Balmy Style Journal

Effortlessly step into Summer with an incredible staple wardrobe and skincare routine to boot.

We've got the dress you'll live in all season, ways to protect your skin from our harsh Australian sun and tips on keeping your locks soft and hydrated during your salt water era. 

Read on for everything you need to let your natural beauty glow and your outfit shine bright.

Warmer nights, sun-kissed skin and mermaid waves – summer has arrived! From beach to barbeque catch-ups and garden parties to concerts, we’ve rounded up a few key staples to add to your wardrobe to see you through the season in style.

Set Season – we’ve come a long way from the co-ord sets you’d dress your children in, in the 90’s. Pairings these days mean prepped and polished with the added benefit of separating the set and wearing with other transitional pieces for more outfits. Shop our favourites at H&M, Glassons & Sportsgirl.

Brunch – this needs a category of its own. We're absolutely loving linen, team a dress, shorts or wide leg pants with a brimmed hat, flats and sunglasses, optional hang over and you’re set. Find our go-to linen staples at Target, Sportsgirl and Decjuba. 

Denim – relaxed, soft buttery denim that you can pair with a tank or linen shirt in the day or sequins or bright heels at night. We can't go past the incredible denim range at Cotton On & Decjuba.

Summer Dress – be wardrobe ready for a work event, night out with friends or a dinner date night. We recommend always having a bright floral or gingham, a white linen and a traditional black dress in your wardrobe. Consider their varying styles such a mid-length, mini, one shoulder and strapless to suit any mood or occasion. We love Forever New and Cotton On for all our summer dress needs.

Gym Junkie (well, getting there) – think coast walks in oversized tees and bike shorts and outdoor classes in textured matching sets. Let your gym attire get you in the mood to move this summer.

Beach – we’re going for solid colour bathers with bright and playful summer essentials this season. Collect statement glasses, patterned sarongs, wide brimmed hats and sheer cover-ups to take you from beach to bar.

Him – meanwhile, the guys are still wearing their trusty shirt from 2001. We've got a few ideas to keep them going for another 10 years. Men's short sleeve linen shirts and shorts in light, breezy colours are in. Add a new summer hat, sunnies and slides for a refreshed 2024 look. Check out Connor, Cotton On and Sunglass Hut for all the latest styles.

The Littles – they’re so cute to dress before they can start picking their own clothes. We’ve learnt less options are best or you could end up with 5 tops, and a tutu over trackies. Pop into Cotton On Kids, H&M and Uniqlo for a range of matching short + top sets, summer dresses and swimwear.

Following what felt like the longest winter ever we are ready to jump in our cars (*windows down + Taylor Swift playing of course), hit the beach, bask in the sun, and immerse ourselves in the saltwater doctor! But alas, our skin and hair don’t feel the same – party poopers!

Not to worry, we’re here with all the products to get them in the mood. Read on for the latest and greatest in summer skin and hair care, now available in store.

Sun Cream

Our top tip for aging gracefully? Don’t even open the blinds without a generous layer of 50+. Sun Cream has come a long way from the zinc-y vibes of your primary school swimming days, with serums, tinted screens and matte zinc there is something for every epidermis. Our favourite this summer is the Cancer Council’s SPF 50+ hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid available at Coles, Woolworths and Big W and you can't go past the cult classic, Mecca's To Save Face SPF 50+.

Hair Care

Protect and hydrate for silky tresses and a happy scalp all summer long. Look for leave-in treatments and finishing products with UV filters to give your strands extra care from sun, pollution and salt exposure. Lather up in a hair mask once a week, add a microfibre wrap for a deeper condition or braid, pin up and sleep in overnight for soft, sweet-smelling locks in the morning.

Body Care

Keeping it simple, the best product for the largest organ in our body, our skin, is free and we all already have some at home – guzzle away that H20! However, because we know you’re EXTRA, our fav products for those baby soft feels would have to be anything by Sol de Janeiro from Mecca or any of the scented body butters from The Body Shop.

Face Care

From beauty loop recommends to organic goodies, boost your summer toolkit with these action-packed products featuring all the good oils and acids.

• A skin roller or gua sha (extra points if you pop it in the fridge) will work wonders on puffy skin.
• Kiehl's Nighttime hydration oil from Mecca
• Clear Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Mask from Priceline
• McoBeauty Mega Balm Ointment from Woolworths and Big W
• Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Kit from Mecca

Head into Erina Fair for all the latest in fashion and beauty from your favourite stores.

Click here for stores and opening hours.