Sensational Summer Must-Have's
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The shift dress is an ongoing fashion essential. Very few of us suit the shapeless “sack dress” rather select a fitted-to the knee option.
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A white shirt - this is a key item in your wardobe, which needs to be replaced at least one a year. Choose a silky or ruffled option this season.
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Palazzo (wide legged) pants - worn best with a fitted top, belt and high platform wedges.
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Wedges - a comfortable and fashionable alternative to a stiletto heel. Make sure these are not made from a cork or basket weave material-unless its Casual Friday.
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For Men - the statement shirt collar. Attention to collar detail-stitching, a double collar or exaggerated tips. A black blazer to tone down the brights of this season. Khaki’s (known by most as chinos)-toss out the pleated, puffy ones, rather opt for a flat front and a slimmer cut.
The Colours of Summer
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These are the 3 main palettes this season:
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Bright Bolds - citrus orange, cobalt blue, shocking pink, neon green, vivid purple. Generally best suited to darker skins.
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Candyfloss Pastels - lavender, blush pink, peach, banana, mint and aqua.
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The Nudes - sandy beige, café latté, cream, taupe, stone and khaki.
For more info on what colours best suit you-click here.
Summer for Men
Suitably Suited - single breasted, narrow lapelled, 2 button fitted suits are on trend. The jacket is shorter than standard length and the trousers are narrower. The 3 button suit trend is that the top button is hidden i.e. the lapel folds over it. Suit fabrics have a sheen to them. Lighter colour suits are acceptable in Summer and in daytime-eg dove grey or tan. NEVER white; unless you are on a cruise. Contrasting detail-eg grey jacket with black trimming on the edges.
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The Shirt - contrast double collars and cuffs. Buttons to match the contrast colours. Shirts collars are cut away and smaller.
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Colour Blocking - mix up bright colours together. Use eye popping colours like emerald green, citrus orange and cobalt blue. if you shy away from colour, start with a pocket square or a bright striped tie.
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Popular Prints:
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Gingham-squared - ensure the checks of the shirts and ties are not too large-otherwise they will look too casual. A great combination is a small black and white checked shirt with a red tie.
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Paisley patterns - in purple, navy, green and pastel colours are the must have in ties. Great print for casual shirts.
Remember, it's not about what you wear - it's how you wear it.
Make sure it's appropriate for the situation, accentuates your assets and makes you feel confident.
Summer Caution
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Extreme Colour Blocking-using 3 bright solid contrast colours from head to toe.
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2 toned heels eg pink and purple-very limiting to what you can wear with it.
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Basket weave or cork wedges-fine if for a casual event or day.
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Full pleated skirt-unless you are really tall, slim and young.
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Prints from head to toe.
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Chino shorts-too casual for the workspace.
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Linen-creases too easily, giving you an untidy appearance. Looking like an unmade bed is not a cool look on anyone.
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Men-mixing checks and stripes - its trendy but very few can get it right.
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Checked blazers or suits - fashionable now but not for long.
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1 button suits - too HIGH fashion and limits you to buy shirts and ties that compliment the suit.
“We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I hope your Summer Shopping will be a breeze from here on.
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