainbow of options. Bright colours are one of the biggest trends, and if you’re not feeling overly confident with this degree of high impact then pops of colour with jumpers or bags can still make a bold statement. Workwear takes on a whole new hue with these saturated colours; add this to the oversized silhouette (throw in a padded shoulder jacket), and we have another 80s throwback look. However, if the suit is well tailored the wide legs will balance the look and bring in more of a Katharine Hepburn feel.
Night Follows Day
Giving off the Grecian vibe, a dramatic look for this season is draping, where beautiful fabrics waterfall across the body, in pleats and ruching. This style is not only incredibly flattering but also elegant in the extreme. While it’s the perfect evening look, it can work well for daytime if created from the right fabric. A mini-skirt has been lauded as the seasonal must-have, however a maxi style is equally on point, and so much easier and more practical to wear. The long tube design fits with the Y2K revival and is surprisingly versatile – it’s also a magnificent way to hide any pale pre-summer legs. Fabrics with movement and a bit of stretch suit this style best, whether fine knits or jerseys, the feel is fluid. Accessorise with this season’s hot material, a raffia bag, and achieve a casual but elegant spring feel.
Cool conscience
Swing into spring with Moochi’s most sustainable collection yet. Natura offers organic and eco-conscious wardrobe refreshers, designed for effortless contemporary dressing.
Swing into spring with Moochi’s most sustainable collection yet. Natura offers organic and eco-conscious wardrobe refreshers, designed for effortless contemporary dressing.
