The lead-up to Christmas can be stressful.  We push ourselves to squeeze the last ounce of productivity, and attend countless end-of-year events, all while planning for family festivities. It’s a lot. But knowing the annual summer-holiday escape is imminent helps to keep up focused. Whether it’s time at the bach, camping somewhere beautiful, or even sleeping in a caravan parked on the back lawn for a few nights, altering how we dress will help us to tap into a holiday-mode state of mind immediately.

This summer, try wearing airy pieces cut in natural fibres and soft buttery hues teamed with pops of bold colour. Accompany these with wide-brimmed hats, beautiful sunglasses and the ultimate accessories – a gin in one hand and a good book in the other. I hope the list below makes you feel inspired to compile a relaxing holiday wardrobe. Happy holiday dreaming!

Mina Moa dress in mint gingham, $410
Made from soft linen rayon, this dress can be tied at the waist or worn free and easy. It has inspired a collective project. Mina has come together with several other makers and launched a mint gingham curation of slow, conscious and locally made products. There is a gingham-topped cake from The Caker, Kōkako coffee with a limited-edition wrap, and Wundaire Ceramics cups. All products are available on Mina’s site and they make perfect Christmas gifts. Shop


Kate Sylvester Lou trouser, $399
I give you permission to park anything restrictive for the year and choose comfort. I love the thought of swanning around in these perfectly lightweight Kate Sylvester gathered-waist trousers. Team with a simple white tee shirt and suede Birkenstocks. Shop

Ruby Bonnie one-piece, $169
I am obsessed with this painterly one-piece from Ruby. The first thing I thought of when I saw it was Princess Diana on a yacht. It’s elegant, feminine and practical, with full bottom coverage and cross-back tie straps so you’ll be able to hold everything together while navigating the waves. This suit is locally made in Auckland. Shop

Harris Tapper ivory headpiece, $109
Harris Tapper launched these over-sized silk organza scrunchies via Instagram last week to an overwhelming response. I noticed their post was shared by a number of our local key opinion leaders, so I predict these hair adornments will sell like hotcakes. Personally, I’m imagining tousled post-swim hair pulled back and fastened after a de-salting outdoor shower at sunset. This headpiece would make a great Christmas gift, too. Shop

 

Marle Oma hat, $120
Local knitwear brand Marle do hats so well. So well, in fact, that their hats generally sell out around this time every year. This new variation, the ‘Oma’, is wider and larger than the cult classic Nona, offering even more protection from our harsh sun. I love the sophistication of the contrasting black and tan colours seen here, but this is also available in the lighter ivory and tan combination. Shop

 

Chacahua surf suit in olive, $260, from Mei Lan 
If you live in New Zealand, sun protection is paramount. I love that this suit is flattering and chic yet keeps shoulders protected. Let the zip out a little for a more flattering line, and team with a wide-leg linen pant and sandal while walking to and from the beach. Shop

 

Palorosa handwoven basket, extra large in eucalyptus, $295
Palorosa bags are commonly spied on the arms of those in the know. Designed in Milan and made in Guatemala using recycled plastics, they’ve become a cult classic and are available in many colours and sizes. I love this variation for its size and practicality. A perfect companion for trips to the farmers’ market, beach or an island. Shop

Hej Hej equality shirt in sage, $150
Local linen specialists Hej Hej have brought back their loved menswear. To start, Hej Hej have produced a range of shirts cut in simple, clean lines in easy, wearable tones. This soft sage would work perfectly on most skin tones. Try paired with an oatmeal linen short, a suede slide and classic-looking eyewear for a well-put-together holiday look. Shop

 

Country Road drawcord short, $109
A classic linen short when done well is a beautiful thing. When compiling this gallery, I reached out to a well-dressed friend whom I had spied wearing the perfect pair at a recent birthday get-together. It turned out they were from Country Road and a steal at $109. The textured linen and drawstring waist are what caught my eye. A tip would be to buy a size up for a breezy, relaxed fit. Shop

 

Workshop Denim mercerized cotton tee, $129
While you may feel my inclusion of a plain white tee is dull, know this: Workshop have produced the perfect one. Classic cut, crew neck, with all the proportions considered and well executed. This is mercerized cotton, meaning the material will show a slight lustre in appearance and won’t shrink at all in the wash. I’m forever suggesting items be paired with a white tee shirt, so here is my pick of the bunch. Shop


Birkenstock Zurich suede slides, $220
Park the jandals or plastic slide and embrace this new offering from Birkenstock. If I’m honest, this new style has been a slow burn for me and I wasn’t sure if I could look past the original. I’ve since come around and think these are great. Suede Birkenstocks wear in much faster so these should be super comfortable within a handful of wears. Shop

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