I love this time of year, the stores are stacked with summer merchandise. Racing season has just finished and it’s now time to concentrate on really finessing our summer wardrobes.

So, what trends can we play with this summer? Well.................................

One of my favourite trends this summer is the Toga Party theme..... the Toga story pays homage to the one shoulder silhouette in both dresses and tops. On the runways, this was a very feminine look; all about draped luxury in soft silks, satins, georgettes, chiffons and all fabrics that fall with ease and grace, whilst also catering for the casual look with jersey knits in cotton, viscose or polyester. It is great to see some structured one shoulder dresses in the market place as well though. Regardless of the fabrication, the one shoulder silhouette has such a feminine and sophisticated feel it creates a fabulous sense of elegance and self confidence.

Accessories to compliment this story are statement bangles or earrings. Leave the neckline to speak for itself.

Colours are abundant in this story with white, vanilla and nude creating a great base from which to anchor a myriad of beautiful bold and vibrant midtones, such as Orange, Pink, Red, Azure Blue and shades of purple.

Another of my favourite trends this summer is.... Jungle Goddess; this is an amazingly beautiful and powerful theme. I liken it to Charlie’s Angels meets Tarzan and Jane. A powerfully seductive and highly confident story, this theme sees the maxi dress in full swing! In fact, dresses over all are a key element to this beautiful summer story. Bold colours with traces of animal, nature inspired, reptile and exotic
tribal prints work in hand with uneven stripes to create a mysterious and flamboyant feel. All in Ones (jumpsuits and playsuits) feature in this story as does the updated trench coat and softly draped deconstructured blazers and jackets that work well over draping tanks. Embellishments with hardware, such as pyramid studs, buttons, zips and bronze jewels add strength to otherwise free flowing silhouettes. A look that can either be for the glamorous occasion or dressed for day with a flat sandal or a top on denim, this story will be one to create with your own personal touch.

Colours in this story Neutrals – Khaki, stone, chocolate, terracotta, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Royal Blue, Aqua, Navy, Lilac, Purple, Black and White.

Draping........A key detail in summer across all trends is the Draped Look. I really love this look, and will admit to several pieces in my wardrobe! Dresses and tops in silks, washed and satins, georgettes, chiffons, viscose knits...skirts are showing up also with a drape front detail.......if the fabric drapes you can use it.

Are you taking a trip down memory lane this summer?......Yes the 80’s is abundant this summer season with the revival of the best assets of the decade. The key feature of this story is the blazer and the shoulder pads to go with it! Inspired by the Balmain collection, the shoulders are very defined and pronounced and this story has opened the door for a variety of shoulder detailing going on this season – love it! Tight fitted one button crop blazers and jackets alongside the traditional slimmed down box blazer will see you finish off any outfit with confidence and finesse. Make your jacket your own by using a contrast lining in either block colour or a stripe. Leggings and skinny jeans are also a key element to this story. Sequins and bling will also adorn this story and add a beautiful dressier feel to an otherwise casual
orientated story. It’s as if the 80’s has grown up and this girl is now feminine, sexy and self assured. Sequined fabrications will work in pants, tops jackets and also as trims as a highlight....love it!

For a more casual feel, layer tanks in colours and create your own colour blocking feel with the use of bold colours together in the one outfit. Reds and Pinks look fabulous colour blocked together as do shades of
green, aquas, purples and blues, or colour block a bright colour with black. The colour blocking aspect to body con silhouettes allows you to give your own unique look to this story and make a truly personal statement.

Black underpins this story with Blue, Tangerine, Pink, Red, Aqua, Purple, Grey, Navy, White and bleached denim.

Wherever this summer takes you.... DENIM is all important this season. Rummage through your wardrobe and see what gems may be lurking inside there. Skinnies, flares, straight legs and bootcuts, are all out in the market place and all have their place. Light washes will be in by day, and dark washes will still be seen at night.....denim shorts are also a feature this summer, so any jeans you have had enough of, cut them off, fray the hem and voila! To fray a hem and get that worn and aged look, cut them off at a length about 1-2cm longer than you want and then pull the horizontal threads white threads out from the cut edge. For a distressed look, try sandpaper or a picked look, lift a few threads with an unpicker. You now have a new pair of shorts for this summer season and for next winter worn over tights......perfect!!!!!

Stay tuned for my next blog on more trends and the hottest looks happening this summer!!!

Until then.......

xx Sarah

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