spring wardrobe Archives - Kate Waterhouse

The Aussie labels I’m shopping for spring

18th September, 2023

Shopping for my spring/summer wardrobe is always one of my favourite things to do because I love the lightweight, easy breezy pieces that are around this time of year. I have my go-to labels when it comes to pieces that are perfect for the upcoming warmer weather and they’re all homegrown. Australian brands do resortwear so beautifully and really know how to build a collection that’s perfectly suited for long balmy days without compromising on style.

Before buying anything I always review what I already own to see what gaps I need to fill, or where I can use new pieces to build on existing looks. For me, it’s all about beautiful dresses, simple cuts and breathable fabrics. I live near the beach so I tend to favour lots of relaxed pieces that I can easily wear from home to sand then out to drinks or wherever the day may take me. And this spring, these are the brands I’m all about.

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Bondi Born

If you want elevated swimwear that’s sleek and sexy you can’t go past Bondi Born. I think Aussie brands just know how to do swim so beautifully and I’m never disappointed with what I see from this brand. The swimsuit I’m wearing above is from a previous collection and it’s so perfect for relaxing by the pool or at the beach, but it can also double as a bodysuit by pairing with with wide leg pants or a skirt or shorts. The cuts are super flattering and I love the simple colour palette they have in their range.

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Steele

My go-to for summer dresses! Whenever I post an outfit shot of me wearing a Steele dress I will inevitably always receive DMs about it. The label just does great prints and their silhouettes are always so beautifully feminine. They really know how to create a dress that ticks all the boxes.

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Camilla and Marc

I’ve been a fan of Camilla and Marc since the very beginning because without fail they always do great on-trend pieces that are perfecting for topping up my wardrobe. I find they always nail the silhouette of the season and will bring out a print or style that’s guaranteed to have people lining up to snap it up! If I’m looking for something new that’s guaranteed to be worn to death and still make a statement I know I can rely on this brand.

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Venroy

Simple lines and styles is what Venroy does best and it’s why I keep coming back. They do such wearable, versatile pieces that I can wear over and over again, and will see me through season after season. I have a weakness for their linen pieces as they’re always so beautifully soft (and perfect for transitioning from spring to summer), but I also can’t go past their slightly bolder pieces. I have a striped set from Venroy that I wore non-stop last summer and will continue doing so this summer.

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Aje

I can always rely on Aje to deliver designs with a healthy injection of fun. Signature puff sleeves, vivid colours, a touch of drama and modern flourishes is why I keep coming back to the brand. I always inevitably end up with an Aje dress or two every season and end up wearing them constantly. A definite go-to brand of mine, I keep coming back to them again and again because I can always rely on their statement-making designs.

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One brand that’s constantly in rotation in my wardrobe is Viktoria and Woods. They do really gorgeous basics, that are versatile yet look and feel elevated. My favourites include their tanks and tees, and tailored pants and jeans. I mix and match so many of their pieces in all my looks, and it’s a brand that is a consistent go-to of mine for not only spring pieces, but also year-round.

What are some of your go-to brands for spring?

Fashion

Style update: 10 pieces to add to your spring wardrobe

14th September, 2022

Spring is finally here but we’re still dealing with the ups and downs in temperature that come with this time of year. I’m itching to get into light and airy pieces but being met with a few chilly days here and there has meant that there’s still scope to embrace some layering and long sleeved pieces. I like to think of this time of year as being the time to do a few wardrobe updates that would work in the warmer months as we head into summer, but also be able to be layered with other pieces to get through the slightly more unpredictable weather right now. Luckily there are some great pieces available that definitely fit the brief. Welcome to your spring wardrobe.

Ribbed midi dress

Ribbed dresses with a midi hemline will quickly become your new fave wardrobe staple. They’re ultra wearable and easy to layer with a jacket or coat for days when it’s still a bit frosty outside. Wear it with slides or sandals as we head into spring and watch it become a no-brainer look for most spring days. P.S. I’ve been living in Anna Quan’s ribbed pieces – definitely check them out.

Tank top

A simple tank top is going to become your new basic best friend – in the best possible way. It’s the kind of staple that you can pair with pants one minute to jeans the next and when it starts to get warmer it makes a great team with shorts and skirts. There are plenty of hues available but you can’t go wrong with white.

Crochet

Well, who would’ve thought that crochet would make such a big comeback. From dresses to tops, embrace its ultra bohemian vibe for the ultimate in relaxed spring looks.

Ballet flats

Remember the good ol’ ballet flat? Well, it’s back. Big Time. The Miu Miu ballet flat has caused quite the stir and no wonder it’s both practical and chic. But if your budget won’t allow, don’t fret as your fave chain stores will most definitely be doing numerous iterations of this most practical of footwear.

Slip dress

This 90s staple never really goes away but expect it to become big for spring/summer. Opt for a classic style in a block colour (black is always versatile) but you’ll also find slip dresses with cut-out details this season which will definitely add an element of interest.

Long skirt

Whether it’s fitted or flared, long skirts are majorly trending. Pair it with a tank, a blouse, a cami… the options are endless. It also has a polished vibe which makes it perfect for everything from work to an event.

Mini hemlines

On the other end of the spectrum expect the mini skirt. Ever since Miu Miu sent those itty bitty minis down the runway brief hemlines have definitely seen a surge in popularity. Wear a mini skirt or a mini dress, but either way you can definitely get away with flashing a bit more leg.

Platform shoes

After years of a comfy shoe love affair, we’ve come full circle with the platform making a triumphant return. Valentino sent some sky scraper platforms down the runway and now a scroll through Instagram isn’t possible without seeing a pair of ultra high heels making an appearance. If you really want to splurge on this trend, consider the Valentino patent leather pumps.

Oversized tote

Well, looks like we have now permission to bring more than a phone and some mints with us as we go about our day. Oversized totes are here and let’s face it, after seeing micro bags everywhere we’re all secretly rejoicing we can carry our essentials quite comfortably without having to resort to multiple bags.

Bold colour

Dial up the saturation, this season is all about embracing bold hues. Think fuschia, yellow, tangerine, lime… channel your inner bag of Skittles and you’re set.

What’s currently on your spring shopping list?

Fashion

8 spring trends I’m all about

29th September, 2021

Spring is here and with it comes some fun trends to embrace this season. I’m not usually one to jump aboard every single trend I see but when I love a trend I totally commit. I like to think of trend pieces as the icing on the cake, something that I can weave into my usual outfit repertoire to dress it up and having followed closely what we’re expecting this spring, these are some of my favourites…

The mini is making a comeback!

The mini mini

As someone who is quite petite I particularly love one thing about this trend and that’s the fact that a shorter hemline has an elongating effect. A mini looks great worn with heels or flats but one thing I make sure whenever I wear something shorter at the bottom is that I tend to go for something a bit more conservative at the top to strike a balance.

Floral prints

What would spring be without a great floral print? I love injecting florals into my spring outfit rotation and it’s great for adding a feminine touch to a look. I particularly gravitate towards floral dresses for a simple look that feels instantly polished.

Wide leg pants are a go-to of mine

Summer trench

Transseasonal weather is tricky to navigate what with cold weather one minute and balmy days the next. One way around this is a lightweight trench. It’s great for popping on over jeans and a tee or a blouse and pants and instantly dresses up an outfit too.

Wide leg pants

If you’ve yet to embrace wide leg pants I highly recommend you do. They’re so unbelievably comfortable and just look so effortlessly put together. I’ve worn them with sweaters over winter and even now while the weather is still unpredictable, but I intend to pair them with t-shirts or tanks when the weather officially warms up.

Pastels are made for spring

Pastels

There’s no better colour palette for spring than pastels and I’m definitely going to be embracing it in its various iterations. Whether it’s a lightweight dress or a gorgeous trouser, there’s definitely plenty to love when it comes to a pastel.

Oversized shirts

I’m really into oversized shirts at the moment either as a standalone piece or a layering garment. They look effortless and cool worn with shorts heading into summer, but they can also be great worn over a swimsuit or paired with denim.

Embracing bold shoulder detail

Bold shoulders

Love the statement making effect of a bold shoulder. I’m all about a top with a striking detail whether it’s a shirt with shoulder pads or a cap sleeve such as the jumpsuit above.

Tie dye

I’m really into tie dye! It’s a fun print and such a playful touch to an outfit. One of my current fave outfits is a tie dye t-shirt with denim, as it adds a great pop of colour and adds a twist to a workhorse of my wardrobe.

What are some of your fave spring trends?

Fashion, Shop

The new matching set to have in your wardrobe this spring

17th September, 2021

Looking to invest in something new for your spring wardrobe? My latest fave is a matching set of the skirt and top variety. I wear the above Manning Cartell skirt set to death, both as a matching pair and also as separates. Versatility is key in my book and I adore co-ord sets for that reason— you can get multiple looks from just one set. While wearing a matching top and bottom is nothing new, I do love the freshness of a skirt and top combination. It feels feminine, modern and very on trend.

There are a few different styles out there right now which are just perfect for this time of year. I love the simple stretchy knit skirt and relaxed top that I’m wearing above as I like a streamlined silhouette but there’s definitely plenty of options out there. You could opt for a slightly more bohemian vibe with a floaty skirt and a peasant style blouse or go the completely opposite direction and embrace something sleek and sexy with a crop and pencil-style midi skirt. One of the best things about wearing a set like this is that you have an instantly polished look on your hands—there’s just no denying that a matching look just presents very put together and elevated. It’s easily one of my favourite wardrobe short cuts! Plus you can dress it up or down depending on your choice of accessories and shoes. A simple slingback and a statement earring is one of my tried and tested ways to accessorise this look, but you could opt for anything from sneakers to sandals or heels. The options are endless.

So, if you want to invest in something that you’ll wear to death, sidesteps wardrobe dilemmas and has plenty of versatility, I think you can’t go wrong with any of the options below.

Fashion

Style update: 10 things to add to your 2021 spring wardrobe

1st September, 2021

Hello, spring! The change in season means it’s time to revisit your closet and start considering the pieces that will update your wardrobe for the coming months. I for one can’t wait to embrace lighter and brighter clothes and put my winter woolies into hibernation for another year. Transseasonal weather is also upon us so it’s time to start finding pieces that will not only work when the weather goes from cool one minute to warm the next, but also transition seamlessly into the core of your spring wardrobe. Ready to get started? Here’s what’s worth adding to your new season shopping list.

A jumpsuit

I love an all-in-one option for easy dressing. I fell in love with the above denim jumpsuit from AGolde as it felt fresh and perfect for a new season. It’s also comfy too! You don’t have to go for denim if that’s not your thing (although it is quite versatile), you could easily opt for a print or a solid block colour if that works more seamlessly with your wardrobe.

Chunky sandal

The dad style sandal made bonafide fashion staple by Chanel is back again. So don’t be afraid to embrace chunky footwear to take you through this season. I can guarantee you’ll wear them to death and find them unbelievably versatile.

Trench coat

A lightweight trench is just the thing to get you through transseasonal weather as it can take be thrown over virtually any outfit. It’s also a classic piece that’s guaranteed to be a forever staple. It’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

Puff sleeve dress

Puff sleeves have been a thing for a few seasons now so for spring it’s hardly surprising that one of the must-haves of any wardrobe should be a dress with billowy sleeves. The look is one that feels polished and feminine and will make for the perfect anchor piece for any spring look.

Cullottes

Wide leg pants are such a great alternative to jeans as they’re easily dressed up or down and comfortable too. You can pair them with sneakers and a tee but switch it up with a blouse and a heel to take it into night out or office territory.

White blouse

A white shirt is the kind of thing that will be eternally stylish but this season it’s definitely worth experimenting with a few different silhouettes. Embrace a puff sleeve, intricate detailing, ruched finishes, an oversized cuff… the list goes on but the main aim should be to look for a style that’s a little more daring than your usual trusty button down.

Asymmetrical top

I love experimenting with different silhouettes and necklines, and one of the great trends I’m seeing is an asymmetrical neckline. It’s definitely the kind of piece that will update existing pieces in your closet. Look for the asymmetrical neckline to appear in everything from dresses to tops and swimwear over the coming months.

Skirt co-ord set

I’m a huge fan of co-ord sets and this season I think one of the best styles is a knit top and midi skirt set. I’ve embraced them for a few seasons now and this spring it’s definitely a great go-to look to have up your sleeve. It’s effortless and chic, but requires minimal fuss to put the look together.

White sneaker

White sneakers aren’t going anywhere but this season the style is a little more sporty—think a hybrid between a casual and an athletic sneaker. You’ll be able to pair it with everything from a dress to jeans so it’s the kind of shoe that will get you through the season and beyond.

White jeans

Freshen up your denim for spring with a pair of white jeans. You can embrace the comfort of trusty blue jeans while keeping it a little lighter and brighter for the change in seasons.

Fashion

Style update: 10 things to add to your spring wardrobe

3rd September, 2020

Hello, spring! I love this time of year as it officially means I can start gradually bringing out the section of my wardrobe that involves easy breezy dresses, pretty slides and sandals and lightweight pieces involving one of my faves—linen. I’ve been planning my spring wardrobe slowly but surely and it’s already shaping up to include some great pieces that I know I’ll be wearing non-stop. So, if you are wanting to update your looks with a few key spring pieces then consider the following…

Linen pants

I’m a fan of Venroy or Bondi Born’s linen pants and I can honestly say that if you don’t have a pair of linen pants yet, be sure to invest in a pair. They’re not only ridiculously comfortable, they’re ultra breathable too which means they’re perfect for when the weather starts warming up, but also great for transseasonal weather.

Vibrant dresses

I know that florals for spring are kind of a given but this season definitely embrace a great floral dress. There’s such a healthy amount of options right now such, but in particular look for pieces with a voluminous sleeves, and sweet detailing such as shirring/smocking. If florals aren’t your thing, go for bright, punchy shades which are a guaranteed to lift any look.

“Dad” sandals

Chanel’s version of these two strap sandals have been everywhere on Instagram and they’re definitely going to be the huge trend for spring and also into summer. You can wear this style with jeans to dresses, skirts and shorts and the best bit is they’re comfy too. You can of course go for the original designer version if your budget will allow (although they have been so popular they’re hard to find now!) or look at similar styles as everyone from Camilla and Marc to bassike and ASOS are doing similar versions.

Ribbed/knit tanks

These aren’t confined to spring but you’ll definitely see this style staple everywhere as they’re so easy to pair back with virtually anything in your wardrobe. I’m obsessed with the great range from Aussie brand henne but you’ll easily be able to source them from everyone from bec and bridge to Country Road and Zara.

Polo top

I wrote about this style recently and it’s definitely something to add to your spring style repertoire. They’re great for pairing with wide leg pants or denim and add a fun trend element to a look.

Wide leg jeans

Wear this style slightly cropped (just at the ankle) and pair them with a tee or tank or a cute button down shirt. You could even pair it with a cropped cardi while the weather is still a little unpredictable. They go well with sandals to slides and sneakers so they’re guaranteed to be really versatile.

My Loewe basket bag in action on a recent family holiday

Straw basket bag

These have been around for a few seasons but I don’t think anything says spring like transitioning your wardrobe to incorporate lighter pieces. Loewe do a great basket bag, but I’m also a fan of the brand Sparrows Weave. Either way a lightweight bag is definitely going to feature heavily in your spring wardrobe.

Puff sleeve top

A white puff sleeve top is my number one option as it’s so easy to pair back with various things. It also adds an element of polish to a look and a sweet touch too. However you could also go for a printed option or incorporate other shades and it would work equally as well.

Co-ord set

Consider this the transition of our love of matching loungewear pieces into spring. The classic option is a shirt with shorts, with local brands such as Deiji Studios, LMND and Posse doing great styles. Other labels like bec and bridge, Sir the Label and chain stores like Cotton On and Glassons are also doing them so there’s definitely an option available at every price point.

Straight leg jeans

Yep you’re still going to need these through spring and if you haven’t embraced this denim silhouette yet you most definitely need to. They’re great with a white tee and a pair of sandals or sneakers. Also, they’re a worthy investment as you’re going to wear them year-round.

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty, Shop

Style update: 10 things to add to your spring wardrobe

13th November, 2019

Ah spring. There’s much to love about this time of year as we inch our way closer to summer and the sunnier days that come with it. And whilst we’re just getting through the tricky transseasonal period where it can be hard to decide on what to wear, there are a few key wardrobe additions that will take you through the rest of this season and into the warmer months ahead. Add these to your shopping list and you’ll have your looks sorted in no time.

1. A midi dress

There’s something about a midi dress that’s casual yet polished that I really like. It makes getting dressed easier as all I have to do is pop on a dress, throw on some great accessories and I’m done. If you choose a simple silhouette, you’ll manage to get plenty of wear from one frock which makes it a worthwhile investment.

2 A white tee

I cannot live without a white tee. I’m in one all the time as I can work it back with so many different things, whether it’s my fave jeans or a skirt or shorts. I favour a crew neck t-shirt as it’s so versatile and can work back with myriad looks.

3. A lightweight suit

Suiting is huge right now but understandably anything in a heavy material such as wool might not be ideal when it starts to get really warm. The good news is that there’s plenty of lightweight linen options out there that look oh-so effortless and cool, whilst still being appropriate for the weather.

4. Straw bag

Accessories are my favourite, inexpensive way to make anything in my wardrobe look more up to date. So if you’re on the hunt for one bag that will take you through the next few months look towards the straw bag. It’s fresh, perfect for warm weather and can work back with virtually everything in your wardrobe.

5. Satin skirt

Think a satin skirt like this one which features a hugely on trend animal print and has a simple, yet sexy silhouette. It’s easily matched with your favourite tee and sneakers, or glammed up a little with sandals or heels and a cami. You’ll wear it to death this spring/summer. Promise.

6. Slides

Your spring wardrobe is incomplete without a pair of slides. Luckily there are SO many options available right now. From a super simple pair in black or tan leather, or one that features heavy embellishments, there’s guaranteed to be something that will be worked back with all your looks in the coming months.

7. Mum jeans

I’d suggest trying on a few different pairs to get the right fit but a pair of mum jeans is the denim trend to tap into right now. It’s a relaxed shape which makes it super comfy and perfect for turning into your number one off duty staple.

8. Jumpsuit

A comfy jumpsuit falls into the same easy dressing category as a dress. Throw it on, pop on some accessories and you’re done. I’d look into something in a gorgeous linen which is not only comfortable but is the perfect option for sunny days when you need to wear something that breathes.

9. Co-ord set

A simple two piece set is one of those shortcuts to looking polished that I love. The matching element just screams that you have your look together. Also, the upside is that you can wear them as separates and you essentially have yourself a number of brand new looks.

10. White sneakers

Yes, the humble white sneaker is here to stay. Whether you’re after a designer pair that will impress; a simple canvas option that you can pop on when you’re running errands or an old school fave from classic sneaker brands like Adidas and Nike, there’s simply no way that you won’t wear them to death.