Time to get casual, with our summer checklist - easy pieces that will form the backbone of your holiday wardrobe.
The easy-peasy summer dress
Also known as the dress for lazy people; a lightweight sundress that will be worn every second day during your summer break. Throw it on in the morning with sandals, and wear it into the evening. They're also possibly the easiest thing to shop for
- they're everywhere, in every colour. But we do especially like this polka dot silk cotton dress.
Example: Ruby "Billy" dress, $309.
The new shorts
But please: no denim cut-offs, which the Viva team would like to issue a complete summer ban on. That style has been ubiquitous during the warmer months for the past few years, and it's time for a fresh alternative, of which there are many. Like Twenty-seven Names' high-waisted culottes, Lonely Hearts' preppy mid-length pleated shorts in floral or check print, Stolen Girlfriends Club's sporty cotton jersey rollups or Salasai's slouchy draw string unisex shorts in grey marl.
Example: Salasai "Reckless" shorts, $295.
Sandals, not jandals
Jandals: great for the beach but not so great everywhere else. Resist the urge to wear your Havaianas absolutely everywhere this summer by investing in a pair of wear-with-everything-else-on-this-list sandals. Neutral shades and simple shapes will go with everything, day or night; we like these leather sandals from Number One Shoes, Chaos & Harmony's strappy "Exodus" flats, and Kathryn Wilson's "Natalie" sandal in a black, beige and white combo.
Example: Number One Shoes leather "Xarles" sandal, $39.99.
Comfy pants
If denim doesn't seem as appealing once the weather warms up but you're still partial to trousers, a pair of lightweight pants will become an essential summer staple. Australian label Bassike have a great range of slouchy pants, as do Sass & Bide, who clearly have a penchant for patterned pants this summer. Locally, we like Salasai's cropped "Baggies" with elasticated waistband, Blak Basics' grey three-quarter length "Fancy tracks" and Deborah Sweeney's drop crotch "Wrap" pant - modern takes on the classic trackpant.
Example: Country Road grey zipper pants, $99.
The bucket hat
Being sun smart is so hot right now - so protect yourself in a hat. Classic bucket hats have appeared in collections from Ruby and Kate Sylvester, both offering them in prints from their summer ranges if you want to match your outfit to your hat. Karen Walker has done headgear too: a studded wide-brim felt hat, perfect for channelling your inner Marianne Faithfull in the sun.
Example: Kate Sylvester "Camo" hat, $145
Retro swimwear
We are seriously impressed by the variety and price of the swimwear selection at Glassons this summer. The retro-inspired high-waisted sets are our favourites, including a classic black bikini set with zip detail, and the cute polka dot style, pictured, which also comes in red. Australian label Lover always do a fantastic range of retro-inspired swimwear too, albeit a tad more expensive - this summer the range features wooden beading, peephole detailing, lace cropped tops and 70s prints. (Selected pieces from Lover Swim are available from Superette stores).
Example: Glassons polka dot bikini, $29.99.
Something maxi
The maxi-length trend has morphed from 1970s billowy dresses and skirts to something much more refined and sleek. Simple floor-length singlet dresses feel like a modern way to wear the look for summer - try Lonely Hearts' "Baseline" dress with racerback and quirky embroidered crocodile logo, or the simple maxi-length dresses with humorous bunny and racoon prints in the new Topshop Unique collection which recently arrived in New Zealand. For something more glamorous there's the sheer floor-sweeping "Georgette" dress with chain detail around the neckline from Sylvester, or the draped, ruched green "Odette" dress from the main Kate Sylvester line.
Example: Topshop Unique "Racoon" dress, $185, from Karen Walker at The Department Store.
Carry it all
Tote bags, overnight bags, beach bags, weekender bags, woven shopper, book bags: casual carry alls are made for summertime. These are bags that hold more than just your handbag essentials, and will take you from the supermarket to the beach. Some of our favourites have a sportswear feel, like Twenty-seven Names' lightweight roll bag, Deadly Ponies' "Mr Bunny" bag made from towelling, Sylvester's large striped tote or Citta's smart casual handbag.
Example: Citta "Market" bag with leather handles, $90.70.
Casual tee
Summer isn't all light and airy sundresses, and you'll need a casual top to go with those casual pants. Printed boyfriend tees are the easiest option of course - Stolen Girlfriends Club have released various beach-inspired prints, and Karen Walker's printed tees for summer are delightfully quirky with flies, music notes, daisies, strawberries and a logo for the fake "Walker Farms". Or for something smarter, try a loose, breezy shirt, like this cotton shirt with double collar from Twenty-seven Names.
Example: Twenty seven Names "Twelfth Night" shirt, $270.