How Olive Cooke Styled Her Byron Bay Staycation

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How Olive Cooke Styled Her Byron Bay Staycation

July 15, 2025

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According to Olive Cooke, you don’t have to travel far to reap the benefits of a summer escape. The Australian tastemaker—whose eye for aesthetics has led her to dip her toe into everything from swimwear to interior design—opted this year for a high summer staycation in Byron Bay to shake up her routine. Going with her? A suitcase of beach-ready vacation essentials for her dependably perfect getaway.

olive cooke wearing a white tee and white pants sitting outside on a white cushion

How Olive Cooke Styled Her Byron Bay Staycation

Rip & Tan: What drew you to Rae’s for this trip? Have you been before, or was it your first time?

Olive Cooke: Raes is one of Australia’s best boutique hotels & one of my favorite places to stay in the world. It feels like a true escape, even while positioned just 10 minutes from where we live. The location, rooms & service are perfection, making it the ultimate tropical escape year-round.

Rip & Tan: How does being somewhere tropical influence your approach to what you pack?

Olive Cooke: Being in a tropical climate means lighter layers, comfortable classic pieces & those that you can dress up while feeling layer back.

Rip & Tan: Tell us about your packing process—do you plan looks or pack intuitively?

Olive Cooke: I secretly love packing. I know it’s not for some, but I find it so satisfying to pack everything I need and make it fit into the one case. I usually pack a few looks I’ve planned, but also pieces I know I can wear to mix & match. It makes it so much easier knowing everything will go together rather than only having a specific few looks that will work.

A woman stands by a white wall and ornate door, channeling Olive Cooke in a sleeveless black top, loose white pants, and black sandals. She holds a striped shirt and straw bag, looking relaxed and stylish.

Paloma Pant, White, $295

A collage of four photos: a straw bag and drinks on a white table; a round patio table with a vase and book; black sandals on the tiled floor; a straw bag hanging on a chair. Handwritten labels add charm in this Olive Cooke-inspired scene.

Gia Sandals, Bone, $295

A woman, channeling Olive Cooke’s effortless style, stands outdoors by a white wall and window in a sleeveless white top, long black skirt, and black sandals, carrying a large raffia bag near a garden sink surrounded by green plants.

Raffia Isla Bag, $245

olive wearing a white button up top and black maxi skirt

Lara Top, Black, $245

"Pack—Sunscreen year round! See—A sunrise or sunset if you can. Skip—The lighthouse at peak times over the weekends."

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Rip & Tan: What essentials made it into your suitcase this time?

Olive Cooke: A really good pair of slides. These must be comfortable and chic, matching back with everything. My other essential is a good swimsuit and a hat for the sun. Oh, and of course, a beach bag to put it all in!

Rip & Tan: How do you strike the balance between comfort and style when traveling?

Olive Cooke: Finding the balance feels a lot easier when your wardrobe has those real classics that can be dressed up or down.

Rip & Tan: What were some standout moments or places from the trip you’ll never forget?

Olive Cooke: This was our first little getaway with our daughter so it will be a very special trip we won’t ever forget. The weather was perfect for relaxing in the sun and taking some time out–we haven’t had a moment to chill since we had Paloma so a stand out moment was hitting pause, slowing down and enjoying not having to be somewhere–I loved that we didn’t have to venture out to get anything, it’s all there at Rae’s. A highlight was ordering dinner up to our room (anyone who’s dined at Rae’s for dinner knows how beautiful it is) and enjoying it alfresco on our balcony, feeling very much like we were in Europe.