ginger and smart - My Empirical Life

Tanja Gacic wearing Zimmermann and Pared eyewear in Sri Lanka

Summer is my favourite time of the year: stone fruits, sunshine, and long, languid hours by the water. Sartorially, however, I often get confused. Beach time is usually just one part of the daily plan - a replenishing stopover en route to a café, a friend’s barbecue, or that gallery exhibition I’ve been dying to check out. It’s no help either that sand gets into everything; carrying three different separates means that everything gets creased and crammed into your carryall. So what on earth do you wear?
Enter: six dresses that are easy to throw on over a bikini, and look good for any occasion.

Animal attraction
I love mixing animal prints. For me, it’s like playing with different shades of neutrals. This Kate Sylvester maxi dress loves to flow open on the beach while buttoned up, and adds just the right amount of sheer over my Zimmermann bikini. Add extra luxe with a pair of sunglasses.
Tanja Gacic wearing Zimmermann in Sri Lanka

Oversized shirts
If you’re looking for an instant ticket to disheveled, androgynous cool, this is it. This Rika Studios shirt doubles as a great dress when buttoned up over my Bondi Born swimsuit. Don’t be afraid to accessorise either - this necklace from Reliquia and my Pared Eyewear sunglasses exude sophistication.

Tanja Gacic wearing Bondi Born, Rika, pared eyewear and Reliquia jewellery in Sri Lanka

Monochrome
Comfortable and easy, everyone needs a multitasking staple. This Ginger & Smart dress goes perfectly with my A-Emery sandals.

Tanja Gacic wearing Ginger and Smart in Sri Lanka

Ethereal white
Nothing sets off a tan like white does. This one piece Zimmermann swimsuit doubles as a bodysuit après swim when worn underneath a sheer White Story dress for universal appeal. Couple with a headband from Reliquia and a Brie Leon necklace.

Tanja Gacic wearing White Story and Reliquia in Sri Lanka

Stripes
Pattern-fatigue is a real thing, but stripes are a tried and tested staple. Whether classically nautical or bold and contemporary, they’re always a good idea in summer, exemplified by this Rebecca Vallance dress.

Tanja Gacic wearing striped Rebecca Valance in Sri Lanka

Button downs
I love a button down – it’s an underrated classic. Wear it like this Nanushka piece as a beautiful robe on the beach and then do it up in a flash for an elegant transformation.

Tanja Gacic wearing Nanushka in Sri Lanka
This story originally appeared on vogue.com.au here!

One of the best things about summer is being able to wear dresses. As a tomboy, I missed out on the joys of frocks as a kid, so doggedly determined was I that they were the foul epitome of ponce and oppression. Yet once I found myself in the late 20s all I wanted was to feel feminine and pretty. So now, my first port when choosing a summer outfit is a beautiful dress.

For the second installment of my collaboration with Havaianas,here are some summer dresses I'm loving now ..
70s redux is always in fashion during summer and maxi dresses are my favourite. I love this airy, knitted number as much for it's daytime, beach appeal as for it's nighttime backless allure.

Pair it with matching leather accessories ( Havaianas You Riviera thongs in Sand Grey , Hansel and Gretel dress, Mon Purse bag, Holly Ryan earrings worn throughout )

A burst of bright lime colour plus pretty shoulder detailing makes this dress a summer favourite, while white accessories provide suitable pop

( Havaianas Freedom Cream Thongs, Ginger and Smart dress, Versace bag, Le Specs sunglasses )

Choose cinched up ruffles in feather light silk paired with toughed up thongs and tassels for a look that is a blend of boho and rock chick

( SL Crystal SW Black Thongs, Zimmermann dress, Jerome Dreyfuss bag )

Photographed by : Alice Wesley-Smith