Trust us when we say we have spent a lot of time perfecting the art of getting from day mode to evening mode as quickly as possible. Sure, it takes a bit of upfront planning in the morning, but it really pays off when golden hour sidles into view – and that goes for whether we’re slaying on the beach-to-bar front or taking our work OOTD out for drinks. So prepare to learn from the experts…
Alexandria Dale, Digital Fashion Writer: ‘Ditch a layer’
After leopard print was spotted all over last season’s runways, the animal-motif trend has expanded for spring/summer to include tiger stripes, black-and-white zebra patterns, snakeskin, cow splotches and more. It’s a look that I’m welcoming into my wardrobe with open arms! As someone who sticks to a largely neutral colour palette, my style can best be described as minimal. Adding touches of animal-inspired patterns to an ensemble instantly adds interest, elevating my entire outfit.
While accessories are an easy way to dip your toe into the look, I’d encourage you to opt for a statement piece like snake-print jeans. I’ll pair them with a simple, stylish knit and flats to keep it wearable for daytime. Come evening, when I’m meeting friends for post-work drinks, I’ll just shed a layer to reveal a slinky cami top underneath.
‘Jeans and a nice top’ is a fail-safe outfit for good reason! And when those jeans are an animal print design, there’s no need to worry about toting around alternative shoes or extra accessories. This look needs little effort to transform it from blah to bold; it’s already firmly the latter. All you’ll require is a trench coat – bonus points if it’s a dark wash denim number to tick off another trend – and you’re good for any and every occasion.
Snake print 100% cotton straight leg jeans
Double-breasted denim trench coat
Amy May Ellis, SEO Executive: ‘Pick a palette’
Packing for a beach holiday can be difficult. From bikinis and flip-flops to evening dresses and heels, the outfit combinations are endless — and no one wants to be stuck with the dreaded overweight luggage fine. That’s why being able to transform a few simple outfits from day-to-night can be a brilliant hack for your holiday.
It helps if these staple pieces are all in a similar colour palette, to minimise the risk of colour clashing. After Pantone released their colour of the year, mocha mousse has been *everywhere,* so pairing a chocolate brown swimsuit under some denim jorts makes for the perfect beach outfit. Chuck on some suede sandals, a matching suede beach bag and a pair of caramel-coloured sunnies, and you’re good to go. And for the evening? A taupe shacket is all you need to lift your outfit (as well as the tan kitten heels and wide belt you threw in your bag earlier). The belt will help cinch in the waist and heels are always a good idea for an evening about town. From the beach to the bar, mocha mousse is the chicest holiday go-to colour this season.
Forever Comfort® tan leather kitten heels
Taupe brown faux suede button down shacket
Kara Kia, Ecommerce Editor: ‘Pair with pastels’
To celebrate the sunny days of spring, I’ll be styling another colour of the season: butter yellow. I’ve always been partial to a pastel hue – with baby blue and lilac being my go-to tones – but since this soft shade of yellow started trending, I’ve been convinced to try something new.
If you’re looking for chic colour pairings, then try butter yellow with a warm shade of brown to add contrast and balance; match with orange and white for a fresh, tonal take; or team a pale yellow top with a light grey skirt or trousers for a Pinterest-worthy look.
As for me, I’m a dress girl, so that’s my buttery starting point. From there, I’ll style with a neutral cardigan, sunglasses – I love a cat-eye style – and a tote for the daytime. To take the look from running errands to date night, swap sunglasses for gold earrings, add warmth with gilded sandals, and tie your hair up to create more room for the jewels to shine.
Lemon yellow square neck puff hem midi dress
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