Spring fashion trends in Australia for 2021: Mesh, puff sleeves and more

Spring is coming to Australia, meaning it's time to give your wardrobe a warm-weather refresh.

The changing seasons will force us to retire winter favourites like plush knits and artsy black turtlenecks, but it's also a time to indulge in new trends and your favourite spring staples. Yay!

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With millions of Aussies set to still be in lockdown when the first day of spring arrives, what better way to prepare for the warmer weather than to get started on your spring shopping from home? Online shopping is our favourite way to spend lockdown, even if our bank accounts don't thank us for it.

Before you start filling up your cart, you need make sure you know what trends are really heating up this spring and which to invest in for summer. Some of these styles you may even already have in your closet.

If you've been on top of the trends that dominated spring and summer in the northern hemisphere (America and the UK especially) you may already know whats coming for Australia. If not, read on and see which styles are going to be included in the fashion hauls flooding our timelines and TikTok for you pages when spring hits Down Under.

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Sheer everything

Sheer dresses, shirts, skirts and more dominated the Spring/Summer 2021 runways from fashion houses like Dior, Chanel and Valentino and has filtered down to brands that are in our price range too. It's the perfect trend for spring because it allows you to layer while still staying cool in the warm weather.

Most sheer styles are designed to be worn with something underneath - think a bralette under a sheer tank, or a slip under a sheer dress - but the really daring fashionistas sometimes rock this style with nothing but their knickers underneath. Bold move!

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How to style it: Layer sheer styles over simple basics to really let the trend stand out.

Shop the look: Henley Mesh Crop T-Shirt on sale for $34 from Meshki, Marble Printed Mesh Strappy Lace Up Mini Dress on sale for $32.50 from Boohoo.

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Wide pants

Wide-leg trousers and jeans have been rising in popularity and definitely had their moment this winter, but don't think about retiring them yet!

They're perfect for spring and summer too because you're covered up but still getting plenty of airflow - that means you'll be way cooler than if you were wearing jeans or tights.

Louis Vuitton and Chanel showed loose, flowing wide-leg styles at their SS21 runways, so opt for light, flowing fabric next time you're shopping for a pair of wide pants to get the spring look.

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How to style it: With a chic bralette or cropped shirt and open-toe shoes.

Shop the look: Cotton On Parker Long Straight Pants for $44.99 (plus an extra 30% off) from The Iconic, Satin Wide Leg Dress Pant on sale for $39.99 from Glassons.

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Waist straps and cut-outs

Technically two separate trends, waist straps and cut-outs are both having a moment right now. Think the extra-long bikini straps you wrap around your waist (Emily Ratajkowski's swimwear brand Inamorata Woman is known for the style) and the bold cut-out styles Kylie Jenner has been loving lately.

Both trends are a little edgy, a little cheeky and totally hot for the spring and summer months. And yes, you can rock these trends no matter what size you are - just ask Euphoria star Barbie Ferriera, who looks unreal in this cut-out dress.

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How to style it: Let the waist strap or cut-out do the talking and keep the rest of your outfit simple.

Shop the look: Dazie Drive By Wrap Waist Tee on sale for $17.49 from The Iconic, Plus Blue Abstract Print Cut Out Bodycon Dress on sale for $26 from Pretty Little Thing.

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Puffy sleeves

Puffy sleeves are here to stay, according to the Givenchy and Balmain SS21 runways - which is great, because most of us already own at least one cute top or dress with a puffy sleeve moment.

For the warmer months, opt for short bell sleeves or teeny tiny puffy cap sleeves to embrace the style without having to sweat it out in a long-sleeve top or dress.

We're obsessed with puff sleeves on light, dainty tops and dresses that really amp up the cottagecore vibes, but they can be paired with dark corsets or leather accessories for a more edgy style too.

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How to style it: Let the sleeves be the focal point and opt for dainty accessories.

Shop the look: Savel Roselle Midi Dress on sale for $51.99 from The Iconic, Plus Puff Sleeve Sweetheart Ruffle Hem Dress for $32.50 from Boohoo.

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Bralettes (or bras) as tops

We've seen this trend before, but labels like Dior, Moschino and Tom Ford have elevated the 'bralette as a top' style on their SS21 runways.

To embrace the trend without looking like you just forgot to put a shirt on, opt for statement styles and elevated basics that actually look like they're meant to be seen.

Look for bralettes with fun patterns, textures and details that set them apart from your classic bonds crop-top - or if you want a super basic look, invest in a style made from high quality materials that will make it look that little bit more chic.