Weekend wardrobe conundrums

By Penny Hunt

Fashion editor Penny Hunt solves your weekend wardrobe conundrum with these summer trends. MiNDFOOD reports.

Dressing for the office is simple: the golden rule is wear attire appropriate for your profession.

Special-occasion or evening dress is, again, easy: simply read the invitation and follow the instructions – black tie or cocktail.

But weekend wear can cause a few problems, because there’s no dress code. Personally, I think every outfit looks better with heels, but even my dog would disown me if I wore a pair of Giuseppe Zanottis to the park for our weekend outing. Weekend wear has been on my mind lately, so I’ve come up with a few tips for dealing with the casual conundrum.

Let’s start with clothes (but don’t forget there are also bags, shoes and accessories to consider). Unless you’re in your twenties and live in Bondi, which means your preferred uniform is likely cut denim shorts paired with a ribbed-style singlet and gladiator sandals, you will need a few of this summer’s most sought-after basics.

CASUAL PANTS

I like to call it the relaxed pant but others might go by ‘gypsy’ or ‘harem’. After a few seasons on the market, designers have refined the weekend pant so it is no longer a baggy, saggy, fat pant. Taking into consideration hips/butts and thighs, they are shaped in more flattering styles using comfortable fabrics.

With bold prints and new interesting styles on the market this season, including slits on the sides, ties on the ankles and ruching, the weekend relaxed pant is at the top of my list. Check out Ginger & Smart for futuristic prints, Scanlan & Theodore for work-to-weekend styles, Sass & Bide for edgy, fun shapes and Natasha for sexy slip styles in organic prints.

MAXI DRESSES

Jersey/cotton maxi dresses have made a comeback, and the simplicity of the design makes them a must-have for the weekend. Nothing says weekend-ready better than nautical, so try a comfortable blue and white stripe dress. There’s a wealth of designs to choose from.

Nathan Smith offers a basic shoestring strap jersey in khaki and black (available at David Jones), and Country Road has a similar style in khaki, black and stone. For a sexier version, check out Camilla and Marc’s nautical maxi with a low back, and for something a little more vibrant, Zimmermann has cotton swim maxis in a variety of prints and shapes.

My other favourites, in brief, is a Lisa Ho maxi skirt, a jumpsuit from Zimmermann, tailored shorts from Camilla & Marc, and, finally, a shirtdress from Willow.

BAGS FOR EVERY OCCASION

To complete the outfit try the new mini handbag that straps across your body (handy when carrying the groceries or walking the dog). Or if you prefer high-end fashion consider a Gucci shoulder bag or Marc Jacobs’ small satchel from Belinda. Country Road has sling styles for something more casual and Oroton has pouch bags this season.

FABULOUS FOOTWEAR

Put your best foot forward in a pair of sandals, but please don’t wear your crocs anywear outside of the garden. Chloe has released gorgeous crossover and ankle cuff sandals (available at David Jones) and Witchery followed suit with a similar style, if you’re after a more affordable option. My other favourites include the simple but chic string thong from Apex in a variety of colours, and Beau Coops patent “kitty” sandal in  nude or black.

THE GRAND FINALE

Complete the outfit with a few long necklaces from the Corner Store or House of Harlow and a bright panama hat with a leather band from Zimmerman or the classic colours at Little Joe.

Enjoy your weekend!

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