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Australian Summer Style…A Season Ahead
April 21, 2022

In February I had the chance to visit my new granddaughter in Sydney. “Whilst” it was snowing here, Australians were enjoying warmth and sunshine–since their seasons are directly opposite of ours. My first impression: How very chic and stylish Australian women are–both young and old.

Knowing the Aussies are a fashion season ahead, I took notes, so I could share some ideas on how they achieve their sophisticated warm-weather flair. Because our summer days are just around the corner.

Linen

It seemed everywhere you looked Down Under, ladies were wearing the fabric of the moment: linen. From blazers, to dresses, to tops, to shorts, to flowing pants, to chic cover-ups.

Crisp white shirt and navy blazer in linen.

Neutral or full blown color. The natural fibers of linen kept women looking cool. Both literally and figuratively.

Notice the simple jewelry.

Streamlined Accessories

This lovely vendor on the Gold Coast was selling understated, elegant jewelry that perfectly matched her casual style. Nothing fussy. (Often geometric.) Just simple and chic.

Natural stones and pearls.

And, of course, a hat. Australian sun is extremely strong. School-aged children are even required to wear a hat whenever they are outside. The rule in Australia is: “No hat–No Play.”

No Hat–No Play for school children.

The “French Tuck”

The French-tuck (aka, the half-tuck) was everywhere in AU, whether on the beach or in the city. Whether gals were wearing shorts, jeans, slacks, or skirts.

The “half-tuck” refers to a small portion of your top tucked in at the waist.

A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog on the advantages of wearing a half-tuck. This simple line and design trick gives the illusion of a longer leg-line. Take a look:

My friend, Judy McLane, demonstrates how tucking in one side of your top gives the illusion of a longer leg line.

Here is another version of the half-tuck:

Photo credit: Sydnestyle.com

Australian women have a certain style that cannot be easily described. I think the phrase is “Je ne sais quoi.” So, eat your heart out, French mademoiselles.

I cannot wait to see how my little Gracie’s “Quintessential Style” evolves.

How do you feel about Australian Style? Let us know. We love hearing from you.

Coastal Grandma StyleDesigning for the SeasonsDressing for Summer Heat
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Coastal Grandma Style

Sharon White

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6 Comments


Sharon Bell
April 23, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Reply

How coincidental your mentioning the “half tuck” right now. I am taking care of Matt’s kids and I noticed 14 year old Charlotte sporting a really cute outfit with her top half tucked into her shorts. I thought it must be the new teenage look. Now, thanks to your blog, I realize it is a far more prevalent trend. Hope it looks even a tiny bit as good on me as it does on her. Surely our age disparity won’t make any difference. Ha! Ha!
Sharon



    Sharon White
    April 26, 2022 at 1:02 pm
    Reply

    Sharon,
    I don’t think it matters what age you are–if a simple tucking trick can make your legs look longer, which in turn makes you appear taller (and thus, slimmer), I’d go for it!
    Thanks for your comment.

Janet Lockwood
April 23, 2022 at 8:25 pm
Reply

Sweet Grace looks like a very quintessentially stylish baby! I love all the children in their hats! Am I the only one who who dislikes linen because of the wrinkles? Should I just get over it, or is there something you can do to keep it from wrinkling?



    Sharon White
    April 26, 2022 at 1:00 pm
    Reply

    Janet,
    You are not alone in your complaint about linen wrinkling. I found this on the web to explain why.

    “Linen comes from the flax plant, which doesn’t have any natural elasticity. This means that when the fabric is pressed into a position, it can’t simply bounce back. Instead, a fold or wrinkle forms.”

    I think it’s just a matter of embracing the “slightly rumpled look” of linen. Because even if you steam or iron it, the wrinkles will still come (as stated above). Thanks for writing.

Sherry
April 27, 2022 at 7:06 am
Reply

Love the half-tuck look. So happy you got to meet Grace in person! She is precious!



    Sharon White
    April 29, 2022 at 7:03 am
    Reply

    Sherry,
    It was worth the 20 hour flight!
    Thanks for writing.

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    Sharon White, co-author of Quintessential Style: Cultivate & Communicate Your Signature Look


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