Summer's Best, Most Wearable Trends

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different" Coco Chanel

A Fresh Romance
Create a softly feminine look-use floral prints, chiffon, silk, lace, layering, tone on tone nudes and loose tailored garments. For work don't do light colors head-to-toe combine with charcoal or darker pants. Team up a ruffled blouse or lacy camisole with a relaxed jacket. This way you will look feminine and credible at the same time. Warning: over-doing this look could make you come across as too “girly” and will not be taken seriously enough.

Back in the Wild
Neutral, earthy tones, trench dresses, gladiator sandals, a tribal beaded necklace, gold accessories, animal and ethnic prints. Anchor prints with a utility khaki jacket.
Invest in a bag or shoe with a touch of animal print-its a classic print. Warning: animal print from head to toe-will make you the office’s laughing stock.

Strong and Simple
Sleek tailoring and chic elegance. Choose jackets in classic styles Monochrome Mixes – combinations of dove grey, black, ash and white. Warning: if lines too severe can appear too serious or unapproachable.

Ahoy! Ahoy!
Mix stripes with polka dots and add bold colour to update the classic nautical look. Use combination of black, white, red and navy. Warning: Avoid horizontal stripes over the wide part of your body, as this will draw major attention to your problem area.

Hot Colours for Summer:
The Brights Palette-inject your wardrobe with colour energy-try neon green, acid yellow, coral, aqua, tangerine, fire-engine red, electric blue, vivid purple. So not to shock the office staff anchor with a neutral. Remember that you can wear any colour of the rainbow-what's important is in what intensity, hue and tone suits you best. For more info on our colour consultations-click here.
Candyfloss Pastels-blush pink, soft peach, banana, lemon, lilac, powder blue, mint, jade and aqua.
The Nudes-Café Latté, beige, cream, taupe, stone and soft khaki.
Nudes go well when combined with other colors in an outfit or as a canvas to display a great piece of jewelry. Pick the correct nude fabric-nothing too body hugging. The fabric should drape and float away from the body.

Sensational Must-Have Items:

• The Dress-this is the season of the dress. If you are a busy woman, there's nothing easier than a dress in the correct style and colour to suit you. A Shift dress is understated, elegant and contoured. A Maxi dress is comfortable and kind to curves. The Grecian draped dress is very flattering. For work- make sure your cleavage and arms are not over-exposed.
• The White Shirt-update yours every season. Choose one with enough flair to carry a whole outfit.
• The Jumpsuit-select a neutral colour-grey, camel, black. Choose softly, draped simple styles and fabrics. Worn with belts, jackets, stacked heels and bold accessories.
• Bib and multi-row necklaces.
• Drawstring toggle bags and mini bags.
• Strappy, cut-out, stacked stilettos & wedges- nude, printed or floral, bows and buckle detail. Invest in a neutral pair of heels that matches your skin color-it will visually extend the line of your leg-making you appear taller instantly when showing off your legs.
• A striking arm cuff in brass, silver or wood.
•Oversized glasses-printed and tinted in your favourite Summer shade.

Trends to avoid-don't waste your money:
• Rock a sock-wearing socks with your sandals..ughhh.
• The Utility Trend-looks like you are going to work on the plumbing in your basement. Zips, ties, slouchy pockets. Too casual for work.
• Thigh-baring minis/shorts-beware of anything that is super-short, you will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. If you have good legs opt for the just above the knee pencil skirt.
• Lingerie as Outerwear-corsets, lacy camis on their own."I believe in the 9 to 5 girl-not the 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. girl." Adam Glassman. Rather make use of smart layering.
• Mixing multi prints & patterns-very few people can pull off this mix 'n match so rather keep to a print on your garment.
• The Western look-faded denim, fringing, suede, cowboy boots. Your manager will put you on your horse and asked to go back to the ranch!
• Casual, flat gladiator sandals or pumps for the office.

The Latest Fashion for Men:

Suits-the cut this season is narrow and fitted. If you are not the athletic build opt for a semi-fitted suit instead. Two button, single vent and single breasted suits are in. The new black is gun metal grey. In Summer you can choose a lighter colour neutral suit eg chocolate brown or  stone. Don't go lighter than mid-toned if you want to be taken seriously.
Shirts & Ties-it's all in the understated detail e.g. contrast stitching, to contrast piping’s and contrast under collars. Shirt collars are double and exaggerated. Cuffs with piped edging. Multi striped shirts for a more casual look. Self-striped shirts and ties. Prints-subtle florals or paisleys. Ties are narrower this season. The tie and pocket square are an important part of the look.
Pants-the trend is to wear them ankle length. If you wish to do this use it for your more casual, non-work pants. Pleatless and looser wide-legged trousers are popular this season.
Fabrics-linen rears its head again-seen in black, stone and white. More appropriate for a relaxed environment or casual event. If you wishto introduce it to the office select it in luxury mixes with wool, cashmere or silk.
Colours-shades of the earth, sand, dark brown and khaki green, combined with white, and Chinese red and teal blue as highlights. Different shades of blue, mixed with beige and white, with accents of lilac and soft pink. High summer opens with lemon yellow, white and brown, followed by fire shades of burnt orange, fuchsia and anemone with white and metallic gray. The colour of the season is purple from lavender to bright purple. Also in-all tones of green, from mint to neon green.

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.