Summer is well and truly here in Australia with some parts of the country experiencing temperatures in excess of 40 degrees!  Its time to pack away your woollens, bring out your summer dresses and be prepared bare just a bit of (fake) tanned skin!

But, there have been a few changes since last summer! rest assured that you’re still going to get a whole lot of wear from last years summer staple; the striped tee but things have gotten softer and a lot more feminine this time around.

Here are five easy ways to update your summer wardrobe with a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched to create easy summer looks.

1. Chambray

Lighter and cooler than Denim, Chambray is easily worn and can be dressed up or down for effortlessly cool ensembles. There are a range of Chambray pieces available in stores now from shirts to loose fitting pants and skirts. My favourite though for the ultimate casual but put together look is the Chambray dress. I picked this one from my local Target for a cool $39. I love the loose fitting shape, drawstring waist and super convenient pockets. Its great with my white sneakers and a fedora for days at the park or easily dressed up with some sandals and a statement necklace (Im all about turquiose at the moment)

The midi skirt

Classic, floaty and feminine midi skirts make you instantly look put together and a little more dressy. What I love about styles like this though is that you can add a tucked in tee to add some street appeal or a cropped blouse to get real glamour happening. Midi skirts like this one i love (and own in two colours) from Sportsgirl are great for those who are self conscious about their hips and thighs but still want that feminine look.  Wear it low to show off some skin or up high with a cute tee or blouse to accentuate the smallest part of your torso but whatever you do avoid wearing it with very loose, long tops or you may look like you’re drowning in fabric. The other reason I love loose midi skirts is well.. lets be real for a minute; when its super hot, things have a tendency to get.. well.. sticky, wearing a a longer skirt allows you to sit in a way that allows for maximum airflow without worrying about your modesty!

Mustard

Not on your burgers, but in your wardrobe. Nothing injects a bit of summer into your wardrobe like a bit of colour and this season’s hue is yellow. More sunflower than fluro this season’s yellow is everywhere at the moment. Paired with other primary colours this shade of yellow seriously pops while adding some richness to the outfit. This shell zip blouse from Sportsgirl can be worn with workwear to update your nine to five wardrobe or more causally with some cutoffs (or tucked into that gorgeous cobalt skirt above)

The Classic Sandal

Of course, this is a staple right? So many of us though go out and buy the latest fashion colours, super blinged out versions and find that we don’t have something comfortable and versatile like these sandals from novo. A good pair of black, brown or nude sandals can make an outfit look instantly more put together. Ive been wearing these ones non stop, with their slight wedge and zipper detail they are appropriate for (my) work but also relaxed enough for the weekend.

The statement necklace

This years jewellery features lots of detail, tribal inspired shapes and intricate designs. Think Aztec inspired with natural semi precious stone, blackened silver, mixed metals and lots of detail. This one from Missguided.com.au is edgy without being too grungy and features marble stone looking cabochons.