Sassy Mama Style: Outfit Inspiration for Hot Summer Days!

We all know the summer slug feeling, when the days are a little longer, the sun’s a little stronger, and things start to get a whole lot hotter. Summer has arrived loud and clear, and thankfully there are some easy go-to items we can rely on to get us through the sweltering times! Natalie and Gabriella, the fashion duo from The Duality have come up with some outfit inspo to get us through the heat in style. So whether you’re running around a playground, sipping a sea breeze beachside or having a hot date with the hubby, here is some easy outfits that will make sure you look glam while on the go, mama!

Tibi Camisole – $252.63, Bassike Midi Skirt – $372.60, Zara Nude Heels – $79.90, Catbird Stacking Rings – $60.91, Jerome Dreyfus Leopard Print Bag, – $1,178.23

Natalie: All white is a huge trend for summer – it’s minimal, clean and sophisticated. This Tibi camisole is a piece I throw on all the time in the humidity – it has a loose fit and is made from very light silk but the racer-back lends an athletic touch. Midi skirts are the popular new skirt silhouettes and Bassike is an amazing Australian label that also makes beautifully cut tees and perfectly slouchy jeans. Pair this combo with some nude Zara heels, simple Catbird stacking rings from The9thMuse and this racy little Jerome Dreyfus leopard print bag before running out the door — perfect for mamas on the go!

T by Alexander Wang Tee – $227.53,  Sol Sana Leather Sandals – $154.90, J. Crew Market Tote – $89.30, Topshop Floral Skirt- $42.55, Miansai Leather Bracelet  – $111, Mara Hoffman Printed Swimsuit – $276.48, J.Crew Tassel Necklace – $270.70

Gabriella: If you’re a little hesitant when it comes to donning shorts, a skirt is a great alternative to keeping cool and looking good. The cut of this skirt is flattering as it is not overly figure hugging, but enough to give shape. I’ve kept accessories to a minimum, opting for striking leather sandals instead to give personality to the outfit. The Miansai white leather bracelet adds a bit of a summer touch with the delicate anchor hook. For a focal piece, this J. Crew necklace is spot on. Make a statement with this Mara Hoffman one-piece swimsuit, high on my wish list. A straw bag is synonymous with hot weather, and J. Crew have created a more refined version to wear way beyond the beach. From bug repellant to antibacterial wipes to small toys and snacks for the kiddos, this bag will become your go-to for daily wear!

Malene Birger Dress, $426.08, Retrosuperfuture ‘Panama Oracle’ Sunglasses – $369.9, Porselli, A.P.C Ballerina Flats – $278.72, MISCHA Jet Set Tote – $237.06, Sam Edelman Caged Leather Sandals – $254.69, Zimmermann Printed Bandeau Bikini- $279.91, Tamarillo Bangles – $63.80

Gabriella: I love this silk dress, not only for the wrap neckline but also for its desert colour. It’s casual chic, light and breezy for humid summer days. Plus, whenever it’s hot, it is often just easier to throw on a loose dress, especially when you’re traipsing around the city running errands and picking up the kids from school! Add some lightweight handmade Porselli shoes and some colourful bangles to make it a little more playful. Slip into the caged leather heels to take it from day to night. I’ve been wearing Retrosuperfuture sunglasses for a while, but I definitely have my eye on these matte resin ones; the shape is classic. If you’re like me and seem to carry a hundred things on you at any one time, then this MISCHA tote is the one for you – it’s the perfect size for a busy urban mama.

 Cos Striped Tee – $25.53, J. Crew Sandals –  $321.20, Zara Bermuda shorts – $49.90, Louis Vuitton Mansur Gavriel Bag – $614.94

Natalie: If you can’t be on a boat this summer, then you may as well dress like you’re on one. Cos is my favourite place to find reasonably priced striped tees – they have a few every season. The stacked heeled sandals are practical enough to spend all day in but the heel and elegant straps mean they are impressive enough to go out for a drink. And whilst I’m still not sold on the bucket hat trend, you should definitely try the bucket bag as brought back by Louis Vuitton. The Mansur Gavriel bucket bag is perfect in its simplicity!

Anthropologie Tank $49.63, Asos Shorts – $24.59, Helen Kaminski Hat – $341.76, Verena Berlisg Bag – $372.38, K.Jacques Bikini Wrap Sandals – $316.79, Frederic Malle Lys Mediterranee Scent – $152.29, Hervé Van Der Straeten Gold Cuff – $341.31, Mara Hoffman Swimsuit – $273.31

Gabriella: I love mixing and matching prints – you can wear the top and shorts together, not to mention with any other basics you have. To accompany, K.Jacques make great sandals, and these are perfectly delicate. You can forgo makeup, but don’t miss out on perfume – Frédéric Malle scents are beautiful, and this one seems apt, paying tribute to its name, ‘Mediterranee’. Be different from the rest with a unique handmade Mochila bag by designer Verena Berlisg. Throw on a gold cuff and a Helen Kaminski hat for the final touch.

Have a fashion puzzle that you can’t figure out, mama? Send your style dilemmas to us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to help!