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

When I first came to Australia 20 years ago, I was taken aback by the way summer here meant unpretentious fun, like days spent on vast expanses of sand wearing just a bikini, hanging out on grassy knolls barbequing sausages with friends or  meandering around languid Bondi streets popping into vintage stores. It meant people who’d soothe my habitual overthinking with words such as : “She’ll be right mate!” or “No worries!” on issues that previously seemed catastrophic. I was a young teenager out in the wide world trying my luck in modelling , a sea apart from my family but coming to Sydney just felt right. The laid back vibes, friendly  people, beachy summer nights ...it's enough to make a girl get an enviable tan, fall in love, forget any worries and make Australia a home .

In that time, I also bought my first pair of Havaianas ; they were white ( perfect for offsetting the tan you see ) and so comfortable, I loved slipping them on as soon as my high heeled modelling work hours were done. The company launched in Australia the year I arrived here and everyone loved them, including me. Let's face it, Australians didn’t need convincing on flip flops, a.k.a thongs (incredibly funny to my American friends we call them that here! ) - after all they are a national pastime.

The Havaianas ' styles came in all sorts of colours made of quality Brazilian rubber and took the streets like a tsunami. I think I ended up owning 5 pairs in different colours and wore them everywhere. Henceforth, when I see brightly coloured Havaianas thongs now, I have vivid memories of myself as a plucky teenager having fun on the beaches and streets of Sydney.

Now Havaianas have a new incarnation in sandals, a prim and polished thong cousin that doesn’t make the  flippy sound , looks good with all kinds of clothes, comes in a variety of styles and shades whilst staying supremely comfortable. I partnered with the brand to pick out my favourites and pair them with trends I’m loving now across two editorials. First up: weekend separates that take you from day to night.

Come summer, I unleash my hippy, boho clothes from the top of the cupboard because there is nothing like playing 70s rockstar dress ups.  This season, I’m loving throwing shades of nudes, browns and neutrals together for a tonal look . ( Havana Luna Rose Gold sandals , T-shirt from Spell, suede shorts from Sir The Label , tote bag by Gucci, vintage earrings)

To me; leopard is a neutral and always in but this season the trend gods agree it's a hot commodity. Pair it with blacks for a look that says : come dance a purrrrfect night away (Havaianas  Flash Urban Black sandals , Acne shirt, Bec & Bridge bralette, Saba skirt, Balenciaga sunglasses)

Wide legged pants are de rigour this summer but this khaki hybrid is an everyday fave. I love the vegan leather Havaianas too- they pair well with dresses, pants or shorts. Wear with a crisp linen white shirt for a look that is a hybrid of Audrey Hepburn on holiday and Hemingway in Havana. Both good things. (Havaiana sandals in sand grey, pants by Frame denim, linen t-shirt by Bec & Bridge, Sunglasses by Carla x OPSM, vintage bag )

photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith