Something borrowed...

Styling I've come to really appreciate over the past few years is the relaxed 'weekender' look. Think floppy felt hats, distressed loose-fitting jeans, marle shirts and an oversized tote. Not only is this style incredibly comfortable but it's effortlessly chic with the simple addition of heeled sandals, stackable rings and a refined chain/pendant of your choice to transport the look from day into night.

Once I apply for holiday leave my mind is seldom left for more than five minutes before whirring into a creative overdrive. What will I pack? How will I accessorize the pieces I want to wear!? Will it all work together? 

If you're heading off for a weekend away you can't go past these effortless essentials:

1: Nude lipstick.

Call me crazy, but the "weekender" does not wear a lot of makeup. The week is over and it's time to give those pores a much needed rest. Team your relaxed look with a nude lip with a hint of shimmer to set off neutral tones without feeling lipless.

2: Stackable rings.

The possibilities are endless! Stackable rings are available in most boutiques and come in a range of sizes and thicknesses so you can mix and match on each hand to suit your look. 

3: Fine chain drop necklace/s.

The weekender is so carefree that a chunky, heavy necklace is not on the menu. Keep the mood light with a fine chain with natural stones and metals. You can layer different length necklaces to create levels. 

4: Boyfriend jeans.

Long gone are the days that borrowing your beau's baggies were restricted to walking to the mail box and hanging out your smalls. Boyfriend jeans have redefined comfort and are an essential for the weekend. Comfortable, loosely fitting and often distressed (you can use a razor to tease more frayed panels if you desire) these jeans are best paired with a loose tee (or scooped singlet) in white or grey. Boyfriend jeans tend to be lighter in color so try and avoid matching with bright colours. 

5. Sandal heel.

I'm a little late jumping on this bandwagon but the sandalled heel is a timeless investment and can be worn with virtually anything. Skirt, pants, shorts or dress, the fit is flattering (even for large footed ladies such as myself) and the heel is never abominably high (and therefore hard to walk in). On the weekend you will want to wander in comfort as well as in style. These sandals are your ticket to freedom. 

6. Floppy felt hat.

Sun-safe and complimentary to the weekender look, this hat will keep you shaded and savvy. Most will have a band - some even have fun attachments like tassels (pictured). Keeping to a natural palette, a marle grey, black or brown felt hat will finish the look without weighing it down.

7. Oversized tote/carry-all.

This Céline inspired oversized tote is the perfect accompaniment to the outfit as you can easily fit all your weekend essentials/water bottle/magazine and stay stylish. Hardware detailing in a metal/texture matching to your jewellery will set the look off perfectly.