What are some essentials for the Viva team’s summer shopping? The additions to our closet will be unfussy, joyful and excitingly skimpy.
What might our wardrobes look like when they’re not governed by an overly chilly office thermostat?
This season, it seems we’re seeking relief from heat and outfit overthinking
However, one editor is considering corporate cotton with a playful twist, forecasting the potential for an upbeat, sunny mood into the new year.
Jet plane lollies will always conjure up visions of my mum sifting through the bag of kaleidoscope hues to find her favourite (orange, always). The nostalgic sweet treat was also the inspiration behind New Zealand jewellery brand PĀMU’s new Jett collection, which sees miniature jet planes dangle from pendants, hoops and bracelets in either gold or silver. My pick of the bunch is the Jett Bracelet, which sees four jet planes swoop around a delicate chain. PĀMU’s pieces are designed to be worn daily, being both waterproof and sweatproof means they can be worn in the shower, sea or gym without tarnishing. I can attest to this: some of my most worn earrings are by PĀMU and they still look as shiny and new as the day I first unboxed them. – Ashleigh Cometti, beauty editor
The thing I am adding to cart and then neglecting before missing out on it entirely is this Kartik Research silk overshirt, made from handwoven Eri Silk by weavers in Assam with horn buttons. It’s the kind of thing that is perfect for throwing on over anything when you can’t be bothered thinking about what to wear. – Dan Ahwa, creative and fashion director
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A confronting closet clean-up has reinforced the importance of being extra intentional with the items to which I allocate a spot in my wardrobe. For the sake of both the planet and space efficiency something being vintage, $5 and solving a one-off outfit dilemma is no longer just cause for consumption – new additions must be ultra-versatile, well-made and designed for years of wear. Oosterom’s Painter’s Shirt 2.0 meets all these requirements and more. The reworked business shirt won’t raise eyebrows in a corporate-core newsroom but has clever little detail tweaks to delight those who care enough to stare – like the ruffled patch pocket. Side ties give the option of ruching up over togs (or skimpy shorts) after-hours or simply promoting airflow in high summer. I’m taken by the summer lemonade shade, but the limited edition is available in five options of deadstock Turkish shirting – including some fetching Commes des Garcons plaid. – Tyson Beckett, multimedia journalist
Nu Swim Daisy bikini top, $99, and high-cut bottoms, $85 (on sale)
This is the first new bikini I’ve bought in around 10 years, having been resolutely committed to one-piece swimsuits. I can’t say what was the defining catalyst for this radical shift, but it may have been the song Tiny Bikini, a banger of a track from the new Amyl And The Sniffers album I’ve been thrashing. “I just wanna wear my bikini,” snarls the sublime Amy Taylor, and I feel the same. So, while it’s not technically “tiny” by today’s standards, I seized the opportunity presented by the recent Nu Swim sale to pick up this sporty number in the delicious colour combination of taupe and “manzanita” (it’s still available and still marked down by 50%). I own two other suits from them, and the quality is great. I can’t wait to get into this and on to the beach. – Emma Gleason, lifestyle audience deputy editor
These crisp white shorts from local brand Pecchenino will be a staple pair for those sweltering summer days. I imagine pairing them with relaxed T-shirts and wearing them over my swimwear – they’re a piece you reach for on days when you’d really prefer to skip pants altogether. They could be compared to boxer shorts but, honestly, that suits my lowkey and sleepy summer plans well. – Madeleine Crutchley, multimedia journalist
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Advertise with NZME.Easy, breezy and fun, this Lover Shirt by Australian brand Romy is a collaboration with artist Jake Pedro, whose sub-tropical prints adorn this shirt, matching shorts and a selection of dresses in Romy’s resort 2025 collection. It’s available from Sedae, a new boutique in Ōrewa (website still under construction), stocking some brilliant local and international brands that all say ‘summer!’. – Johanna Thornton, deputy editor
More Viva team picks
From our favourite songs of the year to curated holiday gift guides.
The Viva Team’s Top Songs Of 2024, From Recession Pop To Post-Punk. This playlist that involves dependably dancey tracks, lots of synths and a dash of existentialism.
Viva’s Comprehensive Guide To Swimwear For Summer 2024/2025. Need new togs? This is the ultimate swimwear guide for this season.
Books To Read This Summer? Add These New & Novel Stories To Your List. These recent releases from writers in Aotearoa and award-winning authors abroad are essentials for beach bags or suitcases.
Every Viva Gift Guide For 2024, Because The Holiday Countdown Is On. Here is every Viva holiday gift guide for the upcoming festive season, where you can find inspiration for the different personality types in your life.
