Who said you can't look cute in the heat? From shorts and party attire to adorable hair accessories, these summer must-haves will keep you on the cool list.

Crochet  

Nothing says summer like popping on a cute crochet piece after a day at the pool. Visit Kloke on 291 Little Collins Street and try on the oversized crochet shirt or mini dress – both are perfect for layering. Find this adorable pink tank top with crochet detailing at Saloon Store. And accessorise with these cutesy handmade bags from Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop. Or why not pick up the crochet hook and create your own piece? Speak to the crafty experts at Morris and Sons and grab all the yarn and tools you need in one spot.

A woman is wearing a tank top with hibiscus flowers on it and she is wearing a pink sequin skirt
Image via Saloon Store website

Cowlneck tops   

It's a no brainer that a draped neckline will elevate your summer outfit and cowlneck tops really fit the bill. Swing past Saba at and pick up the sallee satin top in every colour. Witchery at Emporium Melbourne's halter top is a must-have staple when you want to level-up your classic jeans and a top outfit. And this sophisticated piece from Cue is great for an office ensemble.

Charm jewellery

Add a little sauce to your outfit with a charm necklace or bracelet. Our go-to shop is Bella Luck Charms in Carlton. Cornicello pendants are the store specialty. Pick up your own lucky charm in traditional red, or bling out with an 18 karat gold variant. Then choose a chain to match or browse more multi-charm bracelets or necklaces.  

A woman is browsing jewellery at an Italian jewellery shop. The walls are painting pink with Italian frescos on them.
Bella Luck Charms

Wedge heels

You heard it here first – the wedge heel is back. Tuck those ballet flats away and reach new heights with this trending shoe. This sleek pair from Tony Bianco at Melbourne Central will take you from the laptop to the rooftop bar. Melbourne designer and stylist Lana Wilkinson has created the ultimate summer sandal. It comes in a refreshing white with a cute silver detail and is available at David Jones. We’re also obsessed with this woven wedge from Seed at Emporium Melbourne. They're perfect for poolside hangs or alfresco lunch dates. 

Wrist watches

Ditch the high teach smart watch and go old school with analogue. Try on something timeless like this Seico dress watch found at Myer. Add a pop of colour or find limited-edition collections at Swatch. Or go for gold with this retro-style Casio watch from Universal Store at Melbourne Central. When you need a repair or battery change, head straight to Your Jeweller who will fix you right up. 

A gold retro style Casio wrist watch
image via Universal Store website

Fitted tops and baggy bottoms

This one’s for the fellas. The fitted t-shirt baggy bottoms combo is your silhouette for summer. Perks and Mini’s cargo shorts are the building blocks for this look. Pair them with a simple t-shirt from Uniqlo and size down. Or pick up a one-of-a-kind vintage top from Out of the Closet and give a nod to ’90s and ’00s sportswear. 

Tennis skirts

When the Australian Open winds down we’re still looking to the court for our summer style inspo. Tennis skirts are high on our list for the ultimate sporty look. Visit Lacoste’s new concept store at 309-325 Bourke Street and shop for an outfit fit for the pros. Or check out New Balance at Melbourne Central. Browse through its line of tennis apparel including some adorable tennis skirts.

A woman is wearing a tennis skirt
image via New Balance website

Capri pants

There’s no denying it. Capri pants are the it-girl item for summer. Drop into Incu’s Q.V. Melbourne store and try on this pair from Paloma Wool. These low-rise beauties are made from a stretchy herringbone suiting fabric and feature a handy coin pocket at the waistband. Pair them with a fashion-forward heel and you’ll be so on-trend you won’t know what's hit you.

Silk bandanas

Channel your inner milkmaid with a sleek silk bandana from Oroton’s Emporium Melbourne store. Simply fold it into a triangle, pop it on your head, pin it down then tie neatly at the back of your neck. Or tie it on your handbag, transform it into a strapless top or wrap it around your waist for a playful twist. We'll be going for this striped design for a pop of cobalt blue.

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Last updated on Tue 27 Jan 2026

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