There’s something quite beautiful about a big, bold statement sleeve that can really make a dress or a top, a bit of a scene-stealer. I’ve become quite the fan, and have found them working in my wardrobe in the form of a dress or a top for various occasions. Plus they’re just such a pretty, feminine detail that can really lift a plain silhouette into something more.
Puff sleeved dresses or tops can also be worked back with so many different things that are likely already sitting in your closet. From denim, to a pretty sandal or a killer heel, it has the ability to play nicely with existing pieces in your wardrobe, which is a huge tick in the versatility department.
Here are a few gorgeous puff sleeve pieces to embrace.
While I love classic dressing, I’m also a fan of dipping my toe into trends — and right now, there are plenty to love.
Summer‘s been such a great time for trend pieces, and they’ve all been perfect for relaxing days at the beach or days spent just generally enjoying the sunshine.
I’m all for roadtesting different looks but these are the ones that have really stuck with me over the last few months—I can’t get enough of them.
Tie dye
This has been doing the rounds for a few months but I’m really enjoying embracing this trend because of its fun and vibrant feel.
Swimsuits worn with pants
Every time I do this I like that it gives me such a great holiday vibe. It’s about as close as I’m going to get to the coast of Italy for now, so I’ll just settle for this little resort wear combination in the meantime.
White on white
There’s something so perfect about wearing white on white for a crisp summer day. It’s just the kind of light and airy look that’s ideal for wearing to everything from the beach to cocktails or a BBQ, and can easily take on a casual or dressy vibe depending on the pieces you pair together.
Crinkle swimsuits
The brand Hunza G do really beautiful swimsuits with a textured crinkle effect and I can’t get enough of them. I like the textural element it adds, which gives traditional swimsuit silhouettes an additional layer of interest.
Crop tops with high waisted pants/ skirts/ shorts
There’s something quite polished about pairing a crop with a high waisted bottom. I’ll wear a cropped top with everything from a skirt, to paints and shorts, making it an extremely versatile option.
Oversized denim jackets
Denim jackets have always been one of my fave trans-seasonal staples and the oversized styles that have become quite popular are just the right jacket to pop on over a dress or with a tee and pants. Plus in a slightly looser silhouette it’s all kinds of comfy.
Long summer dresses
I have acquired quite the collection of maxi/midi summer dresses simply because I wear them non-stop over the warmer months. Whether it’s a fun pretty floral print, or a sleek and edgy plain black number, I can’t get enough of them. They’re also a great shortcut for those days when I’m simply not sure of what to wear.
Linen pants
I’ve pretty much lived in linen throughout summer and one of my key staples would have to be a great pair of linen pants. I’ve worn a great pair by Venroy which is just the perfect fit and cut, and the best bit is it comes in different colours.
Statement sleeves
I’m on board with any fun statement sleeve (Aje do them particularly well) as I think they can really lift an ordinary silhouette into something special. I’m gravitating towards a lot of dresses with billowy sleeves of late as they add such a great finishing detail.
Along with your wardrobe the other great way to refresh your look is with makeup. Even if you’ve had the same routine for years, now is the perfect time to experiment with what’s currently trending. With a lot of our time in summer spent out and about, it’s a great opportunity to dip your toe into a few trends and give your look a fresh, updated feel.
And who better to give you an idea of what’s currently trending than those whose job it is to paint faces day in, day out? Between them, these makeup artists have worked on getting celebs glammed up for shoots and the red carpet, magazine editorials and fashion and beauty campaigns, so you know that you’re in good hands when they share with you the top trends to look out for.
“This spring/summer we are going to see more hydrated and wet-looking skin. Powder highlighters are going to take a back seat whilst glass highlighters take over. Glass highlighters leave the skin looking like you’ve just emerged from the pool on a hot day. Sexy, glossy and glowing,” says makeup artist Julia Green.
It’s time to experiment with your summer makeup looks
Colour blast
As far as makeup artist Nigel Stanislaus is concerned, it’s all about colour. It’s time to embrace bold shades to truly make your summer look stand out.
“Floating liner is becoming a popular trend. And feel free to use other colours like cobalt blue or violet.”
Nigel also pinpoints the traditional smoky eye getting a vibrant makeover with metallics and colours giving it an updated feel.
And the ultimate finishing touch? “A matte fire engine red lip.”
Dolphin skin
Yes, let Flipper be your beauty muse this summer.
Michael Brown, one of Australia’s top makeup artists (he’s my go-to for any event) says it’s all about dolphin skin.
“Dolphin skin resembles that glassy wet shine you see on a dolphin when leaping out of crystal waters. So basically taking the common beauty words of glowy and dewy to the next level.
Light reflecting products that give radiance and glow are key, but also using creams and liquid colour pigments like highlighter and blush, plus glossy lids, all gives this wet-sheen that can imitate and be true to the dolphin skin trend.”
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.
Loving this safari-inspired co-ord set by bec and bridge
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.
It’s always a thrill to be asked to do a fashion shoot and I was really excited to work with WHO magazine several weeks ago on a story featuring new season sequinned pieces.
The shoot was shot on location at Reign in Sydney’s QVB, a champagne bar with beautiful art deco touches (I fell hard for the musk pink chairs) and a light and airy feel.
One of the great things about doing a shoot is being able to try on and wear a great line-up of beautiful clothes. Also I enjoy being introduced to new brands and getting a preview of upcoming pieces from different labels. With the theme being ‘the sequinned approach’ everything had a glitzy and glamorous feel. There was a particularly fab black and emerald green mini dress which is just so perfect for an event, while there were some softer dresses which had just a light dusting of sequins to add a little sparkle.
Working with different hair and makeup artists has been one of the major ways I’ve picked up tips on how to style my hair or perfect a particular makeup technique over the years. Now that I’ve got short hair I’m always looking for ideas on how to style it, and the deep side part with tousled waves that I wore at the shoot is one look I’m going to bookmark.
Thanks to WHO magazine for the opportunity. I had a ball!
Check out the latest issue of WHO magazine to check out the entire shoot
Photography: Luke Dubbelde; Makeup: Leslie Graham from Guerlain; Hair: Hannah Marie from Blow Bar; Styling: Paige Macmillan
With the bustling Sydney CBD as our backdropShooting at Reign, a champagne bar in Sydney’s QVBA beauty lover’s dreamAll the great accessories on setI fell in love with this blush pink lookThe chance to discover beautiful places is always a great part of shootsAll the sparkle!A sneak peek at a page from the shootThe gorgeous green dress in action
If the word suit conjures up images of corporate offices and board meetings then you might be pleasantly surprised at the current offerings available. Continuing on from suiting’s ascension as a modern, fashion forward staple of seasons gone by, this season suits are very much one of the most on trend items any woman can have in her wardrobe.
Banish thoughts of traditional cuts or boring hues, it’s time to think bold. Suiting colour palettes are very much adopting rich autumn/winter hues, think berry shades and forest green, while winter whites are also very much on trend.
While the classic suit silhouette has been reimagined with slit sleeves, cut-outs, and finishing touches including feminine bows and embellishments all featuring in new season drops. Also don’t limit yourself to ideas of a simple jacket and pants. You can do everything from tailored shorts and midi skirts to cropped tapered trousers and culottes. While there are also different iterations of suit jackets such as a kimono style coat or long line blazers. The sky is the limit and there’s plenty of experimentation to be done.
If you’ve never considered adding a suit to your wardrobe because it seemed too stuffy or boring, then it might be time to revisit the concept because there are so many gorgeous options now that will most definitely convert you.
When it comes to autumn/winter dressing, particularly with autumn carnival racewear don’t be afraid to embrace bold prints and patterns. While florals are synonymous with spring, there are still plenty of ways to embrace it, and other prints when temperatures start to dip and we are all embracing cool weather dressing. In fact, it’s one of my favourite ways to lift an outfit in a truly effortless way—just add a striking pattern and you’re done.
Adopting a print to your outfit in autumn/winter is all about the colour palette you choose. You can adopt whatever print you want, but just make sure it’s in keeping with the season’s hues. Think deep purples, burgundy, dark green and navy—all tones that have a richness and depth to them.
As for the types of prints that will be huge this season, you can’t go wrong with a classic polka dot. Whether it’s a delicate spot or oversized spotted pattern, you can’t go wrong. You can incorporate it within your outfit, or with your accessories. For autumn carnival in particular, it makes for an adorable print to incorporate within a headpiece.
Along with getting a little spotty, have fun with a great animal print. Whether it’s leopard, cheetah, or giraffe, there are plenty of playful animal prints that make for the ideal statement piece to add to any look.
This season definitely embrace a print or two. It’s one way to elevate a look and give it healthy injection of personality.
A new season calls for a wardrobe refresh and I had a thoroughly great time daydreaming about a few new pieces I want for autumn/winter. This time of year can be tricky simply because it can still go from hot one minute to cold the next so I’m after clothes that can work for varying temperatures. I wanted to play with different textures, including luxe tweed and sleek leather plus standout accessories that will steal the show. Here’s what caught my eye…
This jacket is the finishing piece to the skirt and top featured above but it could easily work on its own. I could pair this with jeans and a tee and have a relaxed yet sophisticated look.
I’m often on the look out for bold new jewellery that will be the perfect full stop to an outfit. This bracelet definitely fits the bill. It’s big and bold enough to hold its own but also versatile to work back with myriad looks.
I’ve had my eye on this clutch for the longest time and I think I’ve finally decided on this neutral hue. It’s perfect for the working back with virtually my entire wardrobe so I know it will be on high rotation.
I’m always on board with bold, statement sunglasses. This pair by Loewe is striking enough to elevate a look but just the right shade to enable it to work back with several outfits.
I often wear dresses in autumn and throw on a jacket whether it be a leather bomber or a denim number when temperatures cool. Once summer hits then it’s always worn on repeat, and I have no doubts this Ganni piece will be just that.
There’s nothing like a bit of a style refresh at the start of a new year (and decade) which means there’s plenty of time for outfit inspo aplenty. If you’ve looked into your wardrobe of late and are getting that ‘blah’ feeling then look no further, because once again Instagram is delivering plenty of style ideas and outfits to ensure that your look is on point in 2020.
When you need to liven up an outfit a statement shoe is always a great place to start. Killer shoes are like the full stop to any outfit: the perfect finish.
A slip dress is a summer staple but this goes to show that you can easily dress it up or down (and even take it into the cooler months with you). Adopt one in a striking print and it makes the perfect starting point to any look.
This is a prime example of how less is more when it comes to nailing stylish and polished dressing. An understated colour palette, pared back separates and a relaxed, elegant silhouette make this a blueprint for any time you want an elevated look.
Want to know the shortcut to a chic casual look? Channel your inner Parisian with a combination of stripes and denim. It’s a no-brainer and guaranteed to work every single time.
Sometimes it pays to dial up the drama, particularly if you’re having one of those days where you just need a quick fashion pick-me-up. A punchy red, a patterned shoe and edgy leather ensures you tell the world you mean business.
Denim shorts lovers will love the fact that you can take your summer go-to and instantly dress it up with the right accompanying pieces. Throw on your fave tee, top with a blazer and you’ve got an edgy look that’s still achingly cool.
Colour, colour, colour is always a great style mantra to have at this time of year as it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace bold, bright dressing. A delightful pink that pops worked back with simple pieces will ensure that you’re anything but a wallflower.
Sequins shouldn’t just be relegated for night time outings and party attire. You can definitely rock a sequinned piece during the day — just pair with classic staples such as a button down shirt and polished heels and you’re set.
There’s something quite special about unexpected detailing. Don’t forget that sometimes the best way to make a statement is when you’ve got your back turned! This oversized bow is oh-so sweet and just perfect paired with denim.
Suiting is alive and well and showing no signs of waning in popularity. The best thing about it by far is that you can do a suit any way you look. If the traditional silhouette isn’t your thing, look to rework it — in this instance culottes and a cropped jacket take the place of the classic long pant and jacket combination.
Repeat after me: neutrals aren’t boring. In fact, they can make for a striking look without having to do much at all. Wide leg pants, a cropped top and a hat with a metallic accent piece ensure this ensemble holds its own.
There’s something so gorgeous about cornflower blue, and in this instance working the hue in slightly different shades makes for a look that has cohesion but instantly feels elevated. Pair with crisp white and you’ve got yourself an eternally stylish combination.
How’s your Christmas wish list coming along? Mine’s a constant work in progress as there are just so many gorgeous things around right now. I’m trying to stick to pieces that I know will update my wardrobe and are going to add something new and fresh to my look. It’s so easy to gravitate towards what you know and love (you obviously know and love them for a reason!) but I think it’s good to push your sartorial boundaries. So without further ado, here’s what I’m hoping Santa brings me this year.
I’m really into bags that are a unique shape or have some interesting detail on it and this bag fits the bill. I love the knotted handle and the half moon shape. Also, that colour will work back with absolutely everything in my closet making it a worthwhile addition to my wardrobe
Halter tops are so on trend right now and this particular style will work back with so many things I already own. Love the great buckle neckline and simple origami style fold — subtle details can really elevate anything.
Simple hoop earrings never go astray in any accessories line-up, particularly when it’s by Bottega Veneta. These are a great party accessory and are a serious candidate to make a New Year’s Eve appearance.
These are so fun. I think you’re either into texture such as this or not, and I am most definitely in the former camp. Love the logo action too. They’re certainly a talking point and will add some playfulness to any summer look.
Bucket bags have been a longtime favourite of mine and this style is modern and fun. I love the logo detail and also the mini size—perfect for carrying my essentials but also light enough for when I’m on the go and don’t want to be weighed down.
These square toe sandals are the shoe of the season. A black sandal is also always a worthwhile piece to have as they’ll work back with so many different outfits.
Pastels are always perfect at this time of year and this light blue top would add a lovely pop of colour to any look. The puffy sleeves and the off the shoulder style are so on point.
This is a gorgeous event dress. I can see this working for everything from the races to a function and the punchy red colour is designed to make a statement. I love the classic finishes including the pussy bow and balloon sleeves.
As you know, I’m a huge fan of suiting so this take on it in the form of a double breasted blazer dress is such a great way to do it. This elevated black dress will be a great one to have on hand for work occasions to functions and parties.
Nude pumps are always a great staple to have in your closet but I like this edgier take on it, featuring the mesh panelling. It’s a great accent piece because of the modern design, but the neutral shade make it a style chameleon.
I can see this top having many an outing! It’s a great go-to black top that’s dressy enough to lift everything from a skirt to pants and jeans and elevate it into something special.
I love how this bag has soft lines but still feels strong and modern at the same time. The chain link strap is also the perfect finishing touch and gives the bag a point of difference. I’d be very happy indeed to see this under the tree!
