Is there anything better than long languid days spent beachside or at barbecue with friends? Summer in Australia is certainly a treat and, now, with the spectre of COVID and last year’s bushfires (hopefully) retreating it’s cause for serious celebration. Naturally we need to have something to wear to all these wonderful occasions – and the beauty to go with. Bookmark these pages and ping to partners for last minute gift ideas, or file away for your own New Year style resolutions.
Dresses + Lipsticks
Traditionally earthy shades have been associated with winter wear, but the burnt orange and ochre hues of the season have had a summer reimagining with this fun Shona Joy number (how pretty are those balloon sleeves?). Pair with our latest obsession, Lanolips's Golden Lip Water: a hydrating, sparkling, and oh-so-festive gloss.
A timeless white midi dress is a clever investment that will see you through many a summer, serving as a blank slate that you can wear in a myriad of ways. Opt for a nude eye and lip combo for day-to-day wear, or add a good dose of glamour with Nars' iconic Red Square Lip Pencil.
And for festive summer soirées, this heavenly Palm Noosa dress (and a slick of pretty pink lipstick, like MAC's Powder Kiss in A Little Tamed) is just the ticket for sipping and swirling the night away.
Shona Joy Amaia Balloon Sleeve Shirt Dress
Oroton Linen Twist Front Dress
Palm Noosa Cleopatra Dress
Just add lipstick…
Lanolips Golden Lip Water Lip Balm
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square
MAC Powder Kiss in A Little Tamed
Swimwear + Sunscreens
It stands to reason that Australians make some of the most beautiful swimwear in the world; here are a few offerings we're currently lusting after. Ephemera's Balconette style is such a flattering, feminine cut, and is fitted to your bra – not dress – size: a clever innovation that makes for a better fit. Bondi Born's Colette one-piece offers strong 1990s supermodel vibes, which we are completely here for. And if you're after a two-piece, this high-cut, belted bottoms – paired with its matching bandeau top – is floral perfection.
No summer story can be exhaustive without sun protection, and thankfully a bounty of really good SPFs have hit our shelves this year.
Ephemera Woodstock Balconette One-Piece
Peony Swimwear High Pant Bikini
Bondi Born Colette One-Piece
Just add sunscreen…
Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! Sunscreen
Ella Baché Sportsbloc Great SPF 50+
Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+
Sunglasses + Hats
These statement frames from Gucci ooze '70s chic; add a neutral-toned fedora for a dose of off-duty cool on your way to brunch. These polarised shades from Local Supply are a classic silhouette that will never date, and reasonably priced for their high quality. Paired with an elegant (and sun-smart) boater, and you'll be set for the season. And yes, these are the exact sunnies you recognise from all of Bella Hadid's street style looks; wear with this fun bucket hat from Nonna for a nod to this season's '90s throwback trend.
Local Supply Palace Sunglasses
Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses
Just add a hat…
Lack of Colour Palma Boater
Activewear + Athleisure Beauty
Don't want to take your handbag when doing the Bondi to Bronte? Not a problem: this compact bum bag can take care of your phone and keys, so you can focus on that view. Pop on a chic halterback sports bra and bike shorts, and you'll be ready for whatever the path ahead throws at you.
A smudgeproof mascara is an eternal summer essential, never more so than when exercising. Happily, Covergirl's Outlast Active Mascara was designed and fulfils that very purpose. And then when you get home, nix any residual soreness with this arnica-spiked muscle gel. Then a session with the Theragun will have you feeling ache-free and ready to lace up again in no time.
Nimble Bum Bag
P. E Nation Side Step Sports Bra
Running Bare Power Moves Bike Tights
Just add some more athleisure goodness…
Yuni Beauty Chillax Muscle Gel
Covergirl Outlast Active Makeup
Theragun
Lingerie + Perfume
For everyday wear, Calvin Klein really are a go-to: they're comfy yet cool (a tougher combo to nail than you might think). And on those lowkey days where you still want to feel like you've made an effort, this hair mist from Jo Malone is the perfect compromise between informality yet still feeling groomed.
If you're after a chic pair of pyjamas for unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, you can't go past these feathered beauties for a serious dose of chic. While Marilyn Monroe is famously supposed to have wore only Chanel No. 5 to bed, you might prefer their Coco Mademoiselle L'Eau Privée, a light and intimate scent designed specifically for night wear.
For Christmas day, the Christina bra from Heidi Klum is both glamorous and festive; pair with a scent inspired by a gin cocktail for the perfect combo for celebrating.
Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Bralette
Sleeper Feather-Trimmed Pyjamas
Just add perfume…
Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Hair Mist
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle L'Eau Privée
A.N. Other FR/2018 Parfum
Sandals and Pedis
Birkenstocks are enjoying a happy time in the fashion spotlight at the moment, and while their Proenza Schouler collaboration was quickly snapped up earlier this year, you can still nab their classic Arizona style in silver which has a similar look. Red nail polish is basically a neutral in our books; we're pairing our Birkenstocks with this chic Essie hue with an appropriately festive name.
K. Jacques's sandals are handmade in St Tropez and count Inès de la Fressange and Kate Moss as fans; if you're looking to invest in a pair that you'll love and wear for years to come, their Loki style are timeless. A cheerful pink like Sally Hansen's Peachy Breeze would be the perfect summery pedi to match.
Nine West's Gianna slides have the feel of a particular beloved pair of designer sandals, but without the heavy price tag. And if you can't quit the neutrals even in the height of summer, Smith & Cult's Doe My Dear is the perfect perennial taupe that looks oh-so-chic year round.
K. Jacques Loki Sandals
Just add a pedi…
Essie Bubbles Only
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Peachy Breeze
Smith and Cult Doe My Dear
*Words by Sigourney Cantelo and Tess de Vivie de Régie. Photography by Camilla Quiddington. Hair and makeup by Jess Diez. Interior styling by Kristin Rawson. Shot on location at Seaforth Casa. *
