Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a bit of a shopaholic (with, unfortunately, expensive taste). But I’m also a curator and a researcher. I like to study trends, see what fashion editors across New Zealand and some of my most stylish friends are eyeing for the new season, and then dutifully take notes.
With spring in full bloom, fashion has been pretty eventful. We’ve got pants just below the knee, shoes with toe boxes and colourful capes even Superman would consider an upgrade.
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As the weather warms up, I’m defrosting my wardrobe and adding back some much-needed life with interesting cuts, bold prints and colours that haven’t been around since the early 2000s (spoiler alert: it’s teal and it’s everywhere!).
Here are the 6 spring trends I’m keeping an eye on, and I recommend that you do too.
1. Colour me soft
Pretty, feminine and oh-so-chic, soft colours are made for spring. Powder blue, butter yellow, blush pink and lilac are just SO beautiful. If you need a style muse for this particular trend, look no further than Olivia Dean.
Brands doing it well:
Chessy Seamed Cotton Midi Dress
$179.99 at Forever New
Butter yellow is one of spring’s prettiest shades, and this cotton midi makes a case for wearing it head to toe. The best part is this piece is versatile for the very simple fact that you can wear it anywhere from a boozy brunch to a christening!
Chiffon Lace Panel Top
$34.99 at Glassons
Pretty in pastel pink, this chiffon top pairs delicate lace panels with a floaty silhouette for a soft, feminine feel. Style it with denim or tailored trousers to keep the look fresh and cool.
Junie Maxi Dress
$169 at Meshki
The Junie maxi brings a soft, feminine feel to spring dressing in a dreamy butter yellow. It’s something I personally need in my wardrobe… like ASAP.
Myla Lace Corset Maxi Dress
$249.99 at Forever New
Another buttery yellow dress from Forever New that’s perfect for springtime. This number has a strapless sweetheart neckline and a column skirt with a flowy silhouette. For Kiwis, it’s an addition to the wardrobe that can be pulled out for any fancy occasion.
2. Lace, actually
Romantic lace is stepping out of the traditional occasionwear box this spring. We love lace because it’s feminine and sexy.
Brands doing it well
Lexi Lace Trim Linen Mini Dress
$179.99 at Forever New
Polka dots and delicate lace trim give this breezy linen mini a playful feel. It’s a pretty way to bring two of spring’s sweetest trends together.
Layla Lace Asym Cami
$69.97 (usually $99.95) at General Pants
A silky satin finish and delicate lace make this asymmetric cami way cooler. Pair it with denim and a ballet flat for daytime, or dress it up with tailored trousers and a kitten heel.
Koletta Asymmetrical Lace Midi Skirt
$93.22 at Princess Polly
In a soft off-white, this delicate lace midi gets a modern update with an asymmetric hem.
Liberty Flutter Sleeve Lace Midi
$279.99 at Forever New
For my girls who love lace, this flirty number is the PERFECT purchase. It comes a lovely, soft blue, with intricate flower embroidery and flutter sleeves that offer some nice coverage in a stylish way. I see it being a showstopper at a baby shower or bridal party. In fact, I see the Liberty dress in any setting, for any event, ever.
3. The Capri comeback
Capris are back, and it looks like they’re here to stay. While the trend has evolved from the ultra-skinny styles we’re already familiar with, this season is all about relaxed silhouettes, denim and fresh white pairs. And if you prefer to keep things classic, black capris are an easy way to embrace the trend.
Brands doing it well:
Alexis Flared Hem Capri
$89.99 at Forever New
A fresh take on the capri, these flared-hem trousers bring a little ’70s-inspired shape to the season. Pair them with a fitted top and heels for an effortlessly polished look. Pair them with a cute top from Forever New to complete the look.
Cotton Cargo Capri Pants
$59.99 at Glassons
A bit of a shake-up from the cargo trend, these crisp white capris bring a modern look to spring dressing. Style them with a simple tank and sandals for an easy off-duty ensemble.
Love and Nostalgia ‘Little Gath’ Capri Jean
$245.76 from The Iconic
A nostalgic take on the capri, these cropped jeans are cooler than the rest of ’em. Wear them with a simple tee or feminine blouse for something easy.
4. It’s getting sheer
Everyone and their dog is loving sheer this spring. It’s light and playful, and makes everyday dressing feel like a rom-com from 2005. Sheer capes and ponchos are especially chic and add elegance. Not to mention, they offer beautiful movement and dimension to an outfit. It’s easy to fall in love with this trend (believe me, I would know).
Brands doing it well:
Gia Cape
$79.99 at Forever New
Sheer layers are having a moment, and the Gia Cape is an easy way to tap into the trend. Its floaty silhouette adds a nice touch to everything from dresses to simple separates.
Chelsea Sheer Chiffon Cape
$49.99 at Begining Boutique
A dreamy take on spring layering, this butter-yellow chiffon cape combines two of the season’s biggest trends. Yes please.
Sheer Knit Poncho
$29.99 at Cotton On
I love that brown is still having a moment despite it being flogged to death for the last few years in the fashion world. Mostly because the colour suits me. But also because this sheer knit poncho from an easy-to-access brand is stunning.
5. Flat out fabulous
Ballet flats are stepping back into the spotlight this spring, bringing a feminine finish to everything from floaty dresses to relaxed denim.
Brands doing it well
Concrete Black Ballet Flats
$94.90 at Novo Shoes
Remi Crochet Ballet Flats
$117.57 from The Iconic
The crochet texture gives these brown flats a trend-forward feel, and they pair perfectly with linen trousers, relaxed dresses or denim for an easy, on-trend look.
Marion Leather Ballet Flat
$170 at Assembly Label
6. Tickle me teal
Probably the freshest burst of colour we’ve seen in a while, teal has made a real difference to the wardrobes of It girls this season. Its sheer vibrancy is giving 2000s realness.
Shayla Hardware Halter Mini
$189.99 at Forever New
The teal shade and halter neckline give this adorable mini dress from Forever New a modern feel, and it looks great styled with simple thong heels and gold jewellery.
Mesh Shirred Plunge Top
$77 at ASOS
The turquoise/teal colour combo and sheer mesh finish tap into the current trend for bold shades and statement tops, while the shirred waist keeps it easy to wear with wide-leg jeans or tailored white trousers.
Soleil Knit and Mesh Halter Maxi Dress
$199 at Meshki
The halter neckline and body-skimming silhouette make this dress feel right on trend, and it pairs easily with simple heels and gold earrings for a look that is super elevated.
Read more:
- I’m a plus-size editor. Here are the 14 items I’m eyeing for Spring.
- Your guide to the best matching family Christmas pyjamas for 2026
- 13 witchy wardrobe updates you can actually wear
