This season has so many trends going for it that I can safely say it is hard to keep up. And coming from me, that's a pretty serious matter. One trend that has completely dominated this year is the clash. No, not the British band of the 1980s — prints, colour, and textures can be mixed and matched and there are no rules. You can literally wear what you like with whatever you like. The best place to start with the clash, is prints; florals in particular.
Flower power
Last month I styled a shoot in London and had an opportunity to play and experiment with floral patterns; how could I make them work into a wearable and attractive outfit without making the model look like a walking bridal bouquet? I learned a few tricks from this. The optimum combination of floral clash is a jacket worn with cropped trousers. I found the prints easier to wear and to accessorise, plus cropped trousers are so flattering for the summer worn with some high wedges and brightly coloured polished toenails. Try out this style of trousers by going for shapes that become narrower from the hips down to the feet, this gives a slimming effect and looks so chic. For the jacket, stick to something fitted with sleeves you can roll up and wear with loads of bangles. I am a big fan of fun prints; like butterflies (jacket, from a selection at boohoo.com ) or cars (which Prada introduced this year ). Or if you fancy a dress, all over floral prints will be a nice addition to any summer wardrobe (floral maxi dress, Burgess of Athlone, €155.99 ).
Aztec
Global cultures are the main inspiration for the print palette this summer. Tribal prints are the statement look for summer; these prints are bright and look amazing with block colours. However mixing them can create the most eyecatching look. Try out a tunic (top, Monsoon, €40 ), a really popular style on the high street, with some printed leggings (tribal print leggings, apricotonline.co.uk, £12 )or hareem style pants and gladiator sandals. Accessories are key to this look too; statement necklaces, oversize bags (bag, Dunnes Stores, €13 ) and big earrings are a must.
Tropical
Miami is a key theme for this year, with brands like River Island and Penney’s jetting off to shoot their high summer collections in the sunshine. H&M’s latest campaign is the most tropical of all, illustrating to us that the location can inspire a look as much as the clothes. Tropical prints like palm trees are fun and fresh and bring a Hawaiian feel to your wardrobe. Another popular look is fruit prints, especially for swimwear. On your hols, try wearing a funky fruit print one piece swimsuit under a sheer kaftan; this will also take you from beach to bar, just throw on some cut-off leggings or denim shorts.
Gingham
Style is undergoing a retro-revolution right now, especially the 1950s when gingham and check prints were all the rage. Think Christina Aguilera in the video for ‘Candyman’ to understand the full effect of this era. To get this look, go for a shirt; check shirts are easy to wear and look great with mid-length floral skirts. Match this vintage outfit with some peep toe shoes that are really feminine and versatile. Head scarfs are up for grabs this year too, and with up and coming superstars like Rita Ora being pioneers of this trend, I reckon it’s going to stay here for a while.
