With a new year under way, it’s a good time to rethink your wardrobe. Ditch the white tees and flip-flops in favour of some quirky looks from local designers. Words by Cecelia Marshall.

Krama Beach cover-up

Kramas can be used in many ways: as a scarf, as a skirt, on the head. Now, there’s a krama-dress. The airy “krama wrap” is an alternative to a sarong at the beach or poolside. Light enough to fold up and carry along in a bag, this wrap provides a quick way to cover up and can be worn beyond as an outfit with the proper accessories. It falls below the knees and has two shoulder straps to keep it from slipping and making for an embarrassing moment on the beach. This design comes in simple and flattering shades of gray with with vertical stripes and a darker blue pattern. One size fits all. You can even use it as a towel.

Anna-Elle Krama Collection can be purchased by emailing [email protected] or calling 097 727 2129 or 016 884 473.

Friends T-shirts

Friends International recently launched a new collection of merchandise including a range of men’s and women’s T-shirts. The Classic Kampuchea T-shirt Collection features screenprinted designs inspired by the Cambodian landscape and major landmarks. Proceeds go towards Friends initiatives to help marginalised Cambodian children and young people.

Friends products can be purchased at Friends ‘N’ Stuff, #215, Street 13, Friends ‘N’ Stuff Romdeng, #74 Street 174 and the Friends stall at Russian Market.

Mary Sarath ‘key to the heart’

This key-shaped pendant with a vintage feel is a great statement piece to add colour to a white or black casual top. The pendant, by young Cambodian designer Mary Sarath, alternates tiny beading and more earthy turquoise stones. The pendant bronze skeleton key is coiled tightly with multi-colored wire and additional beads. $20.

The key pendant can be purchased at Crash Test Dummies, Alleyway 240 1/2 (between streets 240 and 244). Open Tuesdays-Sundays 9am-6pm

Hand-painted canvas shoes

TOMS-style shoes too plain but you like the shoe’s fit and comfort? Phnom Penh’s newest boutique, Crash Test Dummies stocks quirky hand-painted canvas shoes. These flats have durable and textured rubber soles and are made of white canvas cotton cloth. The designs that wrap the shoe vary from black zebra print to bold carnations, purple lilacs and small shaded characters with music notes. $30.

Crash Test Dummies is a new new design concept shop and space for young local designers, artists and photographers. The clothing style varies from edgy to romantic.

Crash Test Dummies is located in Alleyway 240 1/2 (between streets 240 and 244). Open Tuesdays-Sundays 9am-6pm.

+855 T-shirt

A casual white cotton crew-cut shirt with a large red and blue screen printed emblem designed by local Phnom Penh designer, +855 Cambodia.

Additional T-shirt designs include a cartoon depiction of seven people packed on a moto. $18.

Crash Test Dummies, Alleyway 240 1/2 (between streets 240 and 244). Open Tuesdays-Sundays 9am-6pm.

red siren subtyl dress

Casual wear by day but with a pair of heels, this can be converted into an eye-catching cocktail dress at night.

The bright red sleeveless dress with scalloped neck falls a few centimetres below the knee and draws the eye towards the waist with a basic cinch and gathered pleats.

It’s practical, too: comfortable enough to be worn for hour, made from a durable fabric and has two side front pockets allow you to worry less about carrying a purse. $49.

The dress can be purchased at Subtyl, 43E0 Street 240 Phnom Penh. Phone: 023 992 710.

slinky grey Elsewhere Dress

This cotton sleeveless dress with buttoned v-neck and high collar is loose fitting and light for the hot Cambodian days. Belt it for a better shape.

Ranges in basic colors of light grey, black and red but will pop with bold, statement piece accessories. $39

The dress can be purchased at Elsewhere, #52 Street 240 Phnom Penh. Phone: 012 414 596.