The Front Row Forecast

From the runway to the arrivals, this season was less about one defining look and more about the details that made an outfit feel streetstyle worthy. Lace met tailoring. Sheer layers softened structured silhouettes. Fringe brought movement, while bold colour made a convincing case for dressing a little louder.

For men, tailoring loosened up, ties returned with personality, jackets got shorter and unexpected texture entered the spring wardrobe.

Consider this the Wintergarden edit of the trends worth watching, and wearing, as we step into the new season.

FOR HER

Lace, but not as you know it

Romantic, yes. Predictable, no. Lace appeared as an accent rather than an afterthought, layered against contrasting fabrics, peeking through hems and bringing softness to otherwise directional silhouettes. The way to wear it now is in the contrast: lace with tailoring, lace with leather, or a delicate lace skirt grounded with a heavier shoe. It’s femininity with a little more edge.

The sheer effect

Sheer dressing continues its reign, but this season it felt decidedly more wearable. Transparent shirts layered over tonal underpinnings, sheer skirts paired with structured pieces and glimpses of skin rather than head-to-toe exposure. The appeal is in the layering. A sheer piece instantly adds dimension to an otherwise simple look — particularly when worn tonally in black, chocolate, cream or navy.

Fringe benefits

One of the most memorable details of the week? Fringe. From dramatic layers of movement to smaller fringed accents, this was a trend made to be noticed. While the runway can afford to go all-in, the everyday translation is surprisingly simple: a fringed skirt, statement bag, embellished jacket or even an accessory is enough. Movement is officially part of the outfit.

Colour, uninterrupted

Red. Orange. Blue. This season’s colour story wasn’t shy — and importantly, it wasn’t overly complicated. Rather than mixing a rainbow of shades, some of the strongest looks committed to one bold colour in block form. Think a vivid orange dress, red tailoring or electric blue worn almost head-to-toe. If you’ve been waiting for permission to move beyond neutrals for spring, consider this it.

Spot on

Polka dots made their presence known in graphic black and white, proving once again that some prints never really leave the fashion conversation. The update is all about scale and silhouette. Oversized spots, fluid dresses and exaggerated proportions make the familiar print feel fresh rather than retro. Keep the accessories pared back and let the pattern do the talking.

FOR HIM

Tailoring loosens up

The suit isn’t disappearing, it’s relaxing. This season, tailoring came with a little more ease: wider trousers, softer jackets and proportions that felt less corporate and more considered. The result is polished without looking overly formal. For spring, think less rigid matching suit and more individual tailored pieces styled together.

The return of the tie

After seasons of open collars, the tie is firmly back in the conversation, but with far fewer rules. Traditional ties appeared alongside looser scarf-style ties and neckwear that felt almost decorative. Worn with relaxed tailoring, oversized shirts or layered underneath a jacket, it’s an easy way to introduce personality without reinventing the entire wardrobe.

The scarf tie

Somewhere between classic menswear and styling flourish, the scarf tie was one of the more interesting details to emerge. Loosely knotted at the neck, tucked into a shirt or worn in place of a conventional tie, it brings colour, print and texture to even the simplest tailoring. Consider it the accessory to watch.

Jackets are getting shorter

Proportions are shifting. Cropped and abbreviated jackets offered a counterpoint to wider trousers, creating a silhouette that feels distinctly new. The easiest way to approach it is through balance: shorter on top, longer and looser through the leg.

Spring fur

Perhaps the most unexpected styling note? Fur and faux-fur textures moving beyond their traditional winter territory. Rather than heavy cold-weather dressing, the look is about contrast — tactile jackets and trims styled with lighter trousers, tees and tailoring. It’s less about dressing for the temperature and more about using texture as the statement.

The Spring Outlook

If Brisbane Fashion Festival 2026 gave us one message for the season ahead, it’s that spring is ready for a little more personality. Texture is replacing minimalism for minimalism’s sake. Colour is being worn confidently. Familiar pieces are being played with rather than prescribed. And across both womenswear and menswear, the strongest looks were those that mixed polish with something unexpected. Lace with leather. Fringe with tailoring. A tie without the corporate uniform. Fur when the forecast says otherwise. The rules haven’t disappeared, they’re simply becoming much more fun to break.

Discover the new season at Wintergarden and find your own take on the trends defining spring.