Schools almost out (for some it is already) the temperatures are starting to rise (Melbourne’s trying OK!) Christmas is 10 days away (eeek!) and holidays are on the cards for many of us.
At this time of year its nice to put aside the daily uniform, throw your hair in a pony tail and leave the house wearing some blush and lippy knowing that most other women will be doing exactly the same thing.
So, as a personal stylist, I put together a list of 10 casual wardrobe items to get you through this time. So whether you’re holidaying beachside, enjoying a staycation in your own city or heading off overseas to somewhere equally warm, these items have you covered from morning til night.
Every single item can be worn together – you can mix and match it all.
Minimum pieces, maximum value. We like that.
1. Denim Jacket
Yes denim jackets are back. And THEY.GO.WITH.EVERYTHING.
Top picks: Dotti $79.95 Topshop approx. $90 (below) Skin and Threads $260
2. Cotton t-shirt dress (stripes optional)
Lightweight, breathable and machine washable. The perfect summer no-fuss item.
Top picks: Sportsgirl $39.95 (on sale) Trenery $119 (below) Bassike $150 (Sally’s fave)
3. Denim shorts OR denim skirt
Take your pick – are you a skirt girl or are shorts more your thing? Choose a length that suits your shape and flatters your legs (avoid finishing at the widest point of your thighs) If you opt for a slim style, they pretty much take the place of skinny jeans and you can wear all your same tops.
Top skirt picks: Just Jeans straight knee length $69.95 Sportsgirl A-line $69.95 Viktoria and Woods pencil skirt $259
Top shorts picks: Nobody denim $149 (below) Just Jeans mid-thigh $59.95 Jeans West boyfriend $59.05
4. Soft pant (elasticated waist compulsory)
When it’s warm or you’ve just had one too many pieces of Christmas cake or triple brie, there’s nothing better than an elastic waistband! This style of pant is also so much more comfortable when you’re on holidays than skinny jeans, and more stylish (much, much more) than leggings 🙂
Top picks: Country Road linen (below) $119 Witchery $99.95 Sportscraft linen $149.99
5. White OR Grey Tee
Whether its a scoop, vee, crew or boat neck, ensure its good quality. Why? White t-shirts, in particular,require regular washing (fake tan anyone?) so you want to choose a fabric that will wash and wear well. Linen is also a great option.
Top picks: Saba scoop in organic cotton (below) Country Road white linen $79.95 Jac and Jack linen $110
6. White sneakers
If you don’t have a pair of white sneakers by now, what on earth not?
Top picks: Deuce at Merchant $149.90 (so many great options and VERY comfy) Lacoste $159.95 (below) Target $20
7. Striped tee
Seriously, if you haven’t shopped with us and don’t own a striped tee, get one! I don’t care about the colour – black and white, navy and white, red and white – the striped tee is a classic and sophisticated style for any age and body type (narrower stripes are most flattering)
Top picks: Saba 3/4 sleeve (below) David Lawrence $79.00 Witchery $59.95
8. Sandals
I like to be able to slip something straight onto my feet in summer (and no I’m not talking about thongs) and this seasons slides are the perfect summer shoe to help ease you into your day.
Top picks: Wittner silver $139.95 Jo Mercer tan $139.95 Midas white $128 (below)
9. Hat
Now comes the practical and functional piece, the sun hat. Hats are very fashionable but choose one that provides you with not only style but sun protection.
Top picks: Sportscraft fedora (below) $59.95 Sportsgirl sunhat $14.98 (on sale) Lack of Colour straw boater $59
10. Printed Scarf
A simple accessory that can add that bit of punch to your outfit. It can also provide some additional sun protection when you need it. If you want to wear your scarf with your new striped tee, choose a print with the same colours. Leopard print also works very well with stripes and white.
Inspo below.
Category: Animal Print, Casual Style, Denim Jacket, Personal Style, Sneakers, Style Advice, Summer Fashion