Going Aussie today doesn't need to mean "bogan"!
Sure, if that cap fits, then wear it, own it and rock it. But if you're not into plugger throwing, beer helmets and cleavage-bulging flag-adorned dresses, fret not.
Aussie design houses –and the fashion industry as a sector –has come of age in the past 20 years or so. Our best are cutting it with runway classics and while still staying true to the style which makes our Great Southern Land what it is, we have developed a maturity and sense of place all on our own.
No longer are we trying to be like everyone else. Chanel is Chanel, Louboutin is Louboutin and we are all quite okay with that.
But high end, middle ground and cheap and cheerful labels have started stepping up to runway with a look, feel and style all of their own.
There is so much to love about Aussie Fashion and HB Boutique has made a point of keeping the spotlight on local Australian frocks, shoes and accessories. What's more, they're bringing it to the regions –and beyond with their hot online offerings, as well as what it in store.
We might be a sunburnt country, but we are also an incredibly vast one, and isolation and distance should never get between a woman and her latest wardrobe addition.
Both online and in store, HB stocks labels including Little Lies, Mollini, Django and Juliette, Freya and Sabine, The Hides and Shilla.
With a range like that, teamed with the real colours of Australia (and let's face it, with the Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Football World Cup on this year, there will be plenty of opportunities to don the glaring Green and Gold!) this is an Australia Day where the theme can carry you across the whole year.
Look for sky and sea blues, matched with sand and sea grass shades. Natural fibres south of the ankles and crisp whites and nude shades are perfect complements to the Australia high summer.
Best of all, they're all cool and really wearable through the summer heat.
The fashions of Australia need not see us relegated to being draped in flag paraphernalia and cheap and nasty patriotic knock-offs.
If that's your bag then fabulous –enjoy and embrace your Aussie-ness. But there is room for something different and it's there that the real story of Australian Style lies.
Shop the edit here.
