Alterations. Fit is one of the most important style principles. A well fitting garment not only hangs and moves well, it creates a sleek silhouette. Instead of buying new clothes or consigning something ill-fitting to the back of your wardrobe, enlist the aid of an alterations expert who will breathe new life into your current wardrobe. Someone handy with a needle will quickly resolve common clothing problems such as an undone hem, gaping waistband, or small tear. You will also be doing your bit for the planet by helping reduce fashion waste.
Bold prints. These upgrade your personal style adding striking visual interest. They allow you to easily refresh a look, add a touch of creativity, and step away from safe neutral or monochrome choices. Be sure to style bold prints with neutrals for a balanced, chic look.
Cool cotton. Timeless and flattering, this fabric is known for its versatility as well as keeping you cool and comfortable during summer. It is popping up everywhere from tops, dresses, shirt and trouser suits to pyjama pants. These effortless pants are defined by their supple, relaxed silhouette and loose fit.
Dresses. The ultimate one-piece, they are popular all year round but especially so during summer. Versatile, stylish, easy to dress up or down, and always capable of creating a well-put-together silhouette, the dress is your go-to choice for day or evening elegance.
Elasticated necklines provide flexibility, enhancing a garment’s overall fit and comfort. They also offer different styling opportunities, allowing you to wear an off-the-shoulder number by night and a more conservative, “pulled-up” structured square style for daytime dressing.
Fabrics. When buying clothes, choose fabrics wisely. We tend to focus on a garment’s size, colour, or pattern rather than its material, when clothes shopping. Style experts say it is possible to drop a size instantly just by choosing the right fabric. Heavier materials add bulk to your silhouette. Crisp fabrics, ones that are lightweight, slightly stiff, and hold their shape well work best on straight bodies while soft, fluid materials look great on curvaceous women.
Green. Take inspiration from nature and bring an outdoorsy vibe to your wardrobe. Team greens with soft neutrals such as cream, white, or grey for understated style. Or pair with bold splashes of colour such as deep blue or warm yellow for a cheery spin.
Higher-end pieces can be combined to stunning effect with budget-friendly items to elevate your overall look without costing too much. Team an inexpensive dress with a classy pair of shoes or a handbag or combine a good investment buy from the sales with something cheap and cheerful. This approach extends your wardrobe and helps you remain on-trend.
Identity. Knowing your fashion identity is important. Your outfits should reflect your personality, values, and lifestyle. Start by knowing your best features and what looks work well for you, then build on this knowledge. If you are unsure about where to start, try on different clothes, even if you have no intention of buying them, in various shops. Experiment with different shades, shapes, and styles you would not normally consider wearing. View this as a period of learning and perfecting your personal style.
Jewellery. If you are going on a sun holiday, avoid bringing a lot of jewellery because it will be uncomfortable to wear in the heat. Small stud earrings are ideal choices if you want to look casual yet stylish.
Know your body shape but do not obsess over every perceived imperfection or lump and bump. Any body shape will look great in the right outfit. Choose clothes that fit perfectly, are in shades that suit your complexion, and which accentuate your best features.
Low heeled footwear. The epitome of versatility and style, this eminently wearable fashion choice bridges the gap between flats and high heels. Perfect for transitioning from a day at the office to a nighttime engagement, a kitten heel, for example, adds a touch of elegance to casual daytime pieces, such as denim jeans or a flowing, floral dress, or more sophisticated evening choices.
Maxi length. Always a winner, especially during summer, this look, popular in dresses and skirts, is ideal for a fancy brunch or a night out. Master this summer style with colourful designs.
Nude shoes. These are your secret style weapon if you want to create the impression of longer legs. This colour choice also matches virtually any outfit and provides a timeless, elegant look.
Oversized jewellery adds a bold edge to day or nighttime dressing. It can be used to express your personality, to upgrade a look, or to make a wow statement when combined with a simple outfit. Avoid wearing too many different pieces at once or ones that look cheap because these may detract from your overall look. Be sure also to ensure the size of your jewellery is in line with your body type. Larger framed women can wear big jewellery well while women with a smaller body type should focus on small or medium styles.
Polka dots. Popularised by Audrey Hepburn in the 1950s, polka dots remain timeless, classy, and playful. A favourite of the royals (Kate Middleton wore a belted red polka dot dress with a white collar recently ), polka dots suit women of all ages and figures.
Quality. Look out for quality garments with genuine reductions at the summer sales. Classic trench coats, blazers, or shirts are key foundation pieces in any wardrobe. They are also versatile and will work for day and evening.
Risk taking. This can be the key to developing your personal style and being a trend-setter. Experiment with different looks and be willing to break traditional fashion rules by mixing contrasting textures, clashing patterns, and colour palettes.
Straw accessories are a summer essential. Be beach ready and fashionable wearing a straw hat or carrying a straw bag this season.
Trendy T-shirts. These are an easy way to inject print and colour into your day-to-day wardrobe. You can create a casual look in an instant if you team this tee with jeans or pair it with a slip skirt for a hint of glamour.
Unfussy outfits look great on petite women. Generally, simple styles look best on small bodies. Remember, a good fit is important, also.
Vertical stripes. It is impossible to miss this fashion trend for summer. Appearing in beachwear, jeans, trousers, shirts, and jackets, this is one of the easiest ways to introduce colour into your wardrobe with minimal effort. Vertical stripes offer a visually slimming and elongating effect, making the wearer look taller and slimmer.
Wide-leg trousers are one of summer’s go-to fashions. They flatter all body types once they are styled properly. That means balancing proportions, for example, pairing the voluminous pants with tailored, tucked-in, or cropped tops to give definition to the waist. Look out for these statement pants in pinstriped, knitted, or pleated form or with gold button detail for a flattering finish. If you love sunshine shades, opt for tropical prints or pastel colours which will work with everything from crisp white shirts and T-shirts to bright tops and blouses.
X-Cut clothing, named after the way it is shaped, hugs the arms and chest but leaves sufficient room at the waist to not feel overly restrictive. This style pops up frequently in swimwear and sports bras.
Zigzag patterns. These are a major trend this year both in fashion and homeware. Missoni, the Italian designer label, is instantly recognisable for its use of these patterns and they appeared in mini dresses, gowns, kaftans, and beachwear this season. This style looks great on athletic builds, giving the illusion of adding width to slender figures.
