10 Looks For Casual Christmas Holidays

Today we’re putting away the sequins and bling to bring you some dressing inspiration for casual Christmas holidays.

For many years I have spent summer camping with my kids down at Dromana, Ocean Grove and Torquay and while I love it, dressing for these holidays challenges me the most.

Casual summer wear is not my normal attire (let’s not mention putting me in a pair of flats either) so it’s important for me to find a way to look the part without losing what makes me “Cindy”.

Now of course some of you that are off camping or doing casual activities are not too fussed by your wardrobe choices and that’s okay, but this blog is aimed at those who want to make a festive effort without looking overdressed.

Some of you may be off camping, on a boat or going to a casual resort looking for something stylish yet practical. While some of you may be hopping on a plane for a Whitsunday holiday or rejuvenation in Bali where you’ll require a mix of casual to semi casual attire when going from day to night.

So Lacey and I hit the shops at Chadstone to bring you 10 looks across different price points, sizes and dress codes.

As always my little disclaimer: All photos were taken during a lunch break with no lighting or styling. We don’t Photoshop images, they remain very raw so please be kind in the comments as we’re a friendly style community 🙂

I hope this helps inspire some productive thoughts for your casual wardrobe requirements over the summer holiday break.

1. Sail Away Dress

This dress easily translates from day to night with a change of a shoe or accessories and is suitable for all body shapes. The nautical inspired design is fresh and the chevron-type pattern is very flattering thanks to the waistline band that breaks it up. Oh and the red belt is included! From City Chic who offer sizing from 16 – 26. For a lower price point, Target also offer larger sizes.

City Chic | $119.95

2. The Strapless

Again, we’re seeing a nautical pattern but with a much more relaxed structure to the dress. You could wear this dress to a casual dinner or poolside as it can work for both. It’s best suited to hourglass body shapes and not ideal for inverted triangle body shapes that have broad shoulders.

City Chic | $99.95

3. I Prefer Shorts

Not everyone likes a dress so tailored shorts and a top are a great option. Here we’ve opted for a festive colour on top teamed with a longer cuffed short. This longer length will actually balance and flatter those with broader shoulders. Notice the top also sits over the waistband with the ability to hide any problem tummy areas. Again, this look can be super casual or teamed with a small-heeled sandal, cuff or necklace for dinner.

City Chic | Top, $39.95, Shorts, $69.95

4. Classic Summer

This look is very on-trend working both the white and monochromatic palette of black and white. The pattern on the shorts adds interest to the look and we’ve opted for a short-sleeved top to balance out the short length and cover wider arms. This will suit most body shapes but please note the shorts are short: great for those who aren’t afraid to show their legs. The look can easily translate to beachwear also.

Country Road | Top $49.95, Shorts $89.95

5. Fresh & Casual

Similar to our classic summer look, Country Road has an abundance of black and white options to mix and match. This top could have been a simple singlet but the sleeves add a little interest.

I’m small, but this will suit most body shapes apart from inverted triangles……watch the sleeve!!! Please note, the shorts are again short and Country Road goes up to a size 16(ish).

Country Road | Top $79.95, Shorts $79.95

5. Natural Palette

This look offers shorts that reach the knee so for those of you who require the longer length, these are a nice cut! The vest with zip detailing adds a little interest and the neutral hues of grey and white offer a very relaxed style. This look is great for all body shapes but a word of warning to those with larger busts as the vest may further accentuate them. 🙁

Country Road | Vest $99.95, Shorts $69.95

6. Denim Overalls

When it’s summer, jeans don’t always cut it so…….. I love that overalls have returned for grown ups! ( Yes…..not all of you will agree!!) The lighter wash is lovely for summer and the look works best with a crisp white t-shirt. Overalls suit all body shapes except for triangles, unless you can find one that flips out slightly, this look works beautifully for casual coffees, strolling through street markets or over bathers. In store, you’ll find sizes up to a 14. ( Quite fitted though!)

FCUK | Overalls, $99.95, Top, $59.95

7. Quirky Comfort

Love this Gorman ensemble that offers a patterned top and relaxed denim/ grey pants. It’s great for inverted triangles, hourglasses and rectangles and Gorman offer up to a size 14. Notice the top sits right on the waistband to direct the shape of the look and I’ve opted for a small platform to dress the pants up a touch. In saying that, a flat sandal or espadrille shoe will offer a beautiful boho-inspired look to this outfit if you are tall and lean.

Gorman | Top $189, Pants, $189, Shoes $289

8. Gelato Summer

I was quite addicted to eating Italian gelato on my recent Europe trip and am loving this seasons take on gelato-inspired colours seen here in a soft teal top, citrus yellow belt and white short ensemble. All items are from Sportscraft who go up to a size 18. This is great for all body shapes but note that the shorts are longer (knee length) and busty ladies might need to open up the chest area of the top. Oh and if you can afford it, get the bag… and the scarf! ( These shorts are a slightly wider cut, great if you are carrying weight through your thighs and great for balancing your hips! The thick denim covers lumps!)

Sportscraft | Top, $99.96, Shorts, $99.95, Scarf, $89.95, Bag, $79.95

9. Day to Night

This Veronika Maine dress can beautifully transform from casual to not so with the change of a shoe. It’s great for oval body shapes, some triangles or inverted triangles thanks to the strategic colour placement which brings the attention to the top/ centre of the dress. The pleat at the front of this dress offers it some shape but not enough for hourglasses who would lose their waists. (Great if you feel thick through the waist and tummy……..good Christmas Day dress!!!!! 🙂

Veronika Maine | $199

10. Stripy Summer

Very casual chic, Veronika Maine (who go up to a size 16) offer relaxed pieces suitable for a casual event that are tailored for a more stylish finish. The 7/8 length pants look great with a wedge or flats and this look is perfect for most body shapes. While most people opt for darker “bottoms” I like this inverted look of placing white below and bringing attention to the striped top. The coral hue is also quite flattering. ( Top can be worn with shorts, a straight skirt or just with jeans, dressed up or down!!)

Veronika Maine | top $109, pants $109.50

Wow! That was a huge list!

Any favourites/stand out looks that you might go try on? As always, I look forward to seeing you in the comments below.

Cindy x