Want to look sweet as pavlova on the best day in the Aussie calendar?
We love the 26th of January – it’s a great chance to parade the best summer trends at your Australia Day parties. Here are our favourite picks for dresses, shoes and accessories galore.
Doing green and gold? You’re in luck – metallics are a huge hit this season. Ladylike silhouettes are everywhere – go with the Lowie Prom Dress at ASOS, a 1940s-style short silhouette with divine cap sleeves in gold brocade. Or, if you’re feeling more romantic, pick Alannah Hill’s Bloody Valentine dress in mint green.
If you just want a hit of green-and-gold in an otherwise demure outfit, we’re loving the Maharaja jewelled necklace at Mimco. It unites all the major trends: volume, chains, big jewels and a green punch.
The other big hit? Prints. We’re particularly in love with the Orla Kiely Around The World dress – with a Peter Pan collar it’s brilliantly on-trend, and the prints of sailing ships are pitch-perfect for a day watching the yachts on the harbour.
If you want to look more modern and abstract, the Riveting Reflections dress by Tracy Reese at Modcloth is divine – a 1950s hemline covered in digital prints of rich sunset colours. Perfect for a cocktail party by the beach.
And if you’re up for a looser, more casual silhouette, go for the Floral One-Shoulder Swing Dress by Traffic People at ASOS (pictured). It’s loose, pleated and covered in a Monet-esque floral pleat – absolutely spot-on for summer.
We’re all about beach parties and BBQs on Australia Day, which means appropriate footwear. The flat sandal this year has gone past the Grecian look of 2011 and into something a bit cooler: architectural minimalism and studs. Versace and Alexander Wang are both doing sleek, stripped-back flat sandals with ankle straps.
Can’t afford high-end? Not to worry – Dune is currently having a 70% sale on all its studded flat sandals. If you’re really feeling fashion-forward, go for a flatform (a thick platform on a flat sandal) – Topshop has one in neat brown leather.
Let’s talk accessories. This is the day for big and bright – no tiny things that can be lost in the sand or the park. Big-look bangles are still in this season, but smaller ones that stack are the big news. Pair several together in different textures – we’re loving Sportsgirl’s current metal bangles and knotted charm bands. Result? Bang on-trend.
Earrings are all the rage under a summer up-do – and, as we told you recently, big is definitely better. Go for an ear cuff for an edgier party. Jacquie Aiche at Shopstyle Australia has a pretty one which spells ‘Love’ in yellow gold, or for something sleeker pick the Telepathic Ear Cuff at Shopbop, with its delicate quartz pendant and minimal lines.
A hint: if you want to get in on the neon look, go for greens or blues. Yellows are too harsh beside the face. We’re liking yoox’s Almala earrings, which are delicate cut-outs with a neon green punch.
And get yourself into a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Our favourites? The Cancer Council’s SunSmart range – they come in a huge variety of colours, are big-brimmed (a massive trend overseas) and are guaranteed to keep you safe from burning.
