From the beach to the bar, and everywhere in between.
From the beach to the bar, and everywhere in between.
When it comes to living, (or holidaying), on the Gold Coast, swimwear is certainly not restricted to the pool or ocean. If styled correctly, it’s your full-day outfit that is set to turn heads – from the beach, to the bar, and beyond!
Styling swimwear requires a fusion of polished, yet breezy, sun-friendly pieces that are lightweight in fabric; with modern, resort-ready fashion and accessories.
Just as a swimsuit is a bold statement of style and confidence, swim cover ups, sets, sarongs and headwear serve to complement and enhance that statement.
Here are 6 stylish and sun-safe pieces perfect to be worn on and off the sand:
Wear it, tie it, wrap it as you please; a contemporary summer favourite to accompany swimwear is a stunning kimono or robe. So easy to pack in the holiday suitcase, this is the chicest, showstopping piece of the Summer season.
Suited best for those looking to get a little cheeky, a sheer dress or skirt over a bikini is a touch of glamour perfect for an event. Worn to Summer music festivals or pool parties with a sneaky glimpse of swimwear underneath. A chunky necklace, jewelled belt and sunglasses make this look iconically cool.
Matching beach pants and shirt are perfect for the more modest and sun conscious dresser. Versatile, comfortable and coordinated; a set over swimwear compliments what already is, and requires no outfit change. Simply add summer accessories for a fully dressed look.
Breathability and effortless style is exactly what you get when you pair crochet and swimwear. A true match made in heaven, the luxe texture of crochet and modern silhouettes, seamlessly delivers an ‘IT Girl’ summer outfit. Paired perfectly with seashell jewels and platform thongs.
An absolute must-have for a quick and convenient cover up, a sarong can be styled as a halter top, skirt, twisted dress and more over a swimsuit. Perfect for beach days or lounging poolside, a longer, dressier cover-up lifts a swim look to grace and sophistication. Styled best with gold bangles and metal framed shades.
Silk head scarves and hats are the final piece to your stylish puzzle when it comes to styling swimwear. Head scarves offer personal expression and elevated glamour, and can be beautifully matched to your swimsuit. Apart from the obvious sun-safe reasoning, trend-driven raffia bucket and cowboy hats are an updated, (and stylish), take on a classic straw hat.
Words by Lauren Doogan
Style that works overtime (so you don’t have to).
Tis’ the season when work and social life balance becomes an entanglement of overwhelm and over-commitment. From serious workplace meetings to hosting or attending fancy client functions, time is often against us in a bid to look the goods! The key? To strike the perfect balance between professionalism and fashion, with a seamless transition from the boardroom to the bar.
With a few simple tweaks, your professional attire can be elevated with the addition, (or removal), of key pieces to add a touch of glamour; and something more suitable for a social setting.
The changes don’t have to be dramatic. Let’s keep it quick, simple and feel-good.
7 Styling Tips to take you from Corporate to Cocktail in minutes:
Opt for a well-fitted black dress or a simple pant/skirt suit that can be dressed up or down, and easy to accessorise. A simple removal of the blazer in itself can change the outfit’s tone.
Swap your conservative work blouse for a silk camisole or edgy tank. These are also easy to store in your work bag and change into in the bathroom without hassle.
From enclosed, sensible work shoes to a dressier, an open toe heel is more approachable and steers away from a corporate image.
Whether it’s slipping out of your midi skirt and into a mini, or tweaking the sleeves and neckline on your work shirt, it’s these simple changes that lift your look and create a more glamourous balance.
Drop the tote that carries your laptop and reach for a small, charming clutch to instantly have you looking event ready. Nothing screams, “drinks with the girls”, more than a cute bag.
The change in fabric and fit immediately gives “I’ve clocked off”. But paired with your work top and heels, (that you’re already wearing), it is elevated enough for a social setting.
Think big sunglasses, some added costume jewellery and pop on a bright lip! Additions to a plain, work garments can be so transformational not forget to the power of hair, makeup and accessorising.
Words by Lauren Doogan
If you ask us, the bigger the better!
When it comes to finding the perfect shirt – comfort, breathability and a relaxed style top the list for Gold Coasters.
But how does one avoid looking “sloppy” or like they haven’t made an effort if they reach for an oversized shirt? Worn correctly, the piece will add an air of effortless edge, lived in ease and create overall balance to one’s outfit.
Let’s not make ourselves smaller this Spring/Summer!
But first, let’s learn how to style an oversized shirt this season:
Stylist Tip
Pair with sneakers and a cap for a more street style vibe, or pair with thongs and sunglasses for hot girl summer vibes.
If you’re happy to reveal your mid-section, tuck some of the shirt under your bra.
Stylist Tip
To avoid looking like you’re wearing pyjamas, rolled long sleeves up to fore arms, loosely tuck one side of the shirt in; and make sure some top buttons are opened to expose skin on the chest.
Colour-matched accessories finish the look nicely.
Stylist Tip
Create some balance by clashing masculine and feminine pieces with this look.
Opt for a fun, bright graphic tee and beaded necklace for some personality, or create the effect of wearing a dress by selecting a monochrome choice and adding some heels.
Stylist Tip
The perfect holiday staple to wear day in, day out, no matter which way it’s styled. For a comfy yet intentional look, throw a tee over that pulls from the colour of your bikinis. A colourful, oversized shirt can be buttoned or unbuttoned and paired with a beach bag some slides and worn straight to the beach bar.
Words by Lauren Doogan
Homegrown brands making waves globally.
Ahh our humble, little ol’ Gold Coast… we’re famous for our food and fab beaches, but what about fashion? Well if we know a thing or two about Gold Coasters, it’s that beating our chest and making a big hoo-ha isn’t really our vibe so you might be surprised to know that some of Australia – and the world’s – most loved fashion brands started right here. Yep, turns out we’re really good at making more than just epic margs.
Here’s our pick of the 10 labels putting the GC on the global fashion map!
Kivari
What started as a humble stall at The Village Markets has since blossomed into a global brand bringing elevated resortwear to the everyday. So much so that even Saks Fifth Avenue can’t get enough of them – see, it’s not just us! If you aren’t familiar with Kivari’s signature look think ultra feminine meets boho prints and patterns, crafted for the dreamers and the wanderers – it’s giving major holiday energy and we’re here for it.
Olas Supply Co
Inspired by founders Joel & Nicole love of travel as well as the places and people they found along the way, so we guess you could say that Olas Supply Co isn’t just a brand; it’s a lifestyle. They’ve got goodies for the ladies, the lads and even your mini’s so the whole fam can get kitted out in your favourite swag from signature tees to matching sets that have summer written all over it. Designed for life by the ocean, they’re the ultimate for our sunkissed summers.
Rhythm
If you don’t already know Rhythm, then are you even really a Gold Coaster? It’s the quintessential surf brand that’s all about the good vibes and great design. From swimwear to clothing, Rhythm have become experts in capturing that laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of the Gold Coast. Consciously created, each and every piece is thoughtful designed with the coastal lifestyle in mind – think endlessly cool and comfortable.
Grace Loves Lace
If you’ve ever been a bride or are dreaming of one day being one, we bet you’ve pinned a Grace Loves Lace gown on your Pinterest board. Come on, don’t deny it – they are behind the most pinned wedding gown so you’re not alone. Known for their effortlessly beautiful bridal gowns, Grace Loves Lace has become an icon in the wedding space not just in their home town, but all over the world. They’ve got more than 20 showrooms globally so clearly they’re doing something very, very right. With a focus on comfort, style and individuality Grace gowns are made with movement in mind because ain’t nobody got time to be uncomfortable on their big day! But it’s not just lace they’re all about, there’s so much more – just take a look at their latest collection, an evolution from their signature silhouettes introducing more structured options made from crepes and more, while maintaining their commitment to gowns that move with you.
Peony Swimwear
Peony’s journey from The Village Markets to becoming a world-renowned sustainable swimwear brand has been one of our favourite success stories. Ever since lawyer turned swimwear mogul, Becky Jack, quite her day job to launch the boutique swim brand out of her garage the brand has not missed a beat delivering collections each and every season that make us immediately add to cart. With swim that as luxe and chic as it is eco-friendly, it’s no wonder celebs like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid approve of this Gold Coast gem.
Isabelle Quinn
Since 2015 Isabella Quinn has been bringing some of our favourite designs to life, think feminine and contemporary silhouettes with a hint of romance. Known for her signature crochet dresses and unmistakably IQ prints with pops of seasonal colours and floral influences because there’s more to life than black, white and beige. This Gold Coast brand has paved their own way and carved a niche in not just the local fashion scene with refined silhouettes in each hand-made piece, but Australian’s all over wanting a piece of IQ because IYKYK.
Sabbi
They might be relatively newbies on the fashion scene but boy have they made a splash with their iconic “this senorita needs a margarita” fits – and truly we’ve never related to something more. Cool and quirky by nature, Sabbi was born from a fusion of love for both art and fashion, with all the designs hand-painted by Jase and Ash themselves made for every day life. And what’s more iconic than a fit that can take you from beach to bar? Spoiler: nothing.
Cleo Harper
Fitness meets fashion with Cleo Harper, the activewear brand that’s all about looking fab while breaking a sweat. Known for their flattering cuts and attention to detail, Cleo Harper’s pieces are made to move with you, whether you’re hitting the gym, taking a hot girl walk in Burleigh or just popping out for the farmers market and your caffeine fix – Cleo Harper have got you covered, literally. Designed on the Gold Coast, this label has built a loyal following of women who love workout gear that look as luxe as they feel when you’re wearing them.
Homebodii
We don’t think we’re out of turn when we say that Homebodii were the pioneers of lounge and sleepwear, and can you believe founder Ingrid Bonnor did it all from right her? Known for their aesthetic designs, the label has become a go-to for brides with their dreamy robes, pastel prints and lace lined pieces they’ve got everything from custom pj’s for the whole family as well as dreamy lingerie for all occasions. Because why not inject a little romance into your every day life? If you’re a home body looking for something beautiful to slip into, Homebodii’s got your name all over it.
LSKD
Okay so technically these guys aren’t quite Gold Coast grown, but they started their journey just down the road in Logan so we’ll claim them as our own – and their flagship store is right here at Pacific Fair. Never ones to be content with settling for the norm, you’ve probably seen the insane evolution LSKD has been on these past few years and it’s not just us who are big fans – they’ve built a cult following. Functional, design-led pieces are at the forefront of the brand so you’re guaranteed to love the buttery soft fabrics and trend-making silhouettes. They’re on a mission to inspire people to be 1% better every day and let’s just say that’s a whole lot easier when you’re kitted out in their epic fitness apparel.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
