The Queensland Times ePaper

Recipe for a stylish summer

Denim, linen and white, means you’ll be all right

FASHION WITH EMMA CLARKE

THE sun is beating down and temperatures are well in the 30s after 6pm but there are holidays to be had and parties to attend.

Summer in Australia is synonymous with sunburn, sticky nights and scorching hot days but it’s also the festive season, which means togs and flip-flops can’t be a 24/7 uniform.

Trends come and go but summer wardrobe essentials are a sure-fire way to stay cool but dressed for the occasion while making the most of the classic but casual Australian aesthetic. Here’s a tried-and-tested recipe to stay cool but still meet the Christmas party dress code for men and women. Ingredients

A white T-shirt

Avoid looking under-dressed in a T-shirt by opting for a high-quality, well-made piece. Steer clear of thin, cheap material and unhemmed pieces and choose T-shirts that have a classic neckline and enough length to tuck into skirts or pants.

A white shirt

The same rules apply here – choose a piece that is high quality and with attention to detail in the hems and buttons. The white shirt is the evening version of the white T-shirt so don’t be afraid to spend a bit more to get the right piece.

Good-fitting denim

This doesn’t have to be jeans. A denim skirt, jacket or even dress can fit the summer brief just as well. Similarly to the white shirts, make sure it’s high quality and finished with attention to detail. Happily for a summer brief, denim doesn’t have to be dark so feel free to choose a wash-faded finish for a more casual look – although avoid frays. Linen

Literally anything linen – skirts, pants, shirts or jackets. The linen textile is made from plant fibres and is strong, absorbent and dries faster than cotton. It’s also valued for staying cool and fresh in hot and humid weather. Ideal.

Colour

It wouldn’t be summer without colour. Add a splash of personality with coloured accessories or a light jacket. Literally any colour and contribution to the outfit will do but colourful accessories and shoes are the ideal way to mix and match for countless outfit options.

Method

Start with the basics and add the finishing touches.

A solid foundation could consist of a mix of white shirts (depending on the occasion), causal denim and line essentials. For example, start the day with a denim option on the bottom half and white T-shirt, then add a linen jacket and swap the T-shirt for a crisp white shirt for the evening.

Alternatively, invest in a linen set and switch the denim for another linen separate for a more formal aesthetic.

Once the foundations are set, add colour and accessories for personality. One or two additions are ideal for day wear or more casual commitments, while adding a few more layers of colour and texture can dress up a basic outfit for evening wear.

SUMMER FASHION

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2018-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2018-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

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