Dress Like An Aussie This Summer With Our Favorite Australian Brands.
Written for Society19 here.
For some reason, everything seems better in the land down under—the accents, the weather, the food and, most especially, the fashion. Australian fashion labels are setting trends and crowding our Instagram feeds, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. With summer in full swing, shopping these brands couldn’t be more timely. And while there are a multitude of Australian brands to shop, these are a few that we highly recommend checking out ASAP.
Aje
This brand is the epitome of feminine cool. From dainty tweed jackets and elegant puffed shoulders to grungy leather and industrial cargo pants, Aje truly captures every aspect of feminine beauty. Nearing 400,000 followers on Instagram, this Australian fashion label describes itself as “a fashion house dedicated to raw beauty, tough femininity and effortless cool." We couldn’t put it better if we tried. The prices are definitely higher than any of us would like, but even if you’re not going to purchase anything, we highly recommend heading over to their online site for some outfit inspiration. Their collection is chock-full of ruffled skirts, contemporary patterns, earthy tones and statement pieces in every department, this Australian brand is a must-have this summer… and fall, and every season after that.
Bec + Bridge
If you’re in need of a revamp of closet staples, look no further. Bec + Bridge has everything you could possibly be on the hunt for. Silk dresses, colored leather skirts, flared high-waisted trousers and a loaded assortment of one-shoulder pieces are just a few things that make this brand the must-have that it is. Not to mention, the prints are perfect for summer and flattering on any wearer. Simply and curtly put, Bec + Bridge offers pieces suitable for any occasion. And while we wish we could provide a more all-encompassing description of what this brand has to offer, it’s hard to sum up the variety that this Australian fashion house has. You can shop Bec + Bridge at Shopbop, ASOS, Bloomingdales and Revolve. You’re going to want to get your hands on a pair of anything this brand has to offer. Trust us.
Billabong
This Gold Coast-founded brand has made its way into American surf culture with ease, and there’s no question that it’s a must-shop for summertime. Aside from its notable collection of bathing suits and beachwear, this brand offers casual tops, flowy pants, dainty dresses and rompers, activewear and all of the essentials you’ll need for the warmer months. Price tags at this surf retailer are relatively inexpensive, at least compared to the aforementioned brands. Needless to say, it’s a summer staple. Oh, and don’t forget about Rip Curl and Quiksilver either. Australians know surf attire like no other.
C/meo Collective
For its unparalleled style and uniquely “experimental designs,” per its Instagram bio, C/meo Collective is famous for its undeniably effeminate style. That style, though, seems to change year after year, series after series. Puffed sleeves, blush pinks and Hamptons chic semblance comprised series 0120, while autumn-inspired color palettes, ruched dresses and high-waisted bottoms seem to comprise the collection released two series prior. While each series seems to offer something completely different than the last, all collections seem to all share something in common: feminine appeal and timeless class. In terms of pricing, C/meo (yes, we’re on a first name basis now) is placed smack dab in the middle of the brands we’ve discussed thus far. That said, a piece or two from here wouldn’t be the worst investment to complete your summer wardrobe.
Finders Keepers The Label
This luxury retailer favorite is one we’re shopping all year round. But, like the rest of us, this brand thrives when the summer sun comes out. Vivid colors and skin-showing fits complement each of the pieces beautifully, including the assortment of low V-neck tops met with elegantly upholstered buttons and ruched-waist blouses topping their flowy finishes. Boasting any piece from this collection will make you the perfect decoration to a waterfront garden party or beachside cocktail lounge, whichever you choose. The online store currently flaunts three different collections: Aunatural, La Femme, and Rococo. As expected, Aunatural offers a variety of neutrals met with fruity prints and flowy everything. Flirtatious blacks, innocent pinks, flower-adorned prints, silky dresses and wooden button-decorated linens perfectly comprise La Femme. And, if we had to describe Rococo in just a few words, they would be: ace, slits, fringe and fur. Just think: Sexy ranch-style meets prints galore. Need we say more?
Maurie + Eve
Bring us to Bali, dress us in Maurie + Eve, put a cocktail in our hands and we’re all set. This more affordably-priced Australian brand takes beachwear to a whole new level. Whether we’re lounging in our backyards or in a beachside cabana on a white sand beach, we’ll be dressed in Maurie + Eve’s neutral linens. We do, however, prefer the latter. Who would have thought that a brand chock-full of breezy linens and knitted neutrals would prove the most fetching on our summer wardrobe shopping list? This brand is a simple reminder that comfort should never be sacrificed for effortless chicness. While its various tropics-inspired collections are polished and versatile, we’re the most impressed with Maurie + Eve's mission to limit the negative effects that fashion has on the climate crisis. The brand’s clothing is 100% carbon neutral and environmentally created. How perfect?
Posse
Have you ever heard of saving the best for last? Us too. In fact, it’s kind of our specialty. Posse is a Sydney-based Australian fashion house home to a style that screams simplicity and elegance. The brand’s collection of off-the-shoulder button downs, high-waisted ruched pants, tie-front bandeau tops and loose-fitting dresses and coverups make it an undeniable must for the summer. Seriously, even Who What Wear agreed that Posse is the perfect spot to revamp your summer wardrobe. And, with each piece hand-crafted by Balinese artisans, you can be sure that each piece was intentionally and ethically made. So, what are you waiting for? Join the #Posse, already!
Featured image source here.