Spring Summer Fashion Trends 2025: A Stylist's Guide to the Season
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Nineties Nostalgia: The Return of the Slip Dress
Blurring the Lines: Athleisure Outfits That Work for Everyday
Trend Alert: The Rise of Plaid
Military Inspired: The Return of Khaki
Power Dressing with a Twist: The Masculine Suit
Romantic Texture: Ruffles, Lace and Feminine Layers
Rich and Earthy: Chocolate and Animal Print Fashion
Silhouettes That Move: Wide Leg Trousers & Fluid Fabrics
Finishing Touches: Lacy Trims, Jean Shorts, and Playful Details
Final Thoughts: Curate, Don’t Conform
Welcome to this season's fashion deep dive with professional stylist and podcast host Stephanie Rumble from Bright Red. In this episode of the Style for Life podcast, Stephanie shares what she's wearing, what's trending overseas, and how those trends are landing in New Zealand wardrobes. From slip dresses and wide leg trousers to the return of animal print fashion and athleisure outfits, she highlights what's fresh, flattering, and worth considering. This article recaps the podcast and presents each trend with styling ideas, brand mentions, and seasonal tips.
Nineties Nostalgia: The Return of the Slip Dress
Stephanie kicks things off with one of the strongest trends of the season: the nineties slip dress. Characterised by its silky fabric, spaghetti straps, and figure-skimming fit, the slip dress is both elegant and versatile. Brands like Skims and Silk Laundry are popular sources, with Silk Laundry dresses cut on the bias for a flattering silhouette.
Stephanie showcases a burnt orange version and a white Grecian nightie-style variation.
These pieces merge the charm of nighties with the chic minimalism of 90s fashion. She also explains that styling is key, especially for more mature wearers:
Pair with nude undergarments for a seamless look
Add structure with a jacket or blazer
Accessorise with sandals, heels, or statement jewellery
Photos: Silk Laundry
"So you have to style these rights so that they do look, actually look like dresses as opposed to looking like nineties." ~ Stephanie Rumble
When styled well, the 90s slip dress becomes more than nostalgic. It’s elevated, age-inclusive, and timeless. Whether layered for modesty or worn with confidence for events, this piece continues to be a wardrobe winner.
Blurring the Lines: Athleisure Outfits That Work for Everyday
The athleisure trend is still going strong. Stephanie describes how to combine sporty elements with everyday fashion for a pulled-together look. She references a wide-leg Adidas tracksuit she bought in Barcelona and pairs it with a frilly Zara top to create contrast.
Key athleisure items Stephanie used:
Wide-leg Adidas trousers
Coral-frilled Zara top
Vintage American Vintage joggers
Reversible tops with contrast trims
Photos: Karen Walker
Her approach makes it clear: you don’t have to look like you’ve just left the gym. Swap out trainers for Wonders heels or sandals, and choose coordinated colours to elevate the look. For those easing into the trend, Stephanie suggests creating athleisure outfits using basics like tees, tanks, or slouchy jeans.
What’s important is balance—melding comfort with polish. Athleisure isn't just about yoga pants; it's about creating style that moves with you.
Trend Alert: The Rise of Plaid
Plaid is a standout print this season. Whether it’s called check plaid or tartan, Stephanie notes it is available in many collections.
She highlights:
Ruby NZ check dress (perfect for everyone - Ruby stocks from size 4 – 20 - NZ sizing)
Matching two-piece sets with shirred bodices
Vintage-inspired plaid skirts with pleats or A-line shapes
This isn’t just a nod to tradition. Plaid’s evolution this season shows up in modern silhouettes, gender-neutral tailoring, and bold colours. Stephanie’s take encourages playing with scale and tone to find versions of plaid that suit your own wardrobe and personality.
"Plaid is really on trend and we are seeing that across quite a few of the retailers." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Need help discovering your best colours and prints? Consider booking a colour analysis consultation to identify the shades that bring your look to life. Whether you’re dressing for a summer picnic or a client lunch, plaid can carry you across settings. It's versatile, expressive, and ideal for layering.
Military Inspired: The Return of Khaki
According to Stephanie, khaki is dominating both local and international runways. She showcases a Veronika Maine two-piece in a soft green hue, with gold buttons and a boxy fit. Paired with a yellow tank or white base layer, it transitions easily from work to casual.
"Khaki or Utility is. Something that came out of our international runways and I have seen it extending into our fashion here for the summer" ~ Stephanie Rumble
Tips for wearing khaki:
Choose high-quality fabrics
Break up the solid colour with contrasting layers
Use accessories to add femininity to a utilitarian base
Photos: Zara (Left & Center), Moochi (Right)
This practical, seasonless neutral is ideal for those who prefer a more subdued colour palette but still want to stay on trend. Stephanie also notes how well khaki works with wide trousers and layering pieces.
Power Dressing with a Twist: The Masculine Suit
Stephanie is a long-time fan of suiting, and suiting particularly waistcoats and trousers are on trend for summer. Her pick: a Veronika Maine blazer and waistcoat combo in a dusty blush tone with brown buttons. Worn with floral skirts or tailored shorts, the look is strong.
Trending elements in suiting:
Waistcoat layering with matching jackets or trousers or even shorts
Blending with feminine pieces like ruffles, puffs and frills OR
Wearing the waistcoat on its own
The blazer and trousers as our climate is cool even in summer
Photos: Zara
The masculine suit trend transcends gender. It’s about reimagining structure with personality. It's a confident choice for work or events, especially when softened with accessories and prints.
Romantic Texture: Ruffles, Lace and Feminine Layers
Feminine details continue to be strong this season, with ruffles, lace, and soft layering adding depth and movement to your summer wardrobe. This trend isn't about being overly delicate — it’s about contrast, pairing soft pieces with structure or tailoring for a modern twist. From vintage-inspired lace blouses to cascading ruffles on event-ready dresses and even satin slips with lace trim – it’s about pairing with structure to give a modern and ‘work appropriate’ look.
Photos: Aje (Left), Storm (Center Left & Center Right), Karen Walker (Right)
Bold and Bright – Red
As a nod to her own brand, Stephanie discusses one of this season's hottest hues: bright red. She highlights a Moochi two-piece in this vibrant colour, complete with puffy sleeves and a boxy fit. Although this piece is orange red there are many iterations of red for all colourings.
"The puffy sleeves that have been strong in fashion are still very much on trend." ~ Stephanie Rumble
This look ticks multiple trend boxes:
Colour-blocking with saturated tones
Lacy trims for a touch of softness
Wide, structured silhouettes that flatter tall and curvy figures
Photos: Moochi (Left), Flo & Frankie (Right)
For those unsure about wearing this vibrant hue head-to-toe, Stephanie recommends starting with a bold red tomato outfit top and pairing it with neutral pants or skirts. It’s a colour that instantly energises and flatters.
Rich and Earthy: Chocolate and Animal Print Fashion
Chocolate brown is the new ‘black’ for summer and the hue is super wearable for everyone. Chocolate is a great neutral and is emerging as a top colour trend which goes super well with all other shades.
Also featured:
Animal print fashion from Sheike and Flo and Frankie
Leopard print skirts paired with soft pink tailoring
Trans-seasonal use of animal prints from winter through summer
Photos: Glassons (Left), Storm (Center), Cotton On (Right)
A trend that has extended into summer (from winter in NZ) is animal print. In the podcast Stephanie shows a leopard print jumpsuit from Farmers and other pieces from Biani Treasure Box and Flo Frankie.
The earthy warmth of chocolate pairs beautifully with bold prints. Whether it’s a belt, skirt, or full animal print fashion piece, Stephanie encourages wearers to embrace these confident, grounded looks. Wearing animal print fashion can also be a surprisingly versatile way to express personality and creativity and can also be a surprising neutral when paired with a bold colour.
Silhouettes That Move: Wide Leg Trousers & Fluid Fabrics
Wide leg trousers are everywhere, says Stephanie, and they’re here to stay. They feature in her athleisure outfits, her khaki coordinates, and even in her co-ords one from Juliette Hogan and another custom made from Chinese silk scarves. A co-ord (short for co-ordinate) is a two piece matching top and bottom.
Across the season, you’ll find features like:
Silk, cotton or linen textures
Bold colours and styling
A mix of shirts, singlets, sleeveless tops paired with shorts, skirts and trousers. The trend is everywhere.
These elements are reflected in seasonal collections from brands like Juliette Hogan, Ruby, and Alamais, among others. Stephanie also highlights slouchy shorts and slouchy jeans, perfect for those seeking comfort with a modern edge. These styles flatter most body shapes and create fluid, easy to wear sets.
"Relaxed leg trousers are still very much on trend from slim, to super wide – choose a style that suits who you are." ~ Stephanie Rumble
If this feels like a lot then contact me for help as there are likely some pieces in your wardrobe that fit these trends well but need some new additions to freshen them up or even a new eye to help with this.
Lacy Trims, Jeans and Shorts
Stephanie showed a red short co-ord set with lacy trims, along with her favourite Glassons shorts and Ruby jean shorts — both in the longer style.
These pieces prove that:
Details like trims and texture can add to an outfit
Comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing style
You can follow trends without overhauling your entire wardrobe
Photos: Aje (Left), Cotton On (Center Left & Center Right), Glassons (Right)
The appeal of jean shorts lies in their relaxed adaptability. Dress them up with a blazer, top and loafers or go casual with a tank top and sandals. Stephanie’s showcases a pair from Ruby, known for their longer fit and modern cut.
Stephanie also discusses how she’s been wearing a different dress every day for Froctober raising money for ovarian cancer research. Please feel free to donate here to this worthy cause: https://frocktober.org.nz/t/bright-red-styling-frocktober-team
Final Thoughts: Curate, Don’t Conform
Stephanie Rumble’s take on spring summer fashion trends is refreshingly practical. Rather than pushing consumers to buy everything new, she encourages using your existing wardrobe and working in trend pieces where it feels right.
From slip dresses and athleisure outfits to masculine suits and plaid skirts, this season celebrates personal expression, comfort, and thoughtful styling.
To take your personal style to the next level, consider one of Stephanie’s signature services such as a Seasonal Refresh Session or a complete Personal Shopping Experience to bring everything together.
Whether it’s a playful Froctober challenge or a simple wardrobe update, Stephanie reminds us that fashion should be joyful, expressive, and empowering. If you're ready to embrace these trends but not sure where to start, consider a style session with Stephanie. Her insight, paired with her keen memory for your wardrobe, will make this season your most stylish yet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes slip dresses a good choice for mature women?
Slip dresses offer a flattering silhouette thanks to their bias cut and soft fabric. Stephanie highlighted how structure and layering, like adding a blazer or jacket, can make them more wearable for a wide age range. Choosing high-quality undergarments also helps ensure a smooth and elegant finish.
How can I make athleisure outfits look polished?
Athleisure works best when you mix comfort with structured or elevated pieces. Stephanie suggests pairing joggers or tracksuits with feminine blouses, heels, or bold accessories. For a customised look, start with a personal style consultation to learn how to adapt these trends to your body and lifestyle.
Is plaid still in style this season?
Yes, plaid is back in a big way. From dresses to skirts and co-ords, Stephanie explains how modern plaid pieces come in updated silhouettes and softer palettes. It can be styled to suit both casual and dressy occasions depending on how it’s accessorised.
How do I wear khaki without looking too casual?
Khaki works best when it’s elevated through fabric choice and tailoring. Stephanie recommends blending khaki coordinates with contrasting tanks, heels, or gold accessories to keep the look smart and intentional. Choose softer fabrics and structured fits to balance its utilitarian roots.
What’s the best way to style a masculine suit?
The key is balancing structure with softness. Pair a tailored blazer and waistcoat with a floral skirt or wide leg trousers. Add soft textures like silk or details like ruffles to create a confident and feminine outfit. Stephanie often styles suits this way in her wardrobe edit sessions.
Can bold colours like tomato red and chocolate brown work on everyone?
Yes, but the exact tone and how you wear it matters. Stephanie suggests starting with one bold piece and building around it with neutrals. A colour analysis consultation can help you identify which shades of red or brown suit your natural features best.
Are animal prints still trending?
Absolutely. Animal prints like leopard and zebra are being styled in fresh, versatile ways this season. Stephanie uses them as accent pieces or full outfits, often mixing them with softer hues. She notes that they’re an easy way to inject personality into your look.
What’s the secret to wearing wide leg trousers?
Stephanie recommends choosing high-waisted cuts in fluid fabrics to elongate the body. Pair them with fitted tops or cropped jackets for balance. This silhouette works across many body types and remains a staple in her personal styling sessions.
How do I update my wardrobe without replacing everything?
Stephanie suggests starting with a wardrobe edit to assess what you already have. From there, bring in a few key seasonal pieces like a slip dress or new accessories. This helps keep your wardrobe feeling fresh without needing a complete overhaul.
What is Froctober and how can I take part?
Froctober is a fun styling challenge where you wear a different dress every day in October to raise money for ovarian cancer research. It’s a great way to rediscover pieces in your wardrobe and experiment with new looks. Stephanie participates each year and often uses it as inspiration during her seasonal refresh sessions. You can support this worthy cause here: https://frocktober.org.nz/t/bright-red-styling-frocktober-team
