You didn’t need a ticket to a show to catch a glimpse of the hottest fashion trends this year, with notable Australian Fashion Week attendees all too keen to flaunt their weird and wonderful sartorial takes outside each venue.
As hundreds descended on Carriageworks in Sydney‘s inner-west throughout the week, people-watching was at its finest with the country’s most fashionable sashaying in front of eager paparazzi and passers-by.
Outfits varied from simple and chic to downright bizarre – but there were a few stand-out trends across the board.
In 2023, Barbie pink was everywhere but now fashionistas have ditched the girly hues for fire hot red. Red tights and sock were huge while others went for head-to-toe scarlet outfits.
There were some noticeable footwear trends, too, with many oversized boots and extravagantly embellished Crocs raising eyebrows throughout the week.
Other standout fads included double denim garbs in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as kitschy patchwork crochet co-ords and bared bellies and midriffs.
As fashion week wraps up for 2024, FEMAIL takes a look at the trends that dominated both on and off the runway.
As hundreds descended on Carriageworks in Sydney for Australian Fashion Week, outfits varied from simple and chic to downright bizarre. However, there were some standout themes across the board including Crocs (pictured)
In 2023, Barbie pink was everywhere but now fashionistas have ditched the girly hues for fire hot red. Red tights and sock were huge while others wen for the daring shade in head-to-toe outfits
DOUBLE DENIM
Jeans are no rare sight at any fashion week however, this year, denim was taken to new heights as many donned the versatile fabric from head-to-toe.
The trend is reminiscent of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears‘ iconic all-denim red carpet look at the 2001 American Music Awards but with a much-needed modern twist.
Stylish Aussies dressed up the otherwise casual and practical material with some donning matching maxi skirts and bandeau tops.
One woman paired a pair of straight leg jeans with a tailored denim shirt while keeping her accessories simple.
Influencer Bella Varelis was all smiles in a pair of wide-leg jeans and a backless halter top she accessorised with a red shoes to add a pop of colour and gold beaded bag.
Actress Marlo Kelly turned heads as she made her fashion week debut in a denim jacket and high-waisted jeans with a silver metallic handbag and black boots.
Jeans are no rare sight at any fashion week however this year denim was taken to new heights as many donned the fabric from head-to-toe
Influencer Bella Varelis (left) was all smiles in a pair of wide-leg jeans and a backless halter top while Actress Marlo Kelly (right) turned heads in a denim jacket and high-waisted jeans with a silver metallic handbag and black boots
RED SOCKS AND STOCKINGS
Bright red hosiery was a noticeable addition to many outfits spotted at Carriageworks both on and off the runway.
Red or colourblock tights were all the rage in the 1970s thanks to London designer Mary Quant and have been seen more recently on international runways from Saint Laurent to Gucci and Balenciaga.
Now Australian fashionistas are making it their own – either by dressing up a minimalist outfit or to make their bold looks even more delightfully outrageous.
Designer Emma Mulholland on Holiday sent multiple models down the catwalk in sneakers with ruby sock while Akira had a styled a patterned dress and strappy red heels with vermillion tights.
Outside in the crowd, solid and patterned red socks were spotted in a variation of styles and are sure to be seen more and more on clothing store shelves in coming seasons as the trend takes hold.
Bright red hosiery was adding an eye-popping element to many outfits spotted at Carriageworks. Red tights were all the rage in the 1970s thanks to designer Mary Quant and have been seen recently on international runways
Designer Emma Mulholland on Holiday sent multiple models down the catwalk in sneakers with ruby sock wile Akira had a styled a patterned dress and strappy red heels with vermillion tights
Now Australian fashionistas are making it their own – either by dressing up a minimalist outfit or to make their bold looks even more delightfully outrageous
RED HOT REVELRY
It wasn’t just the hosiery – the daring hue was everywhere proving red is the new pink as fashionistas leave the Barbiecore trend back in 2023.
Some opted for entirely red ensembles with whole outfits as well as shoes, tights and bags in the fiery shade while others took a more subtle approach with scarlet dress or accessories.
Désordre Boutique director Shannon Thomas attended the Bec and Bridge show in a red angular Atelein dress which she wore with a pearl necklace, black bag and a beige jacket.
Red was a noted feature during the Next Gen show which highlights emerging Aussie designers. One model hit the catwalk in a crimson jacket and mini skirt co-ord while another had a sheer lace maxi dress worn over black pants.
At Karla Spetic, all eyes were on the cheeky see-through red lace numbers including a body suit, mini dress and max skirt.
Red was a noted feature during the Next Gen show which highlights emerging Aussie designers. One model hit the catwalk in a crimson jacket and mini skirt co-ord while another had a sheer lace maxi dress worn over black pants
At Karla Spetic, all eyes were on the cheeky see-through red lace numbers including a body suit, mini dress and maxi skirt that paraded down the runway
BELLIES BARED
Exposed bellies are one of the big ‘trends’ to emerge this year, as toned tummies were on proud display down the catwalk at many shows. Punters were quick to follow suit.
Nicol & Ford presented daring looks including one dress that let the red lace fabric hang right down to the thigh and P.E. Nation showed off midriffs with low rise trousers and crop tops.
The winter chill didn’t deter revellers from daring to bare with many outfits leaving bellies and midriffs on full display.
Social media personality Jadé Brycki made her baby bump the star of the show in not one, not two but three outfits she donned to watched the shows; she joked on Instagram that her ‘belly had become (her) personality’.
Nicol & Ford presented daring looks including one dress that let the red lace fabric hang right down to the thigh and P.E. Nation showed off midriffs with low rise trousers and crop tops
QUIRKY CROCS
Crocs are a divisive footwear choice but fans wore them with pride this fashion week; many proclaimed that they are determined to ‘make ugly the new beautiful’.
Fantastical outfits were paired with the quirky shoes in platformed heels and were, of course, decorated with lots of colourful or bejewelled jibbitz.
Fashion week punters were fully embracing the comfort of Crocs instead of risking a broken ankle in sky-high heels.
Fashion influencer, Lizzie Cao, was spotted strutting in her black Crocs’ Mega Crush Sandals on the way to the Karla Špetić show.
TikTok star Sam Todd walked through Carriageworks in her extravagantly decorated neon yellow Croc while Aichark went for barbie pink siren Crocs.
Crocs are a divisive footwear choice but fans wore them with pride this fashion week; many proclaimed that they are determined to ‘make ugly the new beautiful’
Fashion influencer, Lizzie Cao, was spotted strutting in her black Crocs’ Mega Crush Sandals. TikTok star Sam Todd walked through Carriageworks in her extravagantly decorated neon yellow Croc while Aichark went for barbie pink siren Crocs
BIG AND BULKY BOOTS
A pair of black boots is a winter essential for most but the wardrobe classic was seen all over Carriageworks in eyebrow-raising oversized designs.
Many were safe from the rain and walking through puddles with their wellington-like footwear, especially those who opted for the style with a flared neck.
Black was the go-to boot colour for most however they were seen in all sorts of colours from white to brown and even metallic gold.
Baggy boots with a loose fit around the calf and contrastingly thin heel strode down the catwalk at Acler. One model donned them in a shiny disco gold and another in an amethyst purple.
A pair of black boots is a winter essential for most but the wardrobe classic was seen all over Carriageworks in eyebrow-raising oversized designs
Baggy boots with a loose fit around the calf and contrastingly thin heel strode down the catwalk at Acler. One model donned them in a shiny disco gold and another in an amethyst purple
PATCHWORK AND CROCHET
Get your grandma started on your next trendsetting outfit. This week guests united in the belief that crocheting and knit work are seriously in right now.
Not just reserved for homemade blankets at nan’s house, the unique pattern was a notable fad among the Carriageworks crowds.
The style never quite made it mainstream when it was seen on multiple International fashion week runways, including at Moschino, and Dolce and Gabbana, back in 2017 – but the Aussies are bringing it back in a big way.
TV personality and podcast host Jessica Rowe posed up a storm in her patchwork crocheted pants and matching top while supporting her daughter Allegra who made her runway debut at the Rory William Docherty show.
Musician Thelma Plum looked cosy sitting front row at the Romance Was Born show as she donned a colourful crocheted floor-length dress with long sleeves and a bunched neckline.