Stylist reveals the wardrobe staples that'll keep you cool this summer – and the one material you need to invest in
We're all bracing for an incredibly hot summer this year in Australia.
And yes, the heat affects even the most fashionable ladies.
If you're looking for the best thing to wear on a super hot or humid day or an evening ou that'll keep you cool, but still looking ultra-stylish, then look no further.
Fashion expert and Westfield Queensland stylist Mia Elizabeth tells nine.com.au her five picks for wardrobe items you need this summer, and the one material you need to invest in.
Watch the videos above.
Stylist Mia Elizabeth has five top picks for wardrobe items that'll keep you cool this summer. naomiwatts/instagram
Mia recommends a cotton day dress, a comfy pair of leather slides and a straw hat (for style and sun protection) as some of the essentials to invest in for summer.
She says hair clips, to pull the hair back into a chic updo, also help.
Speaking of her appreciation of a cotton day dress, Mia says they don't need to be expensive: "I have a few from Cotton On, which are great for just wearing around the house or running some errands."
But her top pick is a linen shirt – a classic, basic item for the wardrobe.
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A cotton day dress, a nice and comfy pair of leather slides and a straw hat are essentials Mia recommends. Getty
"[A linen shirt is] always top of my list. It's light, breathable, and looks chic," she says.
Mia particularly loves white and neutrals for the summer season, and you can layer the shirts over other clothes, including swimmers.
She says you don't need to spend big to get some great linen shirts.
"I quite like places like H&M or Target for linen because they feel thinner and actually feel cooler or for something a little more polished," she says, adding she also likes the brand Commonry.
Mia recommends wearing breathable fabrics in summer, and her top pick is linen.
And don't worry about sleeve length – it's the material you actually need to look out for and consider.
"Natural fabrics like linen, silk, cotton, and bamboo, they breathe and don't trap heat," she says.
"Linen, especially, is my go-to. It's the ultimate blend of comfort and style."
Mia (pictured) says linen is her go-to fabric for hot days. Instagram/@withmiaelizabeth
"Anything loose and lightweight" is a good option to wear, like summer dresses. GC Images
She adds "anything loose and lightweight" is a good option to wear, like summer dresses.
Mia previously shared with nine.com.au her best tips for making any outfit look expensive despite the price tag.
Her top tips are to choose the right fabrics, to care and look after your clothes, and opt for neutrals.
"Nothing says cheap more than like creases and stains," Mia said.
"Natural fabrics like linen, silk, cotton, and bamboo, they breathe and don't trap heat," she says. Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Ima
"You can have a $100 white T-shirt and a $19 Uniqlo white T-shirt, but how you look after them is so important."
Meanwhile just a month ago, it was revealed Broderie anglaise, another favourite style for warm weather, is making a huge comeback this year.
Broderie anglaise, often used to make dresses and blouses, is made up of round or oval holes called eyelets, which are punched or cut out of the fabric.
The holes are then bound with overcast or buttonhole stitches to stop them from fraying.
Broderie anglaise, another popular look for summer, is making a comeback. Corbis via Getty Images
The holes are arranged into patterns, such as flowers, leaves, vines and stems, and often feature simple embroidery stitches on the surrounding material.
The latest return of Broderie anglaise can be traced back to last year, when it turned up on the runway of the Chanel Resort fashion show in France in May 2024, where it was part of several creations including a dress and skirt.
In 2014, Catherine, now the Princess of Wales, wore a white broderie anglaise dress by Aussie designed Zimmermann for an appearance at Wimbledon and has often been seen wearing the material.
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