Australians just get summer. We’re essentially pre-programmed to. Speak to any expat you know whose jumped ship to London or New York and you’ll quickly gauge how useless we are in anything less than fifteen degrees (and how affectionately they now perceive North Face black puffers; basically an urban wardrobe myth Sydney-side). Sun, skin, sand, bikinis at 5:30pm, over-swim to dinner, salty hair, and repeat for three to four months. Or until you can smugly bomb Instagram with a Europe trip over winter; in which case, consider yourself unfollowed.
In the spirit of a seasonal changeover and a gradual peel back of the layers, we’re dipping our toe in: let’s talk accessories. I’ve rounded up the top ten pieces to invest in now for a little island dreaming later.
The ‘70s Crossbody
It’s the era on everyone’s lips: paisley, billowed sleeves, longer lengths. Play Stevie Nicks in a throwback tan crossbody for everyday.
Saint Laurent Monogramme medium suede shoulder bag
$2,993.95
Seed Ring Detail Bag, $89.95
Seedheritage.com.au
Deadly Ponies Mr. Chain Mail bag, $649
Deadlyponies.com
Coach Pebble Small Shadow Crossbody Bag, $665
coachaustralia.com
The Lace-Up
Being stitched-up might not sound like such a fun concept outside of accessories, but in the case of shoes we’re all about it. Look for styles that extend above the ankle so as not to cut you off – or stick to sandals where all the action sits on the bridge of your foot.
Jimmy Choo Rosana velvet and satin pumps
$901.91
net-a-porter.com
Seed Braided Lace-Up Gladiator, $129.95
Seedheritage.com.au
Witchery Lara Strappy Heel, $179.95
witchery.com.au
The Tennis Sneaker
Leisurewear need not delve into dag-town. Tidy up your act in a fresh white lace-up on court and off. Bonus points for diving into metallic (FYI – this is white denim’s BFF).
Common Projects Achilles Retro metallic leather sneakers, $406.65
net-a-porter.com
Witchery Liam Sneaker, $129.95
witchery.com.au
Country Road Verity Sneaker, $129
Countryroad.com.au
The Ornamentals
There’s no ‘look but don’t touch’ rules here. Ornate detailing and embellishments were everywhere internationally this season. They don’t equate to dainty, either – introduce a bit of swagger by pairing them with light-wash denims or black for night.
Dolce & Gabbana Crystal-embellished suede ankle boots, $1,553.20
net-a-porter.com
Italia Independent Pearl Embellished Velvet Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $265
matchesfashion.com
ASOS ROCK CITY Pointed Embellished Ankle Boots, $111.00
Asos.com/au
The Textured Wide-Brim
Hang up the wintery felts; we’re making way for lighter, brighter fabrications come summertime. A textured, gently worn-in wide-brim or panama is the perfect warmer weather replacement (and subtly hints at endless summers – just what we’re after).
Country Road Textured Fedora, $69.95
Countryroad.com.au
Sarah J. Curtis Natural straw with black ribbon hat, $540
sarahjcurtis.com
Filù Hats Koh Samui wide-brimmed straw hat, $547
matchesfashion.com
The Espadrille Slide
Less is more – our summer mantra, really – and last season’s hero flat has had a little new season rework. Open-backed espadrilles are making a case for hero flat number deux. Stock up in every neutral.
Seed Elsa Espadrille Slide, $39.95
Seedheritage.com.au
Witchery Winona Espadrille, $89.95
witchery.com.au
French Connection Lucya Sandal, $99.95
Frenchconnection.com.au
The Black Timepiece
Despite whether you’re pro or dismissive about the Apple watch, one thing’s for sure – black wrist wear is back. Think sleek and sporty in clean, minimal styles.
Mimco Sportivo Timepiece, $279
Mimco.com.au
DKNY Stanhope Black Ceramic Watch, $235
Watchstation.com
Michael Kors Slim Runway Black Tone Watch, $195
Watchstation.com
The Ear Candy
Shelve the chandeliers of old: this season we’re talking more complex geometries. A simple earring hanging in front of your lobe seems old hat these days; forwards, backwards, sideways, it’s all fair game to the humble earring now. For those who don’t fancy a drop, try an ‘ear jacket’, the crystals sit under the lobe for a more subtle effect.
Mimco Atomica Ear Bar, $79.95 and the Go To Chain Earrings, $59.95
Mimco.com.au
Country Road Hex Chain Earring, $49.95
Countryroad.com.au
Thomas Sabo Sterling Silver Ear Jackets, $219.00
thomassabo.com
The Neck Scarf
Channel a little Keith Richards (in fashion – not lifestyle, ideally) in a skinny, long-line neck scarf. An easy injection of 70’s over summer dresses and shirting.
Witchery Skinny Silk Scarf, $59.95
witchery.com.au
Rockins’ printed silk scarf, $122.66
net-a-porter.com
Pieces Riola Skinny Scarf, $16.50
asos.com/au
The Print: Marble
Carrara marble might make up a majority of our interior dreams (and Pinterest boards, truth be told), so it’s no surprise this finish is now rippling through our wardrobe’s. Much, much more cost effective than a slab of it, might I add.
Seed Marble iPhone case (5 and 6 versions available), $12.95
Seedheritage.com.au
Country Road Rectangle Stone Cuff, $129
Countryroad.com.au
French Connection Stone Choker, $69.95
Frenchconnection.com.au
Balenciaga Le Dix Mini Marble Leather Clutch, $1,370
matchesfashion.com
