Edwardian romanticism often makes for inspired summertime dressing, from crisp broderie anglaise cotton dresses to delicate lace separates worn with heirloom-inspired jewellery. Channel those whimsical holiday dresses from Picnic At Hanging Rock to the playful and carefree looks from literary heroine, Anne of Green Gables.
A light touch is the perfect approach to keeping things cool and collected. Separates that give a feeling of being at ease include the draped muslin dress by Miss Crabb (#2) that can be worn open and free or tied around the waist with the accompanying tie. For a formal alternative, the beautiful silk blouse and matching pants set from 3.1 Phillip Lim (#4) can easily be worn with a pair of heels and a dinner jacket or perhaps a pair of embellished sandals.
While high-neck collars were once de rigueur, a much more relaxed approach is key to the modern look. Soft silk blouses needn't be buttoned up to the top, instead the focus is to take away the prim and proper for a look that's romantic but contemporary. Freeing more traditional codes of dress has been a winning formula for Dior's artistic director Raf Simons, who recently showcased high-collared white smock dresses embroidered with flowers. It's the perfect example of a classic nightdress from the 1900s being re-worked for all day, everyday wear. Several local designers have produced their own take the shirt dress, like the beautiful 100 per cent certified fair trade organic cotton number by Kow-Tow (#1).
1. KowTow shirtdress, $235. Columbine socks, $11. Mi Piaci heels, $280, and handbag, $350. Mimco bangle, $60.
