All of my senses can feel summer coming. Soon I’ll be enjoying alfresco meals with friends and family, weekends lounging by my pool with endless blue skies (and a few Aussie flies buzzing) overhead. I’m not a lover of winter; warm weather and blue skies always bring out the best in me and I LOVE the heat. Do you feel the same way?
Summer fashion is always carefree and playful but I especially love what’s happening this year. Which ones will you choose?
Bum Bags
The once-reviled accessory is now being heralded as the must-have bag come spring/summer. With the added bonus of being incredibly practical, the humble bum bag (or as my American friends hilariously call it the fanny pack) has now reached high fashion heights. Being sported by the likes of Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner has certainly helped resurrect this retro bag from the ashes of being a fashion faux pas. With this one, trend meets functionality – but do you dare?
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Jumpsuits
The two must-have jumpsuits this coming spring/summer are the denim mechanic jumpsuit and the boxy striped jumpsuit. Inspired more by masculine silhouettes and utilitarian influences, these jumpsuits are all about maximum comfort and style. Jumpsuits are an easy way to stand out in a crowd. Both styles of jumpsuits have a definite 70s inspiration and look best when accessorized with a skinny printed silk scarf and oversized retro sunnies.
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Robes/Kimonos
Silky and emblazoned with vibrant floral prints, this season’s robes and kimonos are opaque and floor-length. High on drama and unbelievably easy to wear, simply slip into your kimono of choice and watch as it skyrockets your outfit from blah to ooh-la-la. You can even wear your kimonos as dresses by tying it securely around your waist. Almost like walking art, you’ll be turning heads in your printed floor-dusting kimono all summer long. The best part is that it’s so easy to look this chic, just scout your bold kimono/robe of choice, slip it on and go.
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Ruffles
Whether it’s multiple tiers of ruffles or ruffled detailing along the hem or cuffs, ruffles are back in a big way for the summer. Ruffles this season have tailored details as well as structured elements. Rather than being all romantic, these ruffles are more modern and architectural. Pulling them off is a matter of proportion – oversized ruffles can be flattering if you balance them with slimmer pieces or tapering.
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Full On Floral
Florals for spring are standard. However this year, florals skew more toward the quirky and kitschy side of the spectrum. They are less girly and feminine, and more bold and retro. They have a distinctly 70s nostalgic feel that will lend a vintage vibe to your look. Play up the kitsch factor by wearing it full on bold styles and let the print make the statement for you. When you match the color depth of the background of the print to the color depth of your hair – magic happens (note my arrows).
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Tie It Up
Just look to sleeves this summer and you’ll see knots and ties abound. Minor detail as it may be, ribboned/tied up sleeves can lend a certain je ne sais quoi to an otherwise plain top. I’m really loving the juxtaposition between crisp button down shirts or a blazer with very feminine ribboned tie-up sleeves. This is an easy trend to incorporate into your wardrobe.
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The New Oxford Shirt
Heaps of designers have taken inspiration from menswear for their spring/summer collections. The classic oxford shirt in all its starched and ironed glory has been totally reincarnated. Oxford shirts transformed into shirt dresses or boxy tops are both easy items to update your summer wardrobe with.
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Ann Reinten AICI CIP
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