This winter, we’re dressing lighter—even as temperatures drop. At Australian Fashion Week, micro shorts ruled the streets, styled with sleek tights and stockings. So, is this just a refusal to let go of brat summer? Most likely. As Sydney days grow shorter and sunshine fades, many are clinging to summer vibes. It’s our way of channeling Charli XCX—and keeping up with our warmer Northern Hemisphere counterparts.
After the Y2K craze, an indie sleaze revival was inevitable. Artists like The Dare, Addison Rae, and Charli XCX are leading the charge. Their looks channel the gritty vibe of a 2004 New York dive bar. So, why the return to the noughties? Beyond nostalgia, it’s a bold reaction against today’s hyper-curated, picture-perfect Instagram world. Indie sleaze is raw and real—think smudged eyeliner, flash photos, and effortlessly thrown-together outfits.
The underground club chaos made its way to Carriageworks, and the street style followed suit. Guests embraced the trend in every form. Some wore suede shorts with sheer tights for a polished edge. Others went bold with micro shorts that looked more like lingerie—lace trims, satin finishes, and peekaboo details included. To balance the look, many added oversized moto jackets or crisp shirts. Meanwhile, some leaned into the wild side with vintage tees, messy hair, and minimal makeup. The vibe? Messy, sexy, and totally intentional.
This trend has grown beyond its club kid roots and become a red carpet favorite. Leading the charge is Miu Miu, long before their viral micro miniskirt in 2021. The brand has embraced the daring silhouette, pairing tiny silk, leather, or tweed shorts with bold hosiery—think ornate prints and monograms. To add contrast, they style it with layered cotton shirts and soft cashmere cardigans. Miuccia Prada blends subversion with sophistication, expertly blurring the line between outerwear and underwear.
Celebrities are fully backing the micro shorts trend, taking it from runway to red carpet and beyond. Charli XCX leads the charge, but Bella Hadid also rocks the look off-duty—pairing sporty micro shorts with logo tights and oversized bombers. Meanwhile, FKA Twigs goes bold, styling sheer shorts with thigh-high boots and a matching thong. So, whether you prefer edgy or effortless, there’s no limit to how you can wear the trend—especially as the weather cools down.
Vogue content editor Nina Miyashita says this bold trend has reshaped her personal style. “I used to feel most confident when layering,” she shares. “But with the pantless look rising—and muses like Charli XCX and Emma Corrin nailing it—I’ve gained new confidence.” Her go-to combo? Hot pants with sheer stockings, boots, or kitten heels. It’s a look that perfectly blends corporate polish with sensual edge—two powerful vibes that work together seamlessly.
Micro shorts trace their roots to the bold styles of the ’60s and ’70s. During the mod era, icons like Mary Quant and André Courrèges embraced rising hemlines, pairing ultra-short bottoms with tights and graphic prints. This playful yet polished look challenged old ideas of femininity. Then, the ’70s pushed it further—with sheer hosiery in every vibrant shade, adding even more flair and freedom.
“Sex in fashion is always evolving, and what feels sexy looks different for everyone,” says Nina Miyashita. The rise of micro shorts and tights at Australian Fashion Week proves that playful style is here to stay. And in the end, the rule seems simple—the shorter the shorts, the better.
Below, discover some of the best micro shorts and tights street style looks from 2025 Australian Fashion Week. See how the trend takes center stage, blending bold and playful fashion choices.
