Well, good news, ravers, a free open-air electronic dance festival is coming to South Bank this summer with Southwave: Summer Electronic Series taking over the South Bank Rainforest across nine sun-soaked afternoons and after-dark sessions.

From now until 21 February, the South Bank Rainforest is being transformed into a pulsing EDM oasis, with the Tivoli Group rounding up the freshest local and international DJs and bringing them to our beloved Brisbane. And the best part is, it’s all free!

Who’s playing?

Get ready, because some seriously big names will be in Brisbane – headline acts including DJ Seinfeld, Not Without Friends, Folamour, Rose Gray, and Jimi Jules will light up the rainforest across weekend afternoons and nights. Add in pop-up bars, seriously good food, and balmy summer nights, and you’ve got yourself a seriously elite (and affordable) night.

The schedule

With the first few days of the festival kicking off at the very start of the New Year, there are six more days left of festival fun:

Friday 23 January

• DJ Seinfeld
• DJ Jnett
• Sampology

Saturday 24 January

• Not Without Friends
• Macloud
• Caramel Funk
• Laura Vizer

Sunday 25 January

• Jimi Jules
• Amaliah
• Gumm
• Samantha Loveridge
• Aliens In Love

Sunday 1 February

• Châu
• Squidgenini
• Felix
• DJ Windom Earle
• Deejay Hotline
• Natural Steps

Friday 20 February

• Rose Gray
• Big Wett
• Bimini (DJ)
• Absolute.
• Tullio

Saturday 21 February

• Jussam
• Melanin Mami
• Orosa
• Shaq
• Varnan

Gather your mates and gear up to listen to the hottest electro beats, breathe in the crisp, tropical air, and dance the night away – because, honestly, what screams QLD summer more than an open-air dancefloor by the river?

Southwave will coincide with South Bank’s inaugural On the Banks live music series, so you can keep the good times flowing while the city is alive with sweet sounds throughout summer and beyond.

The details

Founded by respected gallerist Michael Eather in Bowen Hills, FireWorks Gallery is known for championing Indigenous artists whose practices are deeply connected to Country and culture. Michael introduced us to celebrated Queensland artist Joanne Currie Nalingu, and from there, the decision felt instinctive. Her work Book River was selected for the cover – an artwork that feels unmistakably Brisbane in both spirit and story.

Michael Eather at FireWorks Gallery

Who is Joanne Currie Nalingu?

Joanne Currie Nalingu is a highly regarded Queensland artist whose journey into the art world began without formal education or access to structured arts programs. Growing up amid significant family challenges, Joanne learned instead by observing – watching other contemporary artists, listening carefully, and absorbing the cultural protocols surrounding storytelling and artistic practice.

Joanne Currie ‘Book River’

Determined to develop her own visual language, Joanne’s commitment and talent have since earned her national recognition. She was awarded the prestigious Wynne Prize for Landscape in 2008, and more recently, QAGOMA acquired a major six-metre work, adding to significant acquisitions by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Museum of Brisbane, and The University of Queensland Art Museum.

Joanne’s paintings are immediately recognisable for their rhythmic, almost meditative quality. Her signature dot work appears ‘sewn’ into flowing lines, creating a sense of movement and continuity. Central to her practice is the idea of the river as a living entity – one that mirrors time, memory, and personal experience. The rippling of water, shifting surfaces, and changing ground become metaphors for life’s events, suggesting that time itself moves like a river: constant, layered, and infinite.

Her work invites viewers to reflect on space, spatiality, and time – not as fixed concepts, but as fluid, interconnected experiences.

To experience Joanne Currie Nalingu’s work in person, visit FireWorks Gallery in Bowen Hills, where her practice continues to be thoughtfully represented and celebrated.

No doubt the hottest trend of the summer, belts are swinging, dangling, and flirting with the hips of fashion folks everywhere. Acting more like necklaces than functional waist cinchers, they’ve officially become statement accessories, and we’re admittedly accumulating quite the collection.

Here are the three belt trends you’ll want to wrap yourself in this summer and our top picks.

Thick & Chunky

With the ’80s maximalist revival going strong, chunky belts have returned in a major way: thick leather, oversized buckles, and bold silhouettes. But this season, the fashion community has rewritten the rules. Pair them unexpectedly with floaty dresses and let them sit low on the hips – suddenly, the power belt isn’t just a statement, it’s playful. It says you’re fashionable and have your sh*t together, all at once.

St. Agni Wide Classic Belt $319

SIR. Rocco Wide Leather Belt $220

Bec + Bridge Aroha Wide Belt $180

Noah The Label Suede Belt $95

Maison Essentiele Cowhide Wide Belt $290

Cotton On Ruby Selena Statement Belt $39.99

Beaded

Think of beaded belts as pendant necklaces for your waist – the quirky, delicate sibling you didn’t know you needed. Layer them over silk slips, blue denim, or even your swimmers; their whimsical charm adds subtle texture and a touch of fun to every look. Our money? These aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

BENNI. Rocco Beaded Belt $120

ELCE Capri Belt $220

St. Agni X Vermeer Edna Belt $160

The Bali Tailor La Pareo Belt 006 $159

Bec + Bridge Ember Crochet Belt $90

DISSH Bali Tailor La Pareo Ivory Belt 001 $149

Rope

If you’d told us rope belts were a thing, we might’ve raised an eyebrow. But here we are, fully on board. Leather or tasselled, rope belts bring effortless oomph to simple outfits. Not a beaded-girl type? This soft, tactile accessory is the perfect alternative, being functional, stylish, and effortlessly cool.

Noah The Label Leather Rope Belt $85

DISSH Sancia The Matteo Wrap Belt $99

POSSE Tassel Belt $50

Imagery: @noahthelabel, @becandbridge, @thebalitailor

]]> https://stylemagazines.com.au/lifestyle/the-housemaid-movie-review/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:29:15 +0000 https://stylemagazines.com.au/?p=291315 If someone a) hates reading, or b) is in a reading rut, I always tell them to pick up Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid. Not only is it one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve ever read, but I have proof it works miracles: I managed to convert my boyfriend who hadn’t opened a book since Diary of a Wimpy Kid in grade 6, into someone who reads. So hooked, in fact, he was scared to read anything else because he was convinced nothing would ever compare. And honestly? I get it.

If you’re not already part of Freida’s cult following, you’ve at least heard of her work – and now, with the release of The Housemaid’s movie adaptation, there’s no way to miss this phenomenon.

Naturally, when I heard a movie was coming, I was sceptical. Could it live up to the literary legend? Then the cast was announced: Amanda Seyfried as Nina, Sydney Sweeney as Millie, and Brandon Sklenar as Andrew and I was totally on board.

Synopsis

The Housemaid, a bestselling psychological thriller by Freida McFadden, follows Millie Calloway, a down‑on‑her‑luck young woman fresh out of prison who takes a live‑in maid job with the wealthy Winchester family in their sprawling Long Island estate. What starts as a desperate chance at a fresh start quickly spirals into a chilling web of manipulation, secrets. and power plays as Millie navigates the volatile dynamics of the household and begins to question who is truly in control. With shifting perspectives and a twisty narrative that upends expectations, the novel explores class, deception and survival in a world where appearances can be deadly.

My review

Okay, let’s talk about the movie. You know that moment when you’ve read a book, imagined every detail of the characters and settings in your head, and then a film adaptation absolutely destroys your vision? Well, The Housemaid is not that movie.

Amanda Seyfried is phenomenal as Nina. Elegant, poised, and completely unhinged, she’s everything you imagined – and more. Sydney Sweeney plays Millie exactly as I pictured her: smart, resourceful, witty, and constantly on edge. Brandon Sklenar as Andrew? Let’s just say he’s charming enough to make you question whether he could ever really be evil…until you remember exactly what’s coming. Honestly, he’s also just very easy on the eyes, which doesn’t hurt.

The Winchester estate itself is practically a character. It’s beautiful, imposing, and slightly sinister – the perfect backdrop for all the tension and drama. The movie does an amazing job of keeping you hooked from the first scene. I found myself leaning forward in my seat, heart racing, genuinely gasping along with the rest of the cinema.

And the acting? Top-notch across the board. Seyfried is a master at conveying a storm of emotions with just a look, and Sweeney’s hesitant, witty Millie makes you root for her the whole time. Sklenar is so convincing you actually catch yourself rooting for Andrew at times, even knowing the twist is coming.

There are a few differences from the book that are worth mentioning:

• Millie’s closet scene is more intense in the movie. In the book, Millie has to stack books on her stomach; in the film, it’s a little more dramatic and gory, with Andrew instructing Millie to deeply slice her stomach 21 times. Yeah, yuck.

• Andrew’s death is faster and more cinematic: pushed down a spiral staircase instead of the slow, chilling starvation depicted in the novel.

But honestly, these changes work in the film’s favor, giving it a suspenseful, fast-paced, and cinematic energy without losing the psychological tension that made the book so addictive. I’m usually the type to insist “the book is always better than the movie”, but this one came surprisingly close, bringing the novel’s visuals vividly to life. And, of course, Brandon Sklenar doesn’t hurt a bit.

Whether you’ve read the book or not, The Housemaid is a must-see. It’s suspenseful, genuinely thrilling, and dare we say stylish, all in one. The cinematography is gorgeous, the soundtrack is perfectly tense, and the cast, a dream. It’s one of those movies that deserves a trip to the cinema, Choc Top and all.

Imagery: @housemaidmovie

Sure, the night’s about celebrating the best in film and TV, but we all know the real fun is watching the stars own the carpet. From breakout talent to Hollywood heavyweights, everyone brought their A-game, proving the Globes are as much about fashion moments as they are about trophies.

This year, the carpet delivered everything from timeless glamour to bold, unexpected statements. Here’s our edit of the looks that stopped us mid-scroll in our Golden Globes-filled feed.

Kate Hudson

Wearing Armani Privé

So silver is the metal of 2026 – got it.

Selena Gomez

Wearing Chanel

Apparently, this gown took 323 hours to make and it was worth every second.

Jennifer Lopez

Wearing vintage Jean Louis Scherrer

We never thought we’d be into a tule fish tail, but here we are.

Jenna Ortega

Wearing Dilara Findikoglu

Our goth princess can literally do no wrong.

Jennifer Lawrence

Wearing Givenchy

Yes, the dress is amazing, but can we talk about her hair!?

Teyana Taylor

Wearing Schiaparelli Haute Couture

A moment for the back of the dress.

Kylie Jenner

Wearing Ashi Studio

Kylie not getting to walk the red carpet in this is diabolical.

Lisa

Wearing Jacquemus

And Style’s best dressed aware goes to…

Ariana Grande

Wearing Vivienne Westwood

We’re grateful she’s been freed from her pink prison.

Brittany Snow

Wearing Danielle Frankel

Who knew a low pony could look this chic.

Jessie Buckley

Wearing Dior

We want to be buried in this baby blue silk fabric.

Odessa A’zion

This is how cool we’d expect someone with the name Odessa to dress.

Emma Stone

Wearing Louis Vuitton

Butter yellow. Check. Mid-drift. Check. Red bob. Check.

Amanda Seyfried

Wearing Versace

If you’ve seen The Housemaid, this white gown makes a lot of sense.

Chase Infiniti

Wearing Louis Vuitton

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who has the most iconic look of all?

Olandria

Wearing Christian Siriano

We can’t decide what’s more impressive: this gown or that she was only just on Love Island.

Eva Victor

In Loewe

The ultimate lady in red.

Renate Reinsve

Wearing Louis Vuitton

We just want to run our fingers through this one.

Audrey Nuna

Wearing Thom Browne

Audrey has made a seriously good case for black lipstick and fascinators.

Imagery: @orlandria, @couturevision, @goldenglobes

From modern dining rooms and fashion boutiques to wellness studios, galleries, and cultural spaces, each inclusion offers a glimpse into how Brisbane lives, works, and plays – and the individuals helping drive it forward.

This special edition marks the debut of THE STYLE 100 and reflects a city entering its next chapter with confidence, momentum, and a growing sense of identity.

At the ripe old age of 21, she has already racked up multiple international roles, a massive social following, and more envious designer collabs than we can count.

She sings, she acts, she masters the art of the aesthetic Instagram dump – what can’t this girl do? Meet Disney’s newest Aussie darling.

Who is Teagan Croft?

Bursting onto the international scene as Raven in Titans, Teagan Croft stepped into the role of a complex half-human, half-demon superhero – instantly earning her a devoted global fanbase. Across four beloved seasons, she carried the emotionally layered role with ease, all while still in high school. No biggie.

After spending time living in the US, Croft returned to screens as the leading lady in Netflix’s 2023 hit True Spirit, portraying the real-life Aussie teen Jessica Watson, who became the youngest person to sail around the world solo in 2009. Known for choosing emotionally rich, character-driven roles, she’s also dipped her toe into producing two short films –  proving she’s just as switched on behind the scenes as she is in front of the camera. A triple threat if ever we’ve seen one.

The daughter of Australian director Rebecca McNamee, Croft’s creative streak clearly runs in the family. But before all the Hollywood buzz, she first graced local screens back in 2016, appearing in five episodes of Aussie staple Home & Away. Respect.

These days, she can be seen juggling a buzzing acting career with studying an English Literature degree in Europe, all while documenting her vintage-inspired fashion moments and subtle, dry humour on Instagram. Down-to-earth and brimming with that star quality, Croft has well and truly hit the big time. And now, as Disney’s newest Rapunzel, it’s clear we are looking at the latest name in the long line of Aussie superstars to find stardom overseas.

What do we know about Tangled so far?

If you remember, the original Walt Disney Productions’ Tangled was a musical, meaning the coveted role of Rapunzel comes with some serious singing obligations. Luckily for Croft, her talents extend well beyond acting, with the star often sharing snippets of her own original music on TikTok.

She’s set to star alongside Milo Manheim, who’s locked in as Rapunzel’s love interest, Flynn Rider – and honestly, he’s a straight-up doppelgänger. Manheim is no stranger to the Disney universe either, having starred in the Disney Channel’s Zombies movie series. With Manheim’s charm and Croft’s hair-envy-inducing presence, this casting feels like a match made in Disney heaven. Now all that’s left to do is wait patiently, with the live-action Tangled on track to hit cinemas sometime in 2027.

Other Aussies making Hollywood headlines

Croft is on fire – but she’s far from the only Aussie export taking over Hollywood right now. From Brisbane’s golden boy Jacob Elordi, now firmly cemented on the global stage, to Bridgerton Season 4’s leading lady, Australian talent is having a major moment.

Millie Alcock

Another Aussie bombshell experiencing a meteoric rise as of late is Millie Alcock. Growing up in Sydney, Alcock burst onto the scene, starring in the acclaimed Aussie series Upright, causing her to drop out of high school to pursue a serious career in acting. Fast forward a few years, and she is starring in Game of Thrones prequel, House of Thrones, then cast as Supergirl in Superman, then starring alongside Julianne Moore in Sirens. She’ll also be flying back into cinemas later this year as Supergirl, so watch this space – it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s Millie Alcock.

Jacob Elordi

From the streets of Brisbane to starring alongside some of the biggest names in the biz, Jacob Elordi has gone from strength to strength in his acting career. After a back injury ruled out a potential career in rugby, Elordi pivoted to acting – and luckily for all of us, he’s rather good at it. Following his breakout role in The Kissing Booth, Elordi landed leading roles in smash-hit Euphoria and has since made the leap to the big screen with numerous critically acclaimed films, including Saltburn, Frankenstein, and Priscilla. He’s also just taken home his first major industry award at the Critics’ Choice Awards. And with Wuthering Heights set to debut later this year, it’s clear there’s no limit to what this man can accomplish.

Yerin Ha

Recently making international headlines for scoring the leading role in the new season of Bridgerton (landing at the end of January), Yerin Ha is the Sydney-born South Korean actress quickly climbing the Hollywood ranks. After training in Seoul and graduating from NIDA, she’s already racked up credits in Halo, Dune: Prophecy, and a recent Netflix miniseries, The Survivors. Stay tuned, this girl is one to watch.

Joseph Zada

Joseph Zada is the 20-year-old Sydney native who’s taking on Haymitch in the new Hunger Games movie, Sunrise on the Reaping, a breakout role launching him into Hollywood stardom. Having already appeared in a smattering of Aussie productions, including the recent Invisible Boys as well as Amazon Prime’s hit series We Were Liar, the role marks Zada’s first major Hollywood film. And it doesn’t stop there – 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for him, with Netflix’s East of Eden (alongside Florence Pugh, no less) hitting screens. This guy is one to watch.

Sarah Snook

In case you’ve been living under a rock, your favourite red-headed Succession star, Sarah Snook, is a born and bred Aussie. Originally from Adelaide, Snook is a NIDA graduate, theatre buff, and now a full-blown international superstar. Already the proud winner of many industry awards – including two Golden Globes for Succession – she’s kicked off 2026 with a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Limited Series for the thriller All Her Fault. Safe to say, this is just the beginning – go, Sarah, go!

Imagery: @teagancroft

And now, beauty lovers Down Under can finally join the craze – because Rhode is officially landing in Australia (and New Zealand).

Where can you shop Rhode in Australia? 

Rhode announced via Instagram that from 6 am AEDT on February 12, the full Rhode collection will begin shipping directly to Australia from the brand’s website — meaning you can finally access those viral bestsellers straight from the source. But that’s not all: Australia’s favourite beauty powerhouse MECCA is set to be the exclusive retail stockist. The rollout starts at MECCA’s Bourke Street and George Street flagship stores on February 12, before landing in other locations nationwide on February 13.

About Rhode

Launched in 2022, Hailey Bieber’s Rhode entered the beauty space with a clear point of view: streamlined skincare, modern formulas and a considered approach to glow. The brand’s restrained aesthetic and edit-worthy lineup quickly set it apart from the noise of celebrity beauty launches.

Rhode launched with just three core products — Peptide Glazing Fluid, Barrier Restore Cream and Peptide Lip Treatment — each designed for everyday use and skin-first results.

The Peptide Glazing Fluid became closely tied to the now-ubiquitous “glazed” skin look, while subsequent releases like the Peptide Lip Tint, Pocket Blush, and Lip Case phone case positioned Rhode at the intersection of beauty and culture.

More recent additions, including Glazing Milk, signal a shift toward barrier care and long-term skin health, reinforcing the brand’s evolution beyond its original edit.

With whispers around a possible Hailey Bieber appearance tied to the Australian launch, Rhode’s arrival feels less like every beauty lover’s ultimate Valentine’s Day gift.

So, we’ll catch you by the Glazing Milk.

Imagery: @rhode

INS FOR 2026

Outfit repeating

The best place to shop? Your wardrobe. Everyone else is too busy worrying about themselves to notice if you wore the same thing twice. 

Buy less, but better

Supporting sustainable, quality craftsmanship is always in, and investing in wardrobe staples that won’t fall apart after one wash is something we’ll always get behind. For Brissy gals, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to second-hand shopping, and with SWOP landing in Fortitude Valley late last year, we’re pretty much unstoppable. 

Day drinking

Few things in life bring as much joy as a mid-afternoon margarita or a long lunch with a bottle of wine. Period. Here’s where we’d go for top-notch day seshing. 

Third spaces

Not home, not work. Find a space that’s neither of these, but equally as important. Try social clubs, cosy cafes, sunny parks – trust us. 

Eyeliner

Let your eyes do the talking with some good ol’ eyeliner – waterlining encouraged. The more smudged and smoked-out, the better. Messy is in.

Morning sun

Wake up and scroll? Not in 2026. Wake up, get that Vitamin D kick, and let your dopamine run wild.

Accessorising 

Stack on those bangles and buckle up your chunkiest belt. There’s no such thing as too much. 

Phone on DND

Peace? Protected. You don’t need to be accessible 24/7. 

Irish goodbyes

You’ve been at the function for hours. Your sling-backs are giving you blisters, and you’re yearning for your bed. Escape is crucial, but you’re too socially depleted for farewell pleasantries and peer pressure to stay. What to do? The Irish have the right idea.

Social sports

Getting a sweat on with a friendly game of *insert your sport of choice here*? Sign us up. 

Dressing up just because

Every day should be a special occasion. Why? Because you’re special. 

Anything analog

Card games, board games, print magazines, colouring in book – in, in, in. Can you tell we’ve spent the whole holidays playing Monopoly Deal and Uno? 

OUTS FOR 2026

Doomscrolling

But we don’t need to tell you that. 

Rage baiting

Ladies and gentlemen, let us present Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2025. Whether it was fake news, divisive content, or Threads posts from basement-dwellers calling beautiful actresses “mid,” rage bait was inescapable in 2025. Here’s to hoping it stays there.

Bag charms

It was one of the hottest trends of 2025, and it’s well and truly time it was laid to rest. Those plastic AliExpress bag charms that were flooding everyone’s Pinterest feeds are probably halfway to the bottom of the ocean by now.

Overly curated feeds

Remember when social media was fun? Let’s bring that back. We hope “casual” posting on Instagram can actually become casual in 2026.

10-step skincare routines

Less is more. There’s no need to go to bed with an entire Sephora’s worth of product layered on your face. 

Dome lids

In. The. (recycling) Bin. 

Skipping breakfast

No one likes a hangry person. It’s considered important for a reason.

Filming live gigs

You’d be hard-pressed to find a gig nowadays where the mosh isn’t a sea of iPhones, but your Instagram followers will skip past your stories and – let’s be honest – you’re probably never going to rewatch any of the footage you filmed. Just save your storage and live in the moment.

Marathons

Last year, it felt like everyone and their mum was training for a marathon on Instagram. We were exhausted just watching. Just go for your hot girl walk and give the 42k a rest. 

Overpriced coffees

If you’re paying $7.50 for an iced latte (and an extra $1.50 for oat milk), it’d better come with a solid gold straw.

Shopping hauls 

Overconsumption is so last year.

Imagery: Dupe (Kaitlin Marino, Eva Couto, Dakota Spencer) 

Think of it like my tried-and-true “girl math” for gym gear: buy something new, and suddenly showing up – and actually getting sht done* — feels way easier. Swap in stylish work accessories, and suddenly your desk is clutter-free, your vibe is on point, and conquering the work world becomes…well, a lot more fun.

Scroll on for our top seven must-haves to survive the back-to-work grind – and look seriously stylish doing it.

1. Blue light glasses

As we bid our digital detoxes goodbye and head back into the land of endless hours spent at the computer, this is where blue light glasses come in. Taking the edge off by filtering some of the blue light emissions from our digital devices, returning to work has never looked so good with these polished frames. Not only a real lifesaver for your eyes, but a subtle style statement – take this as your sign to switch to specs.

Bailey Nelson Piper Glasses $229

Le Specs Tragic Magic Glasses $85

Bailey Nelson Montana Glasses $229

2. A planner you’ll actually use

There is nothing quite like a fresh yearly planner sitting pretty on your desk to get you motivated for the year ahead. Not just a place to jot down notes, your planner is where the magic happens – think professional goals, organised to-do lists, and in-built calendars to get you ripe and ready for a productive work year. Because together, there is no limit to what you and your trusty planner can accomplish!

Papier Softback Spiral 2026 Weekly Diary $55

Burga Rio Infinity Planner $49.95

Milligram Any Day Now 2026 Weekly Scheduler Diary A5 $39.99

3. Reusable coffee cup

Make the most of that office coffee machine this year with a sustainable, reusable coffee cup. Whether your caffeine buzz starts at home, at the local cafe on your morning commute, or a quick dash to the kitchenette, let me tell you, life is better (for you and the planet) with a keep cup.

Pottery For The Planet Fluted Artisan Travel Cup $42

Frank Green Iced Coffee Cup with Straw $54.95

Huskee 8oz HuskeeRenew $28

4. Tech accessories 

With all the gadgets and gizmos we have to keep track of these days, it’s worth investing in tech accessories that are functional and stylish, protective and personality-packed. Be honest – who doesn’t want a phone case that lets your phone stand up on its own?

Insérif Personalised Laptop Sleeve with Stand $126

Props The Props Case $75.95

The Dairy Classic AirPods Case $64.95

5. Lunchbox, but make it chic

If your New Year’s resolution sounded something like, “I’m meal-prepping so I can actually bring lunch to work every day”, this one’s for you. We all know how those Sunday arvos meant for prep can… well, not exactly go to plan. That’s where these chic lunchbox options come in – stylish, practical, and ready to make your weekday lunches effortless. Easy to rinse, repeat, and look good doing it, five days a week.

Pelli Lunch Duo – Bento Box & Bamboo Cutlery Set $64.95

The Somewhere Co. El Capitan Lunch Satchel $50

Seed & Sprout CrunchBox 2.0 Lunch Box – Pots & Bag $170

6. Laptop-friendly bag

Want to be ‘that girl’ in the office this year? Start with a work bag that turns heads, stands the test of time, and last but not least, actually fits your laptop. Whether you’re a slouchy hobo bag, a structured silhouette, or statement-making kinda girl, a decent work bag is one thing an office siren cannot go without.

The Iconic & Other Stories Cow-Hair Leather Tote $299

Wolff Studios Paris Tote $669.90

Nakedvice The Paige Bag $229.95

7. Emotional support waterbottle

Last but not least, and this is the one we really can’t live without – every nine-to-fiver needs an emotional support waterbottle. Sip your way through your workday with a trusty drink bottle that’s built for busy days. Choose a funky shape, a metallic texture, or keep it cool and simple, just pick one that speaks to you, and it’ll be with you everywhere you go, office and otherwise.

Cotton On Drink Bottle 530mL $29.99

Prae Wellness Prae Drink Bottle $59.95

The Iconic Georg Jensen Sky Drinking Bottle $65

Imagery: @baileynelson / @inserifdesign / @amandakarolinel