Get Summer Ready with me!
Summer is short and sweet in the UK, so let’s make the most of it with these dressing trends and tips!
From the latest trouser shapes, florals and ballet flats. Follow these tips for confident Summer dressing!
Trouser shapes
Some of the trends this year will be pinstripes, the elevated cargo pant, horseshoe jeans, cords and the wide leg trouser shape. The general trend for oversized dressing is not going away just yet, and although this might work on the catwalk, it often doesn’t always translate for those who are petite or 5’4 or under. Worn the right way, this trousers shape can be very flattering, as it defines the waistline, and softly flows from the hips, creating a lengthening classic and cool, 70’s vibe.
Tips for wearing wide leg trousers
The success of wearing this trouser shape, and dressing as a whole, is about creating balance to the body shape and outfit as a whole.
This shape is very flattering for the pear shape, hourglass, or rectangle as it highlights the waist, and flows away gently from the hip area.
Choose a neutral colour such as stone or beige so it can be worn with multiple items in your wardrobe.
Avoid too much pleating, as it could make the tummy area look bulky.
Team up with a jacket for balance and pick a Boucle, Bomber or a Blazer in either the same tonal colour, or in red or navy to add colour and interest.
Wear with cardigans, or shaped knitwear and show a hint of waistline by tucking the knitwear in at the front and wearing with a slimline belt.
Wear with wedges for height, nude block heels or white trainers for a fresh look.
The success of wearing this trouser shape is about creating balance to the body shape and outfit as a whole.
This shape is very flattering for the pear shape, hourglass, or rectangle as it highlights the waist, and flows away gently from the hip area.
Choose a neutral colour such as stone or beige so it can be worn with multiple items in your wardrobe.
Avoid too much pleating, as it could make the tummy area look bulky.
Wear with cardigans, or shaped knitwear and show a hint of waistline by tucking the knitwear in at the front and wearing with a slimline belt.
Wear with wedges for height, nude block heels or white trainers for a fresh look.
Floral prints are in this year, so if you need an excuse to pull out that sunflower dress, or ditzy print skirt, you will be in good company this Summer!
Floral prints can come in soft, delicate Springtime blossoms, to bold statement prints, such as the Marimekko design from Finland. Florals can be lovely to wear, but if they are not worn in scale with your body shape and height, they could overpower or swamp you, or make you look larger than you are. The scale and size of the print needs to be taken into consideration to make this look work.
Tips for wearing prints
If you are petite, and have a small frame, wear a small to medium sized print as this will look in harmony with your size and height.(wear petite, delicate necklaces, too!)
If you are tall with a larger frame, you can carry bold, large scale prints with style.(wear bold statement necklaces too!)
Make sure that 70 percent of the background colour of your print is in your most flattering colour.
If you love florals but not as a complete look, think about using them in accessories and tie a scarf around your handbag, or wear in shoes, glasses, earrings or necklaces.
Ballet pumps mean only two words to me French Chic!
If ballet flats hadn’t been a thing for 2024, I would have surely made them one!
Ballet flats are a timeless classic for any wardrobe.They have looked good for decades and remind me of Audrey Hepburn’s costumes in her film, Funny Face. She wore flats with shirt waister dresses, pedal pushers, high waisted trousers and pencil skirts.
These perfect pumps are a great excuse for when you want to wear something flat, but still feel elegant and pulled together.
Tips for wearing ballet pumps
Make sure your flats are made with good cushioning on the sole, otherwise they can be hard to walk in all day. There are some good brands that deliver comfort as well as looks, on the market right now.
If you have to choose a colour, go for Black, Navy or Nude as they will go with everything else in your wardrobe.
Wear with A-line skirts, cropped trousers and dresses for best effect and to show off your ankles!
Shoes with a rounded toe, will make your feet appear smaller, so if you are on the larger side, (like me!) ballet flats will be your friends.
Look out for leather, floral, prints, latticed, satin, velvet or jewel encrusted.
