Prized fashionista’s region’s best

NOOSA’S very own Carlie Wacker has beaten nine hopeful fashionistas to be named best dressed throughout the Sunshine Coast at the 9th annual Sunshine Coast Style Awards.
The awards were held on Saturday 22 October as part of the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival, and Carlie said she absolutely loved representing Noosa in the style stakes and was proud to be honoured as the region’s best dressed.
Carlie along with nine others who had been nominated by the public were “style stalked” before the awards to make sure they were always fashionable. While it was a lot of pressure, Carlie said she was always dressed up anyway, so she tried not to worry about it.
“You can imagine the pressure to look your best just when you’re heading out for a coffee or to the shops, but I am usually dressed up, so it wasn’t too much of a stretch,” she said.
Carlie said her dad, who worked in the retail industry, had been her main fashion inspiration throughout life.
“I have always loved fashion, and I think that’s because of my dad,” she said. “Dad was in retail, and he was always well-dressed. He always looks a million bucks.”
The trick to a great outfit? Carlie said it was all about getting the mix of old and new just right.
“My style philosophy is something old, something new, something borrowed and something green,” she said.
“I always mix something new and designer with something retro or vintage. I just love op-shopping and local pre-loved markets. They’re a great way to find something new while moving on things I don’t want or love anymore,” she said.
“Green refers to sustainable or recycled clothing and that can be the vintage piece. But I think everyone is becoming more aware of pollution and are making a stand against exploitation in the fashion industry. So I always make sure I wear something eco-friendly in some way.”
Carlie said her organisation skills also helped her to look her best at all times.
“If I have a big event on, then I like to think through my outfit, but usually when I have a 5am start, I like to have everything laid out the night before,” she said.
For Carlie, the highlight of winning the best dressed award was the opportunity to fly the fashion flag for Noosa.
“I just love Noosa,” she said. “I am so passionate about the region. I love being able to represent Noosa, and I just love all the boutique retail stores opening here.”