JOIN USSummer is almost here and it is time to ditch those woollens for bright shorts and lace dresses.
Shorts in big prints
Flaunt your legs this summer with a bright, eye-catching set of printed shorts. Balance them out with a relaxed solid blouse. Don't overpower your colourful shorts with pop colour. Instead, this summer is about whites and neutrals with only one article of clothing that pops!
Ice cream colours
Think 'gelato' while shopping next. This season's twist comes in the pastel pile-up that saw parma violet, lemon sorbet and pistachio from head to toe. Open your wardrobe door, select every pastel item in sight, and stack those ice cream shades one on top of another like a triple scoop. Another way to do this well is stick to one shade of pastel from top to bottom.
Dark, selvedge denim
Indigo, light blue and whiskered denim are fashion faux pas this season. Remember the dark, selvedge denim you wore circa 2000? That's the colour of denim to look out for. It's a lightweight, fluid cousin of its rugged counterpart. We never thought we'd see the return of tailored denim but then we didn't expect it to look this good the second time around.
Crayon colours
Paintbox brights are still going strong: the new primary colour palette celebrates fashion's power to generate confidence, and the effect is irresistible. Adopt the look from head-to-toe by mixing and matching. Be happy about showcasing your favourite pencil colour shade.
Pencil skirts
Pencil skirts are making a comeback, but you can't style it the way you did six years ago. Throw away the peep-toe pumps and stilettos that you are so used to sporting with a pencil skirt. Even dump the stockings. Instead pair it with a swanky pair of mules, open or closed. Socks are a way to go too, with block heels of course!
Trim and textures
Time to get frivolous. A horde of designers have fussed over all the trimmings for spring - from marabou ripples on hems, feathers sprouting from shoes and collars at, fringing on everything and exploding polka dots. Head to the trims store and add tassels wherever you like. Be tasteful though.
Slip dresses
If you don't already own a slip dress or two from last season, here's an opportunity again. Slip dresses still have mileage, judging from the spring catwalks. But this time they are less 'come-to-bed' and more
'if-looks-could-kill'. Trimmed with crystals, sequins, patchwork and tulle, they're now a discotheque staple. Note: Strappy sandals required.
Peek-a-boo lace
Lacey dresses, jumpsuits and jackets with classily placed 'windows of suggestion' work well. The preferred location of these 'windows' is on the lower back, upper chest and shoulders.