Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: The Five Trends Set to Dominate Summer
Host: Shameless Media
Date: December 2, 2025
Contributors: Madison Sullivan Thorb (B), Ani Kajoshi Smith (A), Special Guest Co-Host: Elliot Garneau (C)

Episode Overview

This episode of Style-ish dives deep into the hottest fashion trends set to define Summer 2025/2026 in Australia, with practical advice on styling, fabric choices, accessories, and where to shop the looks for all budgets. Fashion stylist and commentator Elliot Garneau joins the regular hosts to break down the five big trends you need to know, with lively conversation and actionable tips. The trio also share their top seasonal styling hacks and recommendations for both high and low-end brands.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Summer "Swap" Segment: Must-Have Products

[03:45–08:13]
Each host shares a favorite current product or discovery:

• Elliot: Dermal Therapies Lip Balm & Glossier Lip Glaze ("Addicted to dermal therapies…and this Glossier called the Lip Glaze. It’s got a cooling effect and a cute blue color." — C, 04:00)
• Ani: Pregnancy-friendly bralettes and underwear, highlighting brands Jum (detachable bralettes), Booty (cost-effective, sports bra feel), and Mamamiela (leak proof options).
• Madison: Morphe Color Correcting Concealer and Too Faced’s “Killer Liner” for eye durability ("The eyeliner, it’s called the killer liner. Is unbelievable. Did not move." — B, 07:25).

Memorable Moment

• Humorous exchange about the tradition of bringing physical items for the segment, likened to "show and tell, circa 1996."
• Touching story about attending Joanna Fleming’s wedding and makeup tips that saved the day.

2. Trend Reports: Five Defining Summer Trends

Trend 1: Slip and Sleepwear Elevated

[10:40–14:51]

• Effortless, 90s Kate Moss nostalgia with a modern twist.
• Fabrics like silk, lace, and satin make these pieces day-to-night ready, easily elevated with luxe accessories and glam looks.
• Essential Australian labels mentioned: Maison Essentiele, sa, Cat the Label.
• Affordable/fun: Tony Bianco shoes, P. Johnson femme slippers.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Just by putting [sleepwear pieces] back with your favorite pair of ballet flats or even with, like, a sandal or a pair of thongs, you create this effortless juxtaposition between day and night." (C, 11:31)

Trend 2: Exposed Structure & Hardware

[15:06–17:42]

• Dresses/jackets with visible hardware (clasps, zips, embellishments) for built-in accessorizing.
• Pioneered by Bottega Veneta; now available in Meshki, Essie Studios, Christopher Esber.
• Advice: Even bold zips count, and this is a great trend for minimalist accessorizing.
• Notable Quote:
  • "It actually does is allows you to minimize your accessorizing while still making maximum impact." (C, 15:29)

Trend 3: Vibrant Colors & Textural Revival

[17:45–20:47]

• Color-blocking and tactile garments, shifting away from loud prints.
• Loewe and Versace Spring/Summer 2026 cited for bold, simple color stories.
• “New age maximalist” Erin Deering as style muse.
• Start small: If you’re a color novice, swap a white tee for a colored one—from basic, affordable brands.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Maybe I'll do a blue T shirt instead of a white T shirt. And then I was like, oh, that was fun. Okay, maybe I’ll try green. And then all of a sudden you build this little relationship with color." (C, 19:46)

Trend 4: Modern Preppy

[20:47–25:31]

• Timeless preppy styling, refreshed with relaxed, modern silhouettes.
• Jennifer Lawrence and The Row for inspiration, “trad” prep (ballet flats, jumpers over shoulders, fit/silhouette is key).
• Tory Burch SS26 and Miu Miu cited for cool, accessible updates.
• DIY tip: Tailor/crop your own shirts or knits for a more modern twist.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "My 2025 Queen of Prep is Jennifer Lawrence. What she’s doing is the traditional underpins of prep, but it comes down to the way in which she’s wearing it now, which is in flat fit and silhouette." (C, 21:43)
  • "Prep’s a really easy one to replicate from your own wardrobe." (C, 23:28)

Trend 5: Sheer Romance, Fringes, and Volumes

[25:55–28:42]

• Resort collections dominated by sheers, lace, fringe, volume.
• Best to "start small and start neutral": try a white blouse with frill/fringe for versatility.
• Aussie/Kiwi labels: One of Others, Harris Tapper, Clear, Verge Girl, Rome.
• Key tip: Buy pieces you can wear 3–5 different ways.
• Notable Quote:
  • "When you’re experimenting with any new trend, ask yourself about three to five occasions you can see yourself integrating that into your wardrobe…and into your calendar." (C, 27:21)

Summer Styling Advice & Practical Tips

[30:12–33:39]

• Fabrication Is Everything:
  Choose breathable natural fibers (linen, cotton) over non-breathable options like silk if you're prone to sweating. Accessories can always dress up simple pieces.

  • "The advice I wish I'd heard myself: the fabrications that you think are great for summer sometimes aren't." (C, 30:12)

• Cost-Per-Wear:
  Cohorts (matching sets) are your friend for mix-and-match versatility.

• Accessories and Sun Safety:
  Rafia hats/cowboy hats are both practical and stylish for the Aussie sun.

  • "It’s very important to be sun smart in Australia and making sure that you're looking sun smart as well as looking chic." (C, 31:26)

• Lightweight Layers:
  Don’t abandon layers—consider lighter trench coats or shirts for cool evenings.

  • "Rethink your accessory fabrication, not necessarily your accessory function." (C, 33:20)

• Shoes for Summer:
  Fisherman sandals, boat shoes, leather/suede flip flops for a day-to-night transition. There's a resurgence of classic thongs with elevated fabrication.

  • "A leather thong, leather flip flop, even a suede is a really elevated piece of footwear to take you from beach to bar or day to night as well." (C, 34:39)

• Summer Glam:

  • Minimal makeup is best for hot weather—blotting sheets, good setting powder, and high-maintenance treatments (like keratin) for low-maintenance styling.
  • Products: Rhode Pocket Blush ("Tan Line" shade) and Made By Mitchell Curve Case face palette.
  • "With makeup and with hair, be really conscious of the climate as well. Like, don’t do a beat in the middle of summer." (B, 35:54)
  • "I think that I might go on the record and say I think I prefer beauty to fashion." (C, 37:46)

Top Brands & Where to Shop

[38:13–42:23]

Polished Minimalism

• COS: Accessible luxe, perfect basics, great styling and accessories.
  • "Their Runway shows are exceptional, their styling is sublime, their campaigns are amazing, and they back it all up with incredible quality at an amazing price point." (C, 39:12)

Fun & Playful

• Posse, With Harper Lu, Verge Girl, Girl With Jean: For dresses, prints, and that “hot girl” Australian summer vibe.
  • "Posse I am seeing everywhere...they do fem in such a beautiful way that's still palatable and not too expensive." (A, 39:47)

Affordable & On-Trend

• Witchery, Above the Clouds (store): Great for minimalists and fans of wearable basics, plus American imports like ERL and Cherry now available.
  • "Above the Clouds...great stuff for summer and some brands I personally love." (C, 41:35)

Accessories & Shoes

• Tony Bianco: Reliable for trendy, accessible shoes.
• Big W: For Royal Jelly-style jelly sandals at budget prices.
  • "They've ripped off the Royal Jellies...for 13 bucks!" (C, 42:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Styling Philosophy:
  "When I started out as a stylist, the most important thing to me...was to make sure that they ultimately felt themselves because that's where they'll feel the most confident." (C, 01:21)

• On Preppy Inspiration:
  "Jennifer Lawrence...has the traditional underpins of prep...but it comes down to the way in which she's wearing it now..." (C, 21:43)

• On Experimenting with Color:
  "You just start to build this little relationship with color. I’m not going to say change your whole wardrobe." (C, 19:46)

• On Confidence and Beauty:
  "I love beauty. I love product, I love products. I love the confidence that they give you and I think that when you get ultimately your look is 50 beauty and 50% fashion." (C, 37:46)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:45] The Swap Segment – Favorite Products
• [10:40] Trend 1: Elevated Slip and Sleepwear
• [15:06] Trend 2: Exposed Hardware
• [17:45] Trend 3: Vibrant Color & Textures
• [20:47] Trend 4: Modern Preppy
• [25:55] Trend 5: Sheer Romance, Fringe, Volume
• [30:12] Practical Summer Styling Tips (Fabrication, Accessories, Layers)
• [33:39] Shoes for Summer
• [35:02] Summer Glam and Beauty Products
• [38:13] Where to Shop: Top Brands
• [42:29] Accessories/Final Hacks

Tone and Vibe

• Energetic, fun, irreverent camaraderie
• Warm, inclusive, and unpretentious with moments of humor and self-deprecation
• Mixture of expert analysis and relatable practical advice, inviting listeners to experiment and enjoy dressing up for the season

Conclusion

The episode is a comprehensive, energy-filled guide to Summer fashion, offering actionable advice for trend lovers at all budget levels in the distinctive, encouraging style of Style-ish. Whether you’re a minimalist, maximalist, preppy, or experimenting with sheer or bold colors for the first time, this episode breaks it down with practical steps and plenty of laughter.

Final Challenge:
Next time, the hosts promise an in-person "style-swap," with each host dressing the others—watch this space for plenty more chaos, fun, and fashion wisdom!