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Spring Style, Simplified: Secrets from the Runway
Discover spring style tips and wearable runway trends with Burnside Village curators Lauren Dilena and Stefan Francesca.
Ahead of the Burnside Village Spring/Summer Series launch, Sitchu chatted with runway curators Lauren Dilena and Stefan Francesca to uncover everything spring style.
Fashion stylist Lauren brings nearly a decade of styling experience and a signature creative-meets-classic approach. Stefan’s expertise lies in translating runway looks into wearable outfits for every body, colour, and personality.
Together, they share how to take your wardrobe from simple to standout with easy styling tricks, colour pops, and statement pieces.
Which trends should we be excited about this season?
Stefan: This season celebrates contrast. We’re seeing the romance of silk and lace, the vibrancy of red and sun-soaked hues, and the playfulness of florals and polka dots. At the same time, denim is being reimagined in chic, elevated ways, while metallics and studs inject a sharper, modern edge. It’s a season that balances softness with strength.
What’s your easiest trick to jazz up a simple outfit?
Lauren: A great accessory changes everything. I’m all for adding something extra before I leave the house, more-is-more after all. I love elevating a simple jeans-and-shirt combo with statement earrings, a bold handbag, or a sleek belt. Adding a pop of colour with a shoe or lip is another instant way to look pulled together without overthinking it.
If the Burnside Village Spring/Summer series had a personality, would it be playful, bold, or totally “everyday approved”?
Stefan: The personality is confidently playful. There’s an elegance to the way silk, lace, and tailoring are styled, but it’s balanced with the joy of summer shades, polka dots, and florals. It’s fashion that feels aspirational yet still beautifully wearable.
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What’s your go-to outfit for when you have “nothing to wear”?
Lauren: A tailored blazer, crisp white tee, and high-waisted denim. It’s effortless, modern, and you can dress it up with a heel or keep it casual with sneakers. It always makes me feel polished without trying too hard, plus it’s a great mum on-the-go look too!
How do you balance runway looks with wearable fashion?
Stefan: The runway amplifies the drama, but at the heart of each look is a piece that translates seamlessly into everyday life. A metallic dress might be styled for maximum impact on the runway, but pared back with minimal accessories, it becomes an elegant evening staple. It’s about showing both the fantasy and the function.
Which South Aussie designers or labels are we watching this season?
Lauren: South Australia is brimming with talent. We’re very lucky to have these labels accessible at our fingertips. Designers like Acler and Van Brussel are setting the tone with contemporary tailoring and unique silhouettes. A fresh name to keep an eye on is The Second Occasion, a new brand delivering innovative pieces that feel both elevated and on-trend for the season.
How can we get runway inspo for our everyday wardrobe without spending a fortune?
Lauren: Focus on styling, not just buying for the sake of it. The runway often layers unexpected textures or pairs bold colours — you can recreate that by mixing pieces you already own in new ways. Swap out your neutral blazer for a pastel, or pair a feminine slip dress with chunky sandals. It’s about translating the mood of the runway into wearable looks with what’s accessible and true to your identity.
Where is your favourite place to shop in Adelaide?
Lauren: I love raiding my mum’s wardrobe, she’s got everything from vintage gems to her latest sought-after pieces. She teaches fashion design, and with this talent, she designs special outfits for all our special milestone events, and now even for my daughter. I feel super lucky to have such a talented, creative woman as my inspiration —with impeccable style!
What’s one surprising thing people might not know goes into creating the Burnside Spring/Summer runway shows?
Stefan: The runway is as much about storytelling as it is about clothes. Every detail — from casting to the sequencing of looks — is curated to ensure each trend flows into the next, building a narrative that captures the mood of the season. What feels effortless on stage is actually the result of meticulous planning and collaboration.
If you had to choose one look from the Burnside Village Spring/Summer series runway to take home, what would it be and why?
Stefan: I’d choose Ally’s Camilla look. The oversized suede biker jacket is layered over the white set with studded detailing. My personal style usually leans towards less is more, but this look makes me want to embrace my alter ego. It has that bold, rebellious edge while still feeling refined — exactly the kind of outfit that pushes you outside your comfort zone in the best way.
What is one styling tip for the Spring/Summer season in Adelaide?
Lauren: Lean into light layers and bold accessories – Think more is more! Adelaide’s weather can change in an instant, so a chic lightweight trend/blazer or sheer shirt is perfect for layering. This season, embrace playful pops of colour, think- butter yellow, scarlet reds, and metallic accents are all on trend and will make you feel instantly summer-chic-ready.
If Lauren and Stefan’s tips left you itching to refresh your look, check out these denim essentials or Australia’s best jewellery brands.
