Lifestyle, Fashion & Style
It’s really important to realise when thinking about summer clothes and baring more flesh, that trying to hide our ‘bits’ that we don’t like very much will just draw unnecessary attention.
I always tell clients that if they focus on their ‘assets’, then their flaws will fade. If your arms are on the bigger side or your tummy is not as flat as it once was, fear not. Wear a large necklace or flared trousers so that attention is taken away from your negative features. Chances are you are the only one who is worried – most people won’t even notice. Wearing a belt around your middle to try and hide your tummy, or wearing sleeves that finish at the widest part of your arm only draws attention. Try it and see.
I have listed below five key trends for the new season. Don’t buy clothes just because summer is coming, but if you need some items to update your wardrobe, keep an eye out for the following:
For spring, nothing looks more seasonal than a beautiful floral print. On trend for the coming season, florals are everywhere from dresses and jackets, to tops and trousers. It is worth noting that the size of the flower print is important. The taller you are, the bolder the print can be. And the smaller you are, the smaller the design should be. Hobbs has a good selection of summer dresses with floral designs and prints. Hobbs Cherry Blossom Dress above can be worn for daytime with neutral flats, or for an evening look with heels and a clutch.
Although some ladies would rather stay away from stripes, they are everywhere at the moment and can really update a look. For fun, try a stripy top – remember the wider the stripe, the taller you need to be. If stripes graduate, keep the thicker stripes away from heavier bust lines and thicker waists. Striped dresses may be too much, but a top or two will be great. We like the large range from Debenhams of stripy t-shirts and tops, which look perfect teamed with denim or white jeans. We like this striped top by Jasper Conran.
This summer denim has really seen a comeback, reminiscent of the 70s. Teamed with a crisp shirt and flats, denim can look smart for an everyday look or with heels, and can also look glamorous for a casual night out. Marks and Spencer have really gone to town on their denim collection this season. We love their flared denim jeans, which look amazing, teamed with a tucked-in fitted top teamed with heels (preferably with a slight platform). A fitted leather jacket will really finish off this look.
There is so much in white this summer, and for some reason, it is more popular than ever. It always looks fresh and crisp and is perfect for holidays and summer. If you have a warm coloured skin tone, try and find an off-white tone, especially if wearing it next to your face, as a ‘blue’ harsh white may drain you. White cotton chinos for summer are so easy to wear and perfect for holiday as they work with every colour. If you are larger on the hip, avoid trousers with too many patch pockets and pleats.
The summer coat is an investment buy that can smarten up any summer outfit and really work by pulling a look together. Single-breasted coats are best if you are busty and do not want to add length to your torso. For those who need to add some volume to their shape, double-breasted shapes work best. A ¾ length coat is bang on trend for summer and will be perfect for spring. And being ¾ length, it can be worn over dresses, skirts and trousers, regardless of their length. House of Fraser has a good selection of summer coats, especially in their Linea range. The Linea Dahlia ‘lady’ coat is our pick of the best and will work with any colours for the coming season.
Amanda Bernstein is a leading stylist and lifestyle journalist and the founder of Personal Dressing. When she isn’t helping men and women revamp their wardrobe and appearance, she can be found contributing to publications, including the Daily Mail and the Glass Magazine, appearing on television and taking part in radio programmes.
