We love to indulge in the people-watching and street style, but fashion week is really about taking in the new season collections and fresh perspectives Australian designers have to offer. And though we’re only halfway through the five-day event, there’s already a slew of key trends emerging on runways that we’re tipping to be everywhere come summer.

From silhouettes that defy our ’20s uniforms of high-waisted everything, to the merging of hyper-functionality and frivolity, the Resort 2022/23 collections don’t just point us towards what to buy next, but are ushering in new ways to look at how we wear and style clothes we already own, too.

Scroll on for five key trends we’re keeping our eyes on this season.

Tunics

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 09: A model walks the runway during the Bianca Spender show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 09, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage)

For what feels like forever, the crop top and high-waist bottoms combo has dominated our wardrobes. With the reemergence of low-rise trousers comes a rise in thigh-skimming tops — better known as tunics. While they could double as a dress for some of us who are daring, we love the way they look with slim-line slouchy pants. Take a cue from Bianca Spender and opt for a matching set.

Stringy Details

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 09: A model walks the runway during the BEC + BRIDGE show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 9, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage)

On the other end of the spectrum are the trends that serve no real purpose but just strike a nerve, aesthetically. Across collections by Bec + Bridge, Matteau and Erik Yvon, we saw fringing, untied drawstrings, and hyper-extended ties, all coming together to add dimension to looks.

Utilitycore

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Matteau show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collection at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage)

A distant cousin of gorpcore, utilitycore borrows from the outdoorsy aesthetic, without leaning all the way into the hiking vibe. Think: a mix of cargo pants with elegant leather sandals and a crisp shirt like this look we saw at Matteau.

Muted Neons

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 09: A model walks the runway during the Bondi Born show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at White Bay Cruse Terminal on May 9, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage)

Neon isn’t for the faint-hearted but it’s been an ongoing obsession in the fashion world. More and more, though, we’re seeing the dials turned down a smidge, with sorbet shades like this minty green at Bondi Born spotted throughout collections. Expect to be shopping these shades all season.

Macrame

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model is seen backstage at the ERIK-YVON show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Saverio Marfia/WireImage)

Despite Australia currently being in its colder months, one Y2k-inspired trend that had an unmistakable presence on the runway and amount the street style set was macrame. Whether it was layered over t-shirts, turtlenecks or, well, nothing, we’ve got a feeling that the macrame boom is only just getting started.

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