It was the season that saw designers meld the sweet with the sensual – think billowy sleeves set-off by sheer panels and lashings of lace, and high necklines tempered by peekaboo cut-outs. Zimmermann, Fendi and Valentino led the ultra-feminine charge.
Shop the trend below.
![Rejina Pyo dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46563/10012019-the-romantic-rejina-pyo-nap.jpg)
Rejina Pyo, Tia embroidered cotton-blend organza midi dress, $1,247.52.
![Gucci Blouse](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46565/10012019-the-romantic-gucci-blouse-matches.jpg)
Gucci, Ruffled cotton-poplin shirt, $2,100.
![Avenue The Label hat](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46566/10012019-the-romantic-avenue-the-label-hat.jpg)
Avenue The Label, Crawford Fray Sunhat, $169.
![TopShop Playsuit](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46567/10012019-the-romantic-jumpsuit-topshop.jpg)
Topshop, Striped Ruffle Playsuit, approx. $60.50.
![Erdem Dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46560/10012019-the-romantic-erdem-dress-matches.jpg)
Erdem, Kaelyn balloon-sleeve floral-brocade gown, $5,387.
![Lee Mathews Camisole](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46568/10012019-the-romantic-lee-mathews-nap.jpg)
Lee Mathews, Nina ruffled floral-print silk-crepon camisole, $459.
![Lee Mathews Skirt](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46569/10012019-the-romantic-lee-mathews-nap-skirt.jpg)
Lee Mathews, Nina ruffled floral-print silk-crepon maxi skirt, $699.
![The Vampires Wife Dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/10012019-the-romantic-the-vampires-wife-matches.jpg)
The Vampire’s Wife, Festival ruffled silk-satin maxi dress, $1,691.
![Chloe Skirt](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46575/10012019-the-romantic-chloe-matches.jpg)
Chloe, Lace-panelled silk midi skirt, $3,330.
![Topshop pants](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46576/10012019-the-romantic-topshop-pants.jpg)
Topshop, Floral Print Jacquard Kick Flare Trousers, approx. $26.70.
![Totem Shirt](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/10012019-the-romantic-totem-my-chameleon.jpg)
![Zimmermann Dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46574/10012019-the-romantic-zimmerman-dress-nap.jpg)
Zimmermann, Heathers floral-print linen maxi dress, $650.
![CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46578/10012019-the-romantic-calvin-klein-205w39nyc-parlour-x.jpg)
Calvin Klein 205W39NYC, Lace hem skirt in yellow, $545.
![Zimmermann Shorts](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/46580/10012019-the-romantic-zimmermann-shorts.jpg)
Zimmermann, Corsage bauble shorts, $550.
![Emilia Wickstead skirt](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/10012019-the-romantic-emilia-wickstead-nap.jpg)
Emilia Wickstead, High-rise floral print midi skirt, $1,574.
Words by Kathryn Madden.