How to Give Your Style a Sea Change

In her first column for Who What Wear Australia, Miann Scanlan talks us through what it’s like to go from city to sea.

The pendulum of my sartorial choices swings constantly between two extremes: cityscape and seaside. One look at my Instagram account and you’d be forgiven for thinking I literally live on the sand, which is almost the case. My front door isn’t far from the shore, and every single day I make sure I spend time in the ocean. Living in a coastal town far from the city isn’t exactly conducive to satisfying my inner fashion girl, who yearns for edgy, modern, minimalist statement pieces in head-to-toe black. It’s no surprise that the moment I step foot in the city, my pointy Saint Laurent boots come straight out, along with structured blazers to drape over my shoulders.

No matter which city I am in the world, I always pay homage to my upbringing by the sea. Speaking to memories of sunsets shared with friends, salty hair and sun-kissed skin, keep scrolling to follow my tips below to give your style a sea change to amalgamate the best of both worlds.

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(Image credit: Miann Scanlan)

A laid-back lifestyle by the sea calls for a silhouette of the same description. Think relaxed fits, and styles that float as you walk and project an effortless “I just threw this on” sense of style. Floaty skirts, oversized button-downs and romantic blouses with lots of fabric can all be paired back with your inner-city faves. Think a floaty skirt with edgy, patent leather pointy boots and a silk cami.

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(Image credit: Miann Scanlan)

Fabric is key to nailing this look, as it’s all in the subtle details. Textured fabrics like linen, cotton and denim reign supreme at the beach, so pair something like leather biker pants with an oversized white linen blouse, a feminine cotton embroidered dress with fierce lace-up stilettoes, or denim shorts with a black blazer and boots.

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(Image credit: Miann Scanlan)

To truly nail your seaside sartorial escape, mimic the colours most prominent at the beach. White sands, blue seas, grey skies, black rocks and green palm leaves should be communicated in muted, moody tones.

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(Image credit: Miann Scanlan)

If your wardrobe mainly comprises of all black and you don’t see that changing any time soon, then accessories is where you get to unleash your inner mermaid. Think shark tooth gold necklaces, cowrie shell earrings, delicate anklets, raffia clutches, and pile on the ear embellishments.

Shop these perfect seaside picks.

Would you style change depending on what city you’re in? Let us know in the comments below!

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Miann Scanlan
Contributor

Who's your style icon? Lara Worthington

Who are your 5 favourite people to follow on Instagram? @4thandBleeker @JaneBirkinDaily @Purienne_ @Seinfeld2000 @lafemmemerveilleuseinvisible

What's the fashion essential you can't live without?​ A great pair of black boots

What's your desert island album? Kaya by Bob Marley & The Wailers