Summer has finally arrived, which means lazy days spent beachside lapping up the sunshine followed by warm nights sipping fruity cocktails at the bar. (At least in an ideal world!) But how does one dress for two such different activities? Only a fashion challenge could settle it. I hit up Melbourne Central to see if I could find an outfit that could be taken from beach to bar for under $200. Did I manage it? Let’s find out…
The first step was to sort out the beach look. While Seafolly always have beautiful bikinis, I didn’t want to blow half my budget on just a bikini top. I’ve been impressed with Cotton On’s swimwear selection this season, the mix and match design perfect for showcasing your own style on the beach. I spot the Lara Bingle black bandeau bikini top and decide it will be the perfect base for the challenge. To add colour to the look, I pair the top with neon pink printed bottoms with a cute frill detail. A gorgeous bikini for just $30 – sold!
The beach look now complete, it was time to focus on making it suitable for heading out for drinks at the bar. On my way out of Cotton On, I catch sight of a sheer lacy bra for $10 which I think will be perfect for dressing the outfit up. Wearing it under the bikini top gives you more coverage, while the cheeky peek of lace vamps the top up for nighttime.
Given the short top, there’s no doubt in my mind that the bottom half of the outfit must be high-waisted. My eyes are inundated with options – do I want skirt or shorts, plain or printed? I see some beautiful options in Kookai and The Universal Store, but most are unfortunately out of budget. I eventually decide shorts are the way to go, as they make a chic and practical choice for nighttime. Choosing a pair in a luxurious fabric or eye-catching print is a great way to make them more going-out appropriate too.
While the short search proves more difficult than I had thought, in Dotti I’m immediately drawn to a sparkly black cape/bolero and know it’s exactly what my outfit needs. The sparkles add texture to the look but what makes it really stand out is the cropped length and open sleeves. It’s a fun piece – practical for the chillier weather once the sun goes down, and slipping it on makes me feel instantly glamorous. New in store, the piece is usually $59.99 but a 30% off store promotion brings it down to just over $40. Score! Although the top half is all black, mixing textures as I have done with the cape, lace bra and bikini top keeps the look interesting (and makes it look more expensive).
I’m almost ready to give up on finding bottoms for the outfit, when a trip to Portmans reveals the perfect pair. High-waisted and in a gorgeous monochrome graphic print, they bring the look bang up to date. At $69.95 they take out a large portion of my budget, but are totally worth it.
With a monochrome ensemble almost complete, the only thing missing is a burst of colour. For on trend accessories at affordable prices (I have just under $50 remaining of my budget) I head straight to Colette Accessories. I soon lock eyes with the perfect clutch and laugh out loud when I realise what colour it is. Of course it turns out to be bright Onya orange! It’s the perfect finishing touch – the vibrant colour pops against the black and white and the gold ring handles mean other jewellery can be kept to a minimum. At $34.95, it’s a statement piece that will see you through the summer and beyond.
Finishing touch: I add a pair of black sky high wedges and slick of orange lipstick to accentuate the bright clutch.
And I’ve done it! Starting with a simple bikini top, I’ve managed to create a look that can be dressed up to take you from beach to bar, for just $186.62.
WIN! We want to share the love with you this summer, which is why we’ve got a $100 Melbourne Central Gift Card to give away. Just tell us your top tip for transforming a look from day to night in the comments below for your chance to win! Competition closes 9am AEST Monday 20th January, 2014.
BEACH LOOK:
Lara Bingle for Cotton On Black Bandeau Bikini Top, $19.95 ($30 for 2)
Cotton On Tropical/ Lolly Pink Bikini Bottoms, $19.95 ($30 for 2)
BAR LOOK:
Bikini top and bottoms as before
Cotton On Lace Bralet (worn underneath), $9.99
Portmans Monochrome Shorts, $69.95
Dotti The Jalero Jacket, $59.95 (reduced to $41.72 in special promotion)
Colette Molly Ring Clutch $34.95
