Get beached

Ksubi 'Lyra' sunglasses. Photo / Supplied

Are you about to head on holiday but unsure what to pack? The simple answer would be the five Ss - shorts, singlet, sandals, sunglasses, summer dress - but I have a space to fill, and four little words simply won't cut it.

So in the spirit of all those end-of-year lists that populate magazines at this time of year, I've pulled together a little fashion checklist to help you do summer casual at your very best. Just add accessories and you're done. You can thank me later. Happy holidays!

1. Shorts, singlet, simple

Uh yeah, a look so basic that I don't know what to write about it. Short shorts are still big news, with Miuccia Prada sending out silk boxer shorts printed with an image of a man-made resort. (Don't they look comfortable?) The striped shorts from Karen Walker's Hi There line are probably a tad more wearable, and a nice change from the ubiquitous denim cut-offs. Sportswear-inspired looks have been big on the runway (at Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler); bring it into your summer wardrobe with grey marle and sweatshirting. Combine the two with Sylvester's raw-edged ruffle singlet.

2. Handle the sandal

Jandals are great but sandals are better. Well, not always, but they are better for occasions when you require something a tad dressier. Gladiator sandals are a bit yawn-inducing now (team them with denim cut-offs and you would put even the worst insomniac to sleep). Instead go for something simple but quirky. Kathryn Wilson's "Leigh" flats are great for a relaxed summer night out, while Country Road's lace-up "Romi" flats may be getting into gladiator territory, we'll let it slide because they do look great with casual trousers.

3. Sneaky

Plimsolls, tennis shoes, sneakers - call them what you want but they will form the backbone of your summer wardrobe. Kmart randomly gets drops of great tennis-style sneakers, in white, black and blue and only $10, or go for Spring Courts, the traditional white shoe. Classic Keds seem to be everywhere you look right now, in bright shades of blue, raspberry and yellow. They're a bit more expensive, but a good investment as they'll probably last longer than just the summer of 2009.

4. Eye to eye

Classic or crazy? I'm all for a sunglasses wardrobe, so go for both. Ksubi's 'Lyra' frames are bold and quirky, or you can try more classic shapes like the cat eye which is seeing a resurgence in popularity. And Rayban Wayfarers are cool, no matter how many hipsters wear them on K Rd.

5. Beach hair

Alexander Wang's spring 2010 collection was all about sportswear influences, which you, too, should bring into your summer wardrobe. You should also be inspired by the fantastic beach hair which saw models given textured weathered plaits, worn long and to the side.

6. Dress up

The failsafe "throw-on-and-wear" option. A lightweight cotton dress will be your fallback, and can be worn day, night and anywhere in between. Casual Christmas lunch? Dress. Heading to the shops? Dress. Going to a barbecue? Dress. And so on. Go into any store right now and you'll find at least 10 pretty little summer dresses to choose from: Workshop has some great simple block coloured dresses, Ruby Boutique has cute, vintage-style print cotton dresses and Country Road has sweet, tiered, jersey and check ones.