The Edit: Six Great Summer Outfits.
A mix of high/low, Australian brands and breastfeeding-friendly fits...
Is it just me, or do you, too, find dressing for the summer much more challenging than the cooler months? Sure, it's fun to slink around town in Matteau sundresses (no one does it better), with Crown Affair air-dried hair and a skerrick of (Merit) makeup; sometimes the occasion calls for something more. Some layers and depth and personality. So, how does one pull together a fantastic outfit without just throwing on a beaded accessory for the sake of throwing on a beaded accessory? In saying that, I'm pretty fond of the WONWONTUTU X SIR beaded belt that is adorning the hips of all the Aussie cool girls.
Cool girl belt aside, what does make a great summer outfit? Or any outfit for that matter. To me, it’s the detail. It’s the fabric and fit (do I size up or down?) just as much as it is the accessories that lift an outfit and bonus points if those accessories are functional, too. With so many trends flying around our algorithms, it’s becoming harder to pinpoint what I like, or more than that, what I will actually wear.
So, I find myself making lists. A concoction of screenshots, links saved in my notes app, emails to my husband titled “gifts for your favourite wife” and then there are also the paper lists (I’m still finding these in my jacket pockets!). But that all changed last year when I was introduced to Carted. A clever wishlist shopping app I have been obsessing over since its inception (I first partnered with them here). Now, all I do is save anything that catches my eye, then create a more defined collection. From there I compare prices across various sites (including Etsy, eBay, Vestiaire etc.) and wait for certain products to go on sale. If I’m too slow (which I often am), I lookout for the back in stock notification and nab the product on the spot. They’re starting to roll out even more features which means I now add my preferred size and colour, which really counts when waiting for high demand pieces to return eg. anything
recommends.I have partnered with Carted for this fine-tuned summer edit of adaptable base pieces and intentional accessories. As always, I've set the scene for real-life scenarios–this is my signature. Recommending pieces that work with my (read: our) life. Because, well, what’s the point of an edit if it’s not wearable and shoppable?
Now, let's dive in…
01. THE SCENE— It's the weekend and you desperately need a coffee and a swim. If you have kids, they have other ideas, like riding bikes and hitting the park. You need something quick, versatile and comfortable to put on.
E SOLUTION—FISHERMAN PANTS
The appeal of the fisherman pants is that they aren't particularly flattering on anyone. They have this nonchalantness about them that I like. Effortless yet interesting. The perfect summer pants. Comfortable and versatile, and the fold-over waist adds a layer without adding a layer. The white pair proves this style can be dressed up and perhaps even double as work pants. It would look great with a heel, too!
ACCESSORIES NOTES
An interesting water bottle, a textured bag, and, if you want to really go for it, a beaded necklace all play their part in taking fisherman pants from looking soggy to chic.
02. THE SCENE—The stars have aligned, and so have your schedules. You've received a last-minute brunch invite with girlfriends (child-free!), dinner at your local pub, or a summer date night.
THE SOLUTION—A MATCHING SET
A matching cotton set screams easy summer dressing. But let's not reserve them for ultra-casual settings. I like the idea of adding metallic accessories for summer events or even consider a skirt (like this striped one), which could also be worn with a tee or a sheer off-the-shoulder top with a pair of kitten heels.
ACCESSORIES NOTES
Dress down with a pair of leather thongs or dress up with intentional jewellery, i.e., it doesn't have to be a statement, but something metallic always gives an edge. Love or loathe it, a mesh ballet flat is perfect for summer and so versatile. I love that this basket bag adds structure and balance to a cotton set's relaxed disposition.
03. THE SCENE—Hosting a summer soiree or if you have kids, it's more than likely a barbecue and pool/slip 'n' slide party where you may be able to slightly relax while the kids entertain themselves, and invitation from a friend with a boat (lucky you), cocktails at sunset or a Friday night wine and debrief with girlfriends.
ACCESSORIES NOTES
At the beginning of this post, I mentioned subtle but intentional accessories–the Lapis bead detailing on a gold anklet (sadly limited edition) adds a summer vibe without distracting from the tonal outfit, and the azure silk scrunchie is both luxurious and functional.
04. THE SCENE—You're on vacation and want to roll from the beach to the bar, pool to the bar, or anywhere to the bar. You may feel uneasy about your changing body (hello, fellow postpartum mummas!) or just simply desire a chic resort outfit to wear to the buffet breakfast and beyond.
THE SOLUTION—SHIRT & SARONG COMBO
A sarong is obvious, but the key to this look is a crisp white shirt, as shown in image 1. by TOTEME. A stiff cotton, not a relaxed linen shirt, is required to make this look polished. A travel steamer may also be a good idea!
ACCESSORIES NOTES
A good quality beach towel (waiting for my Carted alert on this one to come back in stock), a gold anklet that you can swim in, and a raffia hat to add texture and sun protection (melasma girlies unite!). A leather agenda/diary (there are tons of these second-hand and for a great price) to make notes and hold your passport because if you're like me, you may be OOO, but your mind is still ticking over.
05. THE SCENE—It's your birthday party, anniversary, hot date or anything that involves good food, great wine, a little dancing and a cheeky martini.
THE SOLUTION—GO SHEER
I love sheers, but I am not daring enough to go completely sheer, so laying with a pair of high-waisted (is there any other kind?!) wide-legged pants makes showing some skin less daunting.
ACCESSORIES NOTES
A little bling goes a long way when you're wearing something sheer. Choose one piece of noticeable jewellery and roll it with that to not steal the limelight from the sheer element. An earring, a necklace, whatever feels right for you. There are a lot of organic-shaped metal bags out at the moment, and this shell-like clutch is playful for summer.
06. THE SCENE—When the dress code is smart/casual, they said "bring the kids, it'll be fun!". It's a daytime, in-between time like brunch or before dark. You'd like to be comfortable but put-together.
THE SOLUTION—SHORTS
I never thought I'd be the one to recommend shorts, but shorts have been a game-changer for me this summer, especially these ones. Perfect for pairing with a shirt or a tank and thongs to wrangle kids or dressing up with a heel and a more feminine style top to balance out the masculinity of a longer style pair of shorts, which is my preference. The versatility of shorts truly knows no bounds.
Fit note: size up for a mid waist relaxed fit.
ACCESSORIES NOTES
To elevate a pair of shorts, think about the mix of materials. Silk and satin make an otherwise casual style feel luxurious, as does a lavish piece of jewellery.
Jade x
P.S. I’d love your feedback on this edit. Let me know what style conundrums you’re having–perhaps you need help with workwear or WTF to wear to a kid’s birthday party.
What an edit. Thank you for including us. H x