Beaded Belts, Polka Dot Bathers and More Pieces Our Editors Are Wearing All Summer Long

Between the weddings, work Christmas parties, spontaneous beach trips, and dramatic Christmas lunches, summer in Australia is a marathon, not a sprint. With a calendar that busy – and travel often on the cards – your wardrobe needs to be able to keep up. The real question is: how do you stay true to your style when you’re constantly on the move? And how do you find pieces that look just as good at the beach as they do at the bar?

Luckily, our editors have gathered their ultimate summer wishlists. This season, we’re focusing on comfort, versatility and the local labels that deliver polish without the fuss. We’re embracing high-rotation heroes like Mise the Label’s sculptural belts, sheer layering dresses, and the perfect tailored trousers. These intentional fashion picks will effortlessly see you through the entire season. See you out there.

Gitika Garg, assistant editor – art, design and style

All I want is a stack of Dinosaur Designs bangles to cover my wrists. Is that too much to ask? My dream set would include this resin and silver style, this cloud-like colourway and an all-silver polished number. I simply would never take them off. And while we’re here, I’ve had this matching ring on my wishlist, too.

Summer days (where are you?!) are getting me excited about capri silhouettes. This relaxed ’fit from Love and Nostalgia is low-slung and has fun drawstring details. I’d style it with a perfectly cut tank from Flore Flore and some kitten heels. These ones from Studio Amelia are a cut above the basic flip-flop styles I’m seeing around. A few more things on my wishlist: this asymmetric mini from Mais X Frida, a new pair of Asics (I’ve got my eye on these bad boys) and this mauve bikini from Slate Swim.

James Williams, creative solutions manager

I tried on these Japanese Selvedge jeans from Neuw the other day and have since added them to my cart. They’re a deep indigo wash with a sleek, structured stack that perfects a stylish jeans-and-tee look. I need some new sunnies, and I’m leaning towards the old-school Wayfarer, which seems to be a polarising choice (ba-dum tss) among my friends, but I think it’s a classic look. I’m also loving the Wonder model from the Korean footwear brand Deviation. And it’s definitely a wishlist item, but Jean Paul Gaultier’s shirts are doing it for me lately – especially this Water-look shirt and this X-ray-like one.

Simone Richardson, shopping editor

I’m calling it: this is the summer of accessories. Belts, bangles, hair pins – we’re about to see the lot, stat. Instead of chasing trend pieces, I’m leaning into artisanal finds I’ll cherish forever. On my list: a sculptural hand-blown glass ring, a vintage-inspired hair clip and St Agni’s new belt collab with the bead-chiefs at Vermeer.

My wardrobe is craving basics, so this chocolate-hued T-shirt and ’00s-esque poplin skort have caught my eye. Off dry land, I’m switching to low-rise shorts for ocean swims – and since I already have the matching bikini top, everything will play nicely together.

My Keens are a bit thrashed, so I’m ready to invest in a new pair. This silver-strappy style has been on my wishlist forever, but tracking them down in Australia is proving… fun. Wish me luck!

Evie Baker, photo editor

My mind has been consumed by this belt from the New Zealand brand Mise the Label. The belt – made from nylon and spandex to mimic swimmers – features hand-poured resin hardware. I’m particularly excited to style it with the Kera Dress.

I’ve been lusting over this summer-ready skirt by small Melbourne label Little Yarn for at least six months. A grey midi skirt made from jersey mesh? Say no more. On the local label front, I’m also loving the Amara mini dress from Modalita Vacanza. The two-piece comes with a chocolate slip and sheer chiffon overlay. Perfect to wear on its own or over pants – my personal favourite styling option.

A fresh pair of Asics will keep me cool and comfy during the warmer months – the Gel-Nimbus 10.1 style in ironclad/graphite grey ticks all my boxes. Finally, I can never have too many pairs of loungewear pants. I’ll be sporting the Emma Thermal Low Rise Pants from the couch to morning coffee runs.

Meg Nolan, social media performance executive

My ideal summer ’fit is a white Neuw Denim singlet and a strong rotation of jeans/pants to go with it. The key to pulling this off is great accessories that add personality, so that is my goal this month.

First, the pants – I’m tossing up between these dusty green Friends with Frank cargo pants, and these white loose-fit jeans. I’ve also had my eye on these gorgeous Hansen & Gretel chilli pepper jeans, and am in desperate need of a pair of longline denim shorts now that the weather is heating up.

Now for the fun part – a beaded belt is at the very top of my wishlist, and I can’t go past the Pouli Belt by Wonwontutu. A hat is non-negotiable, and this Sir one is very fun – either in midnight or apple. I’ve also developed strong feelings towards beaded necklaces as of late, and am tossing up between something plain or something fun like this octopus masterpiece from Minerva.

Last but not least, a dress. Maybe it’s just because it’s giving me flashbacks to Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush, but something about this effortless black maxi is calling my name.

Holly Bodeker Smith, newsletter editor

After years of dreaming, I’m ready to fall asleep in Suku Home’s buttery bamboo pyjamas. Also, for a family wedding this month, I’m eyeing a re-wearable Kowtow dress that’s got the all-important pockets. In terms of everyday wear, I’m in love with this black Sandro dress – I plan to keep it in constant rotation, even if it makes me look slightly like I’m in mourning. While the sun is out, my love for tailored trousers remains. This particular pair is perfect for transitioning from the office to a wine bar all summer long.

Finally, it wouldn’t be an Aussie summer without some new togs. Since my favourite Hakea Chacahua Surf Suit has been my staple for eight years, it’s finally time to invest in the Mariposa top and Santiago bottoms. And to keep me shaded at the beach, I’m finally pressing go on a waxed washi paper cap from Melbourne brand DNJ Paper.

Maggie Zhou, fashion editor-at-large

My current fashion wishlist leans quite practical, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish, too. Summer’s well and truly on the way, and I’m in need of some nice sandals (not that there’s anything wrong with my faithful Tevas, but a girl needs something a bit more put-together). I’m looking at Melbourne-made label Post Sole Studio and its sling-back mule in coffee; I love its adjustable buckles and multiple ways of wear. Speaking of summer, I'm eyeing off a pair of sunnies from Christopher Esber’s Specsavers collab. My mum picked up a pair of optical glasses from the collection, and I'm suitably jealous.

This year, I’ve been wearing a lot of elevated lounge pants and have gotten used to the comfort of an elastic waistband. Bassike’s Pique stripe detail pant fits the brief for a new addition. On the comfort train, I’m considering purchasing Boody’s wireless T-shirt bamboo bra; the mulberry colourway is gorgeous.

I take adding jewellery to my collection pretty seriously, so I’ve been enamoured by my new KTO Humerous ring. It was handcrafted in Castlemaine using cuttlefish casting; it’s truly a special piece. Melbourne label Cleopatra’s Bling is also a favourite, and I’m considering picking up these beautiful Urraca earrings.

Gabriella Dolfo, sales and partnerships manager

On my summer wishlist, shoes take top billing. On the list, the Our Legacy Camion mules – comfy, buckle-y, and effortlessly perfect for any occasion. Right alongside them is the Paloma Wool draped dress, which can be dressed up or down, and pairs beautifully with the Simone Rocha red drip earrings – I’m embracing a red and blue combo this season.

I’ve been searching for the perfect charm bracelet forever, but it seems I stopped looking the moment I found the Chopova Lowena piece. For beach days, the Nu Swim polka dot one-piece is exactly the fit any girl could dream of. And to carry all my summer essentials? The Le Febour Everything Bag, roomy enough to hold everything I might need, and then some.

Steph Vigilante, head of social

I’m itching for warmer weather, but I’m also heading to London for Christmas – which means my fashion wishlist currently traverses seasons. At the top of the list is Scarlet and Sam’s bomber in plum to see me through some very cold days. And this Rosette cardi and leggings pyjama set from Fruity Booty will be a cosy (and cute) way to wake up on Christmas Day.

Bridging the seasonal gap is a pair of Thistles sunglasses – needed for both beach and snow days. I’ve also just added this metal ring belt to the cart. Finally, do I need a new suitcase? No. But if I did (and had the budget), the Rimowa Check-In would be top of the list.

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