As the weather gets hotter in Western Australia (it’s in the ’40s as I write), my thoughts turn to what I can find in my cupboard that will be cool, slip on easily, not cling too much, and be elegant enough either if visitors pop round, or if I’m going to be running a blogging workshop.
Over on the East Coast of Australia it will also be hot, and probably much more humid than in WA.
So today, we’re going to look at both East and West Coast everyday styles.
Lovely Rachel Wernicke from Redcliffe Style lives in Queensland, on the East Coast of Australia so I was interested to see what she would pull out of the cupboard when asked the question: What shall I wear today?
Rachel Wernicke
“This is my typical everyday look, even if I’m just hanging around the house cleaning. I love this denim, balloon dress and it looks even better when I iron it. It was my aunt’s and she tried to sell it at a garage sale. A lady tried it on and I gave her a look that said “Errr, do you really think that looks good on you?”. The lady swiftly took it off, I grabbed it and hid it inside the house.”
“I love orange at the moment. Over the top I’m wearing an old Metalicus vest bought on Ebay new with tags about 4 years ago. Also pictured is an ancient tan bag, an orange Ellen S Design charm necklace and stompy, nude wedges. I threw a Sussan scarf over my bag, I take a scarf everywhere. They add colour and you never know when you will need it (even if it’s to create a sling). Finished off with a pony tail and sunglasses to hide the lack of makeup.
I think Rachel looks really funky in this outfit – but I can’t picture her wearing it armed with a duster doing the housework! A Big Thank You to Rachel for contributing ๐ “It’s been lovely having you here today.”
If you’d like to connect with Rachel, why not pop over to her wonderful blog at Redcliffe Style where she writes lightheartedly about life, style, beauty and fashion in the suburbs.
You might also like to check out Styling You’s Everyday Style series, for a whole lot of style inspiration.
In Western Australia
The dress below is from Marks and Spencer, and it started out as one of those dresses in my wardrobe that I kept for best, and the right occasion never came along to wear it. So now it’s been relegated to everyday wear and I love it. It’s easy to wear, understated, hides my lumps and tummy bumps and covers the flabby top bit of my arms.
I think it looks better with more formal shoes, and small heels – although I’d probably only wear black – what do you think? However, yesterday I was doing a lot of walking and my poor old feet needed a bit of tender loving care. The necklace is a gift from my daughter from Bali. The sandals are from Earth Spirit.
At the back, two ties wrap into a bow, which gives the dress a lovely soft shape around the front.
I’ll definitely be on the look out for dresses cut to this shape for more updated looks this summer.

Would love your thoughts Lifestylers – what do you think?
By the way, if you’d like to feature in a “What Shall I Wear Today” post, please email me a picture of what you’re wearing and a short description about the outfit.
P.S. Please Email me via the Contact Form in the Contact Page at the top of this site.
I love this style, casual chic – have a wonderful day!
Thank you Antionette ๐
Lets face it we are all denim girls from way back. I love Rachel’s bargain buy teamed with the orange throw over top. She looks carefree and casual in this outfit. I just wish I was happier with how my knees look these days so that I could show a bit of leg in a dress too. Maybe I just need to tan my legs!
I am glad Jo that you have pulled this dress out of your wardrobe – it is definetly a casual light and easy to wear dress for multiple occasions. I am not keen on underthe bust ties these days on me, but they look great on you. Love the necklace you have teamed the dress – it really gives it a lift.
Looking great girls!
ps – I hear you about the “top of the arms thingy” – my problem too these days. Perhaps we need some tips to tighten the arms!
Gah, I know … I hate wingbats … or whatever they’re called Jill! Perhaps there is a call for some tips … picks up phone to gym!
Carefree and casual – yes Jill, that really sums up Rachel’s lovely bargain buy look, and one that I’d like to emulate. You know what, tanning does hide a multitude of sins, and looking at my knobbly knees in the picture, I think I should give it a go too! Thanks for your kind compliments and thanks for commenting too ๐
I love how your gorgeous necklace complements your outfit. We’re in the midst of a rather cold wintery blast, so it’s hard to think of summer outfits. Although it’s a nice change from looking at woolly things.
Thanks Neva, I love necklaces that ‘do the job’ for a number of outfits. Ohhh, your cold wintery blast sounds chilly. I hope you’re wrapped up nice and warm ๐
Two great outfits for hot summer days. Do share if you find any more dresses in that style this summer, Jo. They would be a great addition to my wardrobe.
Hey Carolyn, I’m going to be running a lovely Giveaway in the New Year for a very similar style dress … Watch this space ๐ Thanks for commenting ๐
Love this concept! Love Rachel’s style and sneaky garage sale tactics. A girl after my own heart.
I think we should wear more things every day instead of saving them for best. Like we should use our best china for our daily cuppa.
Personally, I’m not a fan of dresses that tie around the back, so I either pop a belt over the top or I tie them in the front instead for a different look. This dress looks lovely on you x
Hi Kim-Marie, thanks for popping by. Yes, Rachel’s sneaky garage sale tactics had me smiling too. I think we three are the same – I too love a bargain! I’ve seen pics of you on Instagram with a belt tied around the waistline and they suit you very much like that. How about a pic for this series?
Hi Jo, I love your dress, very comfortable, if I was going to dress up your outfit with heels as you said, I’d go with a neutral colour so your eye won’t be drawn to your feet xxx
Thanks Rae – and hey, what’s wrong with my feet? Hahahaha! Ok, I know what you mean, and you’re right, black might be too, well black – a neutral beige with a bit of heel would probably be the ticket, exactly as you say ๐ Thanks for popping by – your comments are always spot on and also insightful.
You look great.Luv the drapey sleeves it looks cool and an easy to throw on piรจce.Victoria
Thanks Victoria – I love things that are easy to wear, don’t you?
Great way to think of fashion on both sides of the country!
Thank you Nikki! It seemed like a fun take on the idea … to the world at large Australia is a sunburnt country with sunshine most of the time … but of course we all know how everything changes seasonally from State to State ๐
Thanks for having me Jo. I love your outfit! Rachel x
My pleasure Rachel, and thank you ๐