Spring has a way of filling the calendar. Weddings. School formals. Racing. Graduations. Long lunches that call for something a little more considered.
And Spring 2026 is giving us plenty of reasons to dress up. Backs are becoming the main event, colour is getting bolder, suits are broadening out and embellishment is catching the light from every angle.
At Canberra Centre, come for the dress or suit, then stay for the shows, the jewellery, the hair, the make-up and every last detail that makes getting ready half the fun.
COME FOR...
What formal dresses are trending for 2026? Turn around.
This season, some of the best dresses save the detail for the back.
Low scoops, lace-up finishes, racer shapes and ruffles make the exit every bit as good as the entrance.
Find an open-back dress at H&M or Scanlan Theodore, then keep the hair up and let the detail do the work. Add stacked earrings from Swarovski and a heel from David Jones.
What colours are trending for formal dresses in 2026? Catch the light.
Formal season is turning up the shine. Soft pastels, liquid metallics and embellished finishes catch the light and the phone flash beautifully.
Try a pastel dress from Aje, something metallic from Rebecca Vallance or an embellished style from Scanlan Theodore. Then add jewellery from David Jones and let the dress do the talking.
It's your formal. A little drama is allowed.
What suits are trending for school formals in 2026? Double up.
The super-slim suit is making room for something with a little more presence. Double-breasted jackets, broader lapels and relaxed trousers bring a stronger shape to formal dressing without making it feel stuffy.
Find a double-breasted suit at MJ Bale or Peter Jackson, then add a shirt from BOSS, polished shoes from Florsheim and the tie or no tie - that makes it yours.
Sharp, confident and ready for the photos.
What could you wear to Spring Racing in 2026? Go all in on colour.
Race-day dressing is getting bolder again. Tomato red, royal blue, orange, aqua and pink are made to be noticed, with colour running form the dress right through to the shoes and millinery.
Find a statement dress from Scanlan Theodore, heels from Aje and a fascinator or hat from Myer. The colours don't need to be identical, they just need to look like they belong in the same conversation.
Prefer to keep it classic? Black and white still knows exactly what it's doing.
What accessories are trending for Spring Racing 2026? Finish the colour story.
The dress might start the look, but race day is all about what comes next.
A sculptural fascinator from David Jones. A soft pouch bag from Forever New. Statement earrings at Aje. A heel from David Jones that can handle a day on your feet, and, ideally, the grass.
Build the look piece by piece, then step back and see how it all comes together. On race day, the details are part of the event. 
What should you wear to a spring wedding in 2026? Dress for the invitation.
Spring weddings are a very good reason to find something new. Soft pastels, open packs, romantic ruffles and fluid draping bring just enough occasion without feeling overly formal.
Find a dress from Aje or Rebecca Vallance, than add shoes from David Jones, a bag from Myer and jewellery from Lovisa.
Garden ceremony, city reception or somewhere by the water, start with where you're gong, then find the dress that makes you want to RSVP yes.
STAY FOR...
What make-up is trending for formals in 2026? Bring on the blush.
The dress is sorted. Now for the face. Pink blush is back with a little more presence, lips are lined and softly defined, and lashes are ready for their close-up.
Book an appointment at Mecca, find the right blush and lip combination at Sephora, or pick up lashes from Oz Hair and Beauty for the finishing touch.
You came for the dress. Stay for the look that makes it feel like yours.
How do I get formal ready at Canberra Centre? Go full glamour.
Once the outfit is sorted, it's time for the transformation. Book your make-up at David Jones or Myer, hair at Moe and Co, and add lashes or a fresh manicure at Blossom Nail Arts.
This is the night to go a little more polished, a little more glamorous and make the whole getting-ready ritual part of the event.
You came for the dress or suit. Stay until you're formal-ready.
Dive into Occasion Season
Find everything you need to get event-ready at Canberra Centre.
In store now.
