fashion

'I shop for a living. Here are 14 effortless pieces I'm eyeing for summer.'

If there's one thing I know about Australian style, it's that we really shine in summer. When the sun's out, the crickets are chirping and the days are long, our laidback look comes into its own. If I had to find a word for it, I'd say we love to dress with ease.

That's why things like 'throw-on-and-go' dresses, linen separates and matching sets have all become so popular: they're shortcuts to looking cool with minimal effort.

Watch: Jess Vander Leahy tries the Style Maths Method. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

With the warmer months stretching out ahead and party season already underway, it's a good time to track down those staple summer pieces you'll wear on repeat. I'm talking about easygoing styles you can throw on for a picnic with the kids, lunch with the girls, barefoot bowls and afternoon sundowners.

I'm not one to gatekeep, so here are 14 fresh pieces I've found that are perfectly aligned with this time of year.

(Psst: many of these styles are already on sale thanks to the Black Friday markdowns. So make sure you click through to check if they're discounted!)

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Shop summer matching sets.

Oroton Bandana Lace-Up Top, $179, and Boxer Short, $159.

A navy and white bandana-print set featuring tie-up details.Image: Supplied.

I spotted this in-store at Oroton and immediately added it to my Christmas wishlist. With scarf prints set to trend hard, this is such a chic way to wear the look.

Heychic Tarot Multicolour Abstract Cami Top, $39.95, and Wide Leg Pants, $69.95.

A printed cami top and matching palazzo pant in vibrant tarot card inspired motif.Image: Supplied.

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This is basically summer in an outfit. No notes.

Vrg Grl Gigi Linen Shirt, $139, and Nature of Art Linen Mini Skirt, $89.

A Vrg Grl white linen set featuring scalloped hemlines and navy blue stripes.Image: Supplied.

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The scalloped edges give this Mediterranean-inspired set an unexpected twist. Expect lots of "where did you get that?".

Moore Melbourne Tropical Print Set "Isaline", $100.

A printed smock-style shirt and matching shorts, in a vibrant tropical print.Image: Supplied.

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Essentially a gal's version of a barbecue shirt (only with cute matching shorts.) Obsessed.

Shop stylish summer tops.

Seed Heritage Linen Cropped Shell Top, $99.95.

A white linen structured top by Seed Heritage.Image: Supplied.

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This is the perfect simple linen top to pair with midi or maxiskirts. Think of it as an elevated version of your plain white tank.

Vrg Grl Valeria Linen Top, $105.

A black linen tie-up top with pleat and peplum details.Image: Supplied.

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The slight peplum and pleated details make this tie-up top feel of the moment, but still timeless.

Target Broderie Polo Pullover Top, $40.

A broderie detail top from Target, in white, with a low neck and open collar.Image: Supplied.

Target's coming through with the goods with this stylish tunic. Throw it over a bikini with tailored shorts and you're out the door.

Petal and Pup Flo Shirt, $89.

The trend for all things tomato red is just heating up. I love this lightweight, tailored take on the colour of summer.

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A red short-sleeve button up shirt and shorts set with contrasting white stitching.Image: Supplied.

Shop stylish summer dresses.

H&M Drawstring Detail Beach Dress, $34.99.

It might be ideal for chucking on post-swim, but picture this mini with strappy sandals for a beach-to-bar look.

A short caftan-style dress in white with a waist tie and black stripe detail.Image: Supplied.

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Target Linen Blend Scallop Hem Midi Dress, $70.

Found: the ultimate strapless linen dress for all those outdoor events — and it's under $100.

A black linen mididress with scalloped edges.Image: Supplied.

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Sabo Lessi Dress, $178

A brown maxi dress featuring one-shoulder detail, and an oversized white floral print.Image: Supplied.

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This exclusive design gives the illusion of a one-shoulder top and maxi skirt, but is actually a dress. Genius.

You + All Pink Midi Dress Short Puff Sleeve Check, $99.99.

A lightweight pink checked dress with a v-neck and short puff sleeves.Image: Supplied.

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Such a pretty, floaty shape that cinches in all the right places. I especially love the semi-sheer hemline which shows a bit of leg.

Ceres Life Crinkle Midi Dress, $149.99.

A green and white striped midi-dress with waist tie.Image: Supplied.

This ticks all the boxes for a throw-on-and-go dress — plus extra points for stylish sun coverage.

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Dissh Isabelle Natural Linen Dress, $199.99.

A stone-coloured linen maxi dress with high neck.Image: Supplied.

Sometimes the most minimal pieces make the strongest statement. Dissh's linen maxi stands out in its simplicity.

Which style is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature image: Supplied/Canva.

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