The perfect summer hat: Ann Demeulemeester sun hat The perfect sunglasses: Persol Summer 2012 footwear: Simona Vanth

Welcome 2012! While many of our local readers are still enjoying their summer holidays we’d thought we’d offer a few tips for keeping cool, and of-the-moment whether you’re lazing by the pool or soaking up the sun’s rays by the beach.

The perfect summer hat:  We say stick with the classics and make it a wide-brimmed Fedora or floppy 70s-inspired sunhat a la Ann Demeulemeester's offering above – or if you appreciate the quality of handmade tradition, take a look at these beautiful Panama numbers, all the way from Ecuador.

Moving on from the see-it-everywhere Trilby, these handmade Fedoras have a certain chic sensibility in keeping with our very own Tluxe take on relaxed glamour with a Studio 54-style twist. And let’s face it, in the Australian sun a wide-brimmed hat is so much more than just a style investment. It will quite literally, save your skin.

The perfect sunglasses: Persols. Classic Italian heritage. Steve McQueen. Now in cool coloured frames. Need we say more?

2012 footwear: The most down-to-earth footwear trend for this summer, and next, is all about mixing a few found objects from your beachcombing with the look of raw leather, hammered metal, and earthy, rough-edged textures. We just love the look of these sandals from young Italian shoe designer, Simona Vanth.