Fashion: Beachy keen

Photos / Guy Coombes

Seaside motifs and colours offer a new spin on that classic nautical look.

While it's finally beginning to feel like those brilliant summer days have arrived, it's time to think about what to wear off duty, whether for a weekend away or perhaps for the entire summer break.

Time by the sea is a part of our lifestyle. It's easy to be inspired by the sights, colours and textures of being at the beach. Rather than focus on preppy, nautical colours that can sometimes veer towards kitsch; classic chambray and preppy cream and red can be mixed in with more organic textures and colours.

From the fun ocean print dress by Stolen Girlfriends Club (#2) to the shades of ocean spray from Aim (#1), there's plenty on offer to inspire a mood of rest and relaxation.

Natural linens are another key fabric for summer and Vanishing Elephant's linen dress (#3) is the perfect example, complete with quirky, oversized polka dots. Belted at the waist and worn with summer sandals, it's perfect for wearing to casual outdoor events such as garden parties, weddings and a day at the races (just add a straw hat).

Denim is important to this idea of casual seaside dressing, and for those brave enough to add a touch of the Cote d'Azur to the look, play with light to white denim jeans and skirts. Worn with off-the-shoulder tops, brown sandals and tousled hair, it's a look that nods to those classic icons of casual cool on holiday on the Riviera. From Betty Catroux to Jane Birkin, there's a reason why they've provided the perfect blueprint for polished holiday dressing for so long.

1. Aim slip dress, $399.90. Mi Piaci heels, $280.
2. Stolen Girlfriends Club dress, $379. Stuart Weitzman lace-up heel, $790, from Runway. Mimco chain clutch, $399.
3. Vanishing Elephant dress, POA. Ruby belt, $85.
4. Taylor shirt, $397. Sylvester pinafore, $345. Mimco bangle, $149. Stuart Weitzman lace-up heel, $790, from Runway.
5. Stolen Girlfriends Club ruffle top, $229. Levi's skirt, $89.90. Ruby belt, $85. Stolen Girlfriends Club tote, $385. Mi Piaci lace-up flats, $230.

Stockists

• Aim
• Deadly Ponies (09) 376 3469
• Levi's 0508 501 555
• Mimco (09) 523 2412
• Mi Piaci
• Miss Wilson (09) 367 6865
• Ruby (09) 522 6658
• Runway (09) 522 0808
• Scarpa (09) 358 4140
• Stolen Girlfriends Club (09) 360 3475
• Sylvester (09) 307 3282
• Taylor (09) 929 4539
• Vanishing Elephant