Tropical Boho Bliss

Here’s the answer for those who have ever found themselves stranded between looking like a half-boiled carrot in activewear or an over-cooked canary in polyester - welcome to the era of the boho romper. Here, life is more than what-should-I-wear-to-the-beach-today. It’s about feeling as free and floaty as a Byron Bay pop-up. And nothing says “I left my worries somewhere between the sand and the surf” quite like one of these Tropicana short-sleeved bohemian playsuits.

This little number takes the best bits of summer - soft, drapey viscose, a relaxed fit, and sleeves that don’t strangle your upper arms (even if you did skip Pilates last week). Everything’s cleverly gathered with a modest drawstring that ties just below a V-neck - just shy of scandalous. The tie-finished neckline gets finished with tassels because, well, this is still festival territory after all.

Now for the magic trick: it’s a romper masquerading as a skirt. A semi-flared short hem sways along your thighs as you walk, run or awkwardly shuffle through hot sand in search of the ice-cream van. The cinched waist shape flatters without squeeze - none of that sausage effect thanks to a flowy fit through the hips and leg.

There are so many iterations of ornate border prints that picking which to wear is like choosing what gelato goes on top. All-over florals are dense and lively; paisley motifs are generous at borders but never kitschy. It’ll take more than one drink too many on night three in Bali before anyone guesses you’ve worn it before.

It’s one-piece shopping at its genius best for those who hate shopping for separates. Throw on some chunky slides or go barefoot (it works on both Bondi Beach and Bond Street). It also washes cold and tumble dries low because who has time for dry-clean only anyway?