Let’s face it, we choose to live in our coastal haven because it offers us the best of both worlds… a calm, relaxing lifestyle with access to (nearly) everything we want (but everything we need) while avoiding the horrors of peak hour traffic, endless queues, toll roads and more
However over the years as the owner and chief curator of Meg + Me Boutique, I’ve observed that our coastal location sometimes calls for a reminder that our casual lifestyle means that you can be relaxed while still looking chic and polished. The key is finding the balance between being comfortable and appearing put-together, ensuring you still look effortlessly stylish without feeling overdressed.
This season, we’re observing some fun international fashion trends making their way to our shores from faux leather skirts to animal prints. With a few tweaks, and some personal styling, these looks can easily be translated into our PMQ wardrobe, but it may not be the way we are seeing on the runways in Milan. Let’s take a closer look at the trends that hitting our shelves this season and how with a bit of help you can make them your own.
Trend 1: Faux Leather Skirts
Faux leather skirts may seem like a bold choice for Port Mac, but they’re an easy and affordable way to stay on trend—especially when paired with the right textures. Think lightweight faux leather in warm honey tones that cocoon and move with you, not the heavy rich leathers you might associate with colder climates. Our Designers Zoe Kratzmann and POL have both got beautiful faux leather skirts in this season, and when paired back with a lightweight knit or a crisp cotton shirt, edgy ankle boots or a cute sneaker this is an on trend look you can easily style for both work and play…
Trend 2: Animal Print
Some would argue that animal print has always been on trend, and for many it has. However we are seeing a real push when it comes to animal this season. Fortunately animal prints are versatile and timeless, so when you find a print and colour way that suits you, it will be with you for many more seasons that just this one.
When it comes to styling animal print, there’s two options. Minimal and chic, or top to toe (AKA Trinny Woodall) but my tip for keeping it chic and not overdone, is to use your animal print as an accent until you get the hang of it. Think animal print scarves, loafers, belts or handbags and you are well on your way to adding a classic touch of animal to your coastal chic wardrobe.
Trend 3: Keeping warm!
Something a little crazy I find about living in Port Macquarie is how cold it can get in Winter here! Now most of you will know that I am a Tassie Girl born and bred, so it surprises many when I tell them I have felt colder here in Winter inside a house than I have felt outside in Tassie… sure we can get lovely sunny winter days, but if you’re venturing out early morning or after the sun goes down, it can be super chilly here!
One common mistake I see is people wearing too many layers of synthetic fibres, thinking that wearing more will make them warm. It won’t. It’s just going to make you sweat and then you will freeze even more. Take it from me, lightweight Merino wool and 100% cashmere or cashmere blends will be your Best Friends in winter (yes even a Port Macquarie Winter) because not only do natural fibres keep you warm they breath, naturally wicking away any moisture on your body. They may be an initial investment, but you will love them for years to come, I promise!
So as we begin to to fill our racks and shelves with our new season’s deliveries, let’s all remember that living a relaxed coastal lifestyle doesn’t mean we can’t seek inspiration from what is happening in the wider world.
That way, we really CAN make sure we have the best of both worlds right here on our own doorstep!
