When it comes to breezy, beachy, carefree clothing, no one does it better than Australia's top designers. The country’s sun culture has come to define its fashion identity, resulting in a wealth of luxury labels whose mastery of warm-weather style has caught the world’s attention. In the UK, over nine thousand miles from Oz, hardly a summer passes without influencers showing off their Aussie-made wares on Instagram.
For years, I assumed such influencers were paying hefty taxes and duties to transport their cotton dresses and linen co-ords from the Land Down Under to British soil. But it turns out websites like Net-a-Porter, Farfetch and Mytheresa all stock some of the most popular Australian brands, making it easy to tap into the spirit-lifting aesthetic without unnecessary costs looming over your purchase.
Though there are many to choose from, a few brands crop up every summer as favourites for far-flung holidays and beach outings closer to home. Delivering versatile separates, lightweight tailoring and standout accessories, the following sought-after names deserve a spot on your summer wish list.
1. St. Agni
St. Agni is a go-to for celebs and influencers seeking an effortless summer look, delivering everything from laid-back tailoring and considered basics to trend-proof footwear and handbags.
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This dress is the perfect combination of comfortable and polished.
St Agni's leather goods are loved by influencers.
Light blue is also a trending colour this summer.
This look would be dreamy for an outdoor wedding.
2. SIR.
On the hunt for extremely wearable and unfussy items? You've come to the right place. Expect easy dresses and flattering beachwear from environmentally-conscious brand SIR.
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The cut-outs will show off your sunkissed skin—make sure you wear your factor 50, though, or you'll have some awkward tan lines.
Such a sweet print.
Wear this with a tee for a more casual look.
No wardrobe is complete without a black slip dress.
3. Aje
If you've been searching for the perfect wedding guest dress, your arrival at this feature must be serendipitous. Aje's voluminous frocks in feel-good shades tick all the right boxes, whatever the dress code.
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Expect this to sell out in no time.
This colour and cut feels so expensive.
Beautiful!
Another great wedding guest outfit.
4. Matteau
Matteau is built on the idea of comfortable, uncomplicated holidaywear and swimwear. Think linen and cotton galore, realised in relaxed shapes patterned with timeless prints.
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A striped shirt is a spring/summer staple.
Just add a cotton tee and strappy sandals.
For dinners out on your next getaway.
An elevated take on the tank top.
5. Christopher Esber
One Christopher Esber dress in particular will feel familiar to anyone who has spent time on Instagram (if you know, you know). But beyond the silky bestseller, the label is a trusted source of elegant eveningwear and elevated everyday pieces.
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I've spotted so many influencers in variations of this dress.
...But none in the stunning top version—yet!
This one has ‘summer holiday’ written all over it.
This also comes in black and off-white.
6. Zimmermann
Print lovers, rejoice! Zimmermann is one of the easiest Australian brands to shop in the UK; its popularity has made it widely available online and in department stores across the country. Most famous for its floral dresses, the label also creates pretty pussy-bow blouses and romantic midi skirts.
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Prepare to earn compliments in this head-turning number.
This would be easy to style year-round with some clever layering.
Tuck in a relaxed white shirt or opt for a fitted tank on top.
Zimmermann's babydoll dresses are nothing short of iconic.
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