Summer is on the horizon — and if you’re anything like us, you’ve already got a jam-packed diary. Now, to figure out what to wear…
We’ve been spoiled lately with an early glimpse of summer sunshine and naturally our brains are already fast-forwarding to hot days at the beach, festival season, barbeques and sporting events… Obviously the next question which springs to mind is: “What to wear?”
For many summer events, practicality and comfort can be hard to achieve when you’re out in the baking hot sun for a big part of the day. That’s why planning ahead is key – thinking about fabric types and breathability will keep you feeling cool in the heat and finding something that makes you look and feel great but that you don’t have to fuss with will mean you can concentrate on having fun, rather than having to hitch your straps up every five minutes.
Then there’s accessories, which might be the most important factor of all. The non-negotiables are a comfy pair of tried-and-tested shoes that won’t give you blisters, a suitable bag to hold your tickets, phone, money and makeup (we love a cross-body style in most cases, so you can go hands-free) and last but not least, a good sunscreen that will ensure your skin is well-protected so you don’t end up looking like a lobster in all your selfies. We’re really into Hawaiian Tropic‘s Silk Hydration suncare range as it offers a very high protection (it’s recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation) while also hydrating your skin, leaving it feeling silky smooth for up to 12 hours. Not to mention it smells like a tropical holiday… letting your senses take you away, even when you’re still in New Zealand!
We’ve teamed up with Hawaiian Tropic to bring you our four highlights on the summer events schedule – plus, the outfit we plan to wear to each. Don’t forget to stay sun-smart out there – wear a hat, drink lots of water and lather on that Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen!
Summer event pick #1: BOXING DAY RACES
When: 26 December
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland
Tickets via: ellerslie.co.nz
Vibe: Ellerslie Racecourse’s iconic SkyCity Boxing Day Races has been running now for over 160 years for good reason – it’s high-octane, fast-paced, colourful and fashion-focused. Get glammed up and enjoy a fun day on the lawn, sipping on champagne, listening to great tunes and watching the races.
Style notes: The races are when you can go that extra mile and get full glam – wear that oversized hat if you want to, or sparkle in head-to-toe sequins. If you do find you get a bit too much sun after a full day outside, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion with a touch of mango and papaya will moisturise and soothe.
Summer event pick #2: NORTHERN BASS
When: 31 December
Where: Mangawhai, Northland
Tickets via: Ticketfairy.com
Vibe: Get ready to see in 2020 with some of the biggest names in drum and bass, electro, hip hop and dance music at Northern Bass’ three-day extravaganza. Whether you camp on-site or stay at a nearby bach, you’re in for a full on treat of a festival. This year’s lineup includes Ghostface Killah, Andy C, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Tokimonsta, Jess B, Goldie and more.
Style notes: Northern Bass is the time to get amongst, so we’ll be turning to some of our favourites, including Stolen Girlfriends Club, Anine Bing and RUBY x Hello Kitty, to get us festi-ready. And as with any festival, the one accessory you won’t want to be without is your Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Very High Protection sunscreen spray to keep your face, arms and neck protected (P.S. the spray nozzle makes it so easy to apply and reapply – so no excuses!).
Summer event pick #3: ASB CLASSIC TENNIS TOURNAMENT
When: 6-18 January
Where: Auckland Tennis Centre
Tickets via: Ticketek.co.nz
Vibe: Going to the tennis is one of the highlights of the summer calendar for sure – the matches are exciting and the champagne is usually flowing too. But there’s also amazing people-watching to be had, delicious food stalls to try out and great pop-up bars to lounge in.
Style notes: A day at the tennis calls for tennis whites, earthy tones or muted colours… whatever you choose, you’ll want to aim for refined comfort so flats or wedges are recommended (as is a pair of sunnies). You’ll likely be sitting in the searing heat unless you’ve managed to find yourself a corporate box to lounge in (lucky you!), so keep the sun at bay with Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Very High Protection Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 50+.
Summer event pick #4: FLAMINGO PIER
When: 7-8 February
Where: Rangihoua Olive Grove, Waiheke Island
Tickets via: Eventbrite from November 12
Vibe: Waiheke’s Rangihoua Estate will once again play host to Flamingo Pier, the party that has set both Auckland and London alight for several summers, with a pop-up food festival, good tunes and even better vibes. Sit back and relax with a frozen cocktail in hand (procured from Flamingo’s famous Boat Bar) or park up in one of the tree-hung hammocks and chill with a beer, wine or a sweet cocktail concoction. The 2020 edition will be held across two days – Friday February 7 and Saturday February 8 – with two-day and single day tickets available.
Style notes: Get set for two days of dancing, relaxing and good times – and dress accordingly. Something low-key but cute, that’s easy to dance in is the way forward. Make sure your face stays protected in the sunshine with Hawaiian Tropic Duo Defence Face sunscreen lotion in SPF 50+… you will thank us later when you see the photos from the weekend!
This content is brought to you in partnership with Hawaiian Tropic. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration suncare range offers advanced protection while letting your senses take you away. The unique formula combines very high protection with a hydrating formula to wrap your skin in continuous moisture. To find out more visit hawaiiantropic.co.nz or discover the product for yourself at Countdown, The Warehouse and Chemist Warehouse.
