How to Dress for High Summer Chic

Summer fun means dressing like you mean it. Now is the time to invest in vibrant separates, basket bags and fabulous frocks, from outré silhouettes to the prettiest of floral prints. Style up or down and they’ll take you anywhere, from La Cabana to Songbird.

Here’s some style inspiration that’s in-store now and perfect for some of our favourite summer hotspots. Cin cin!

Mood: Mexican food might be the most crave-inducing cuisine out there: cheese, spice, crunch, delicate herbs, fresh vegetables, and citrusy, salty, spicy cocktails. These are just a few of the reasons we're mad for La Cabana in South Fremantle. Be sure to try the spring zucchini tostada with green pea puree, and pistachio dressing. It pairs perfectly with an Iced Tea-Quila. Salud!

Wear: Dress as vibrantly as the food - think colour, style and panache. You'll be outside, so wear sunglasses and slide into a pair of flats; they'll come in handy when you're dancing on the tables later. 

Mood: A meal here always feels special. Nabbing a table can be tricky (and we hate to queue) but it’s worth the wait. We recommend ordering a Limoncello Spritz, delicious smoked sardines, and the hellishly morish saffron capellini with gamberi and nduja butter.

Wear: Channel Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. While the high summer heat will urge you to keep your outfit fresh and nonchalant, remember to maintain an overall feel of grace and elegance. Long dresses (with bare shoulders to balance it out) feel utterly en point; as does a flat sandal with painted toes. A Panama, large tote and ‘don’t look at me’ sunglasses are mandatory. Bellissima! Audrey would most certainly approve.

Mood: Perfectly perched on the water in Fremantle, Jetty delivers good vibes, delicious cocktails and old-school beach fare like whole fried school prawns and patatas bravas. Always buzzing, no drop in at Jetty is brief. Expect relaxed lunches here to roll into mellow chilled out evenings.

Wear: Dress however you please – anything goes (how very refreshing!). Bright summery hues feel right at home, and a hat and sunnies are a must, especially if you find yourself soaking up the rays deck side.

Mood: A go-to for glamourous, sunset soirees, Songbird is more than simply a bar; it's enchanting with its chic decor and views spanning the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay. The drinks menu is equally enticing. It tells the story of uniquely beautiful Australian birds through a blend of native ingredients. Our tipple of choice? The Galah concocted of Tanqueray, Giffard Crème de Pêche, and quandong. You’d be a flaming galah not to order it!

Wear:  Summer cocktails it may be, but that unwritten fashion code rule remains - dress impeccably. As Coco Chanel once said, 'simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.' A floral dress and sparkle or two is all you need. Oh, and big specs for when that sunset hits his high note.

Inspired by these venues? Click here to get more inspiration of where to wine and dine, via our How To Dress for the Cup (in Perth) blog post.