Fashion | Summer Style, Trends & Tips*

With temperatures set to soar in the UK this weekend, it’s time to shed the layers upon layers of clothing and prep your closets with some of the season’s hottest fashion trends. I understand that ascending from a comfortable cocoon of dark colours, knits and scarves can be a daunting prospect, so I’ve created a series of fashion boards that will hopefully see you riding off into the sunset (while looking stylish all the same).

Each board represents a hot seasonal trend; some incorporating typical ‘go-to’ Summer pieces, with others presenting fresh style solutions – all suitable for the changing weather. Think simple and attainable looks that feature bold prints and vibrant colours, retro influences, and contemporary design.

Sound good? Well, go ahead and read on for inspirational wardrobe refreshers that will make this Summer your most fashionable yet.

 

 

The boho fashion trend returns every Summer because it’s an incredibly versatile style that can be tweaked to your personal preferences and worn for a myriad of occasions, from festivals to BBQs to lush alfresco nights. It’s a look that consistently appears carefree, effortless and so delicately pretty.

The crop-top trend is wonderful for the Summer, but this particular cream lace crop top, with its neutral tones and dainty details, is truly enchanting. Simply pair with some high-waisted shorts to avoid exposing too much of the midriff, the featured denim shorts are also available in blue and black, but earthy colours are a key element of the boho chic look.

Tip: Focus on black, brown, cream, white, khaki and olive green as your colour palette.

Wearing a pair of ankle boots will help to elevate the boho look from street to chic; these western-style boots are a little something more than your standard choice, as they feature stylish studs and fashion-forward fringing.

Speaking of which, fringing is a trend that dates back to the 1970’s but manages to creep onto the catwalk year in, year out. Now combine the craze with a cape to bring an outfit together. The laser cut cape includes full-on fringing, a scalloped edge and simple cut-out detail to complete your transformation into the ultimate fashionista.

 

 

If you can’t wear bright, bold colours in the Summer, when can you? Colour blocking is a runway trend that’s well-known in both the beauty and fashion industries. To achieve the look, outfits must simply revolve around a palette of two or more colours, usually in vibrant shades. Prints and patterns are typically avoided, as such designs would take away from the “blocked” visual.

Firstly, find a Summer dress with at least two bold colours, but if you’re feeling a little braver, then the featured stripe shift dress is the very definition of the colour blocking trend. This throwback style sleeveless dress, bursting with bright fluorescent colours, is an ideal statement piece for any Summer wardrobe.

Bonus: This type of dress is easy to travel with, rarely ever wrinkles and doesn’t need to be dry-cleaned.

Once you’re settled on your colour palette, select a few accessories to compliment the outfit. Whether you’re at the beach, poolside or on a day trip, summer hats are a chic accompaniment to any outfit. In-keeping with the trend though, Calson’s floppy hat is colour blocked with a straw brim for a fresh, modern look. Nothing evokes that sunshine feeling quite like sandals, but these slingback wedges help to perfectly coordinate the two accessories.

Tip: Avoid accessories that are embellished and detailed, colorblocking is all about stylish simplicity.

For a final pop of colour, add a single shade item of clothing, shirts and blouses are worth some consideration during this final step. Moschino’s cotton shirt has a hint of fifties allure to it, but is brought up to date with its tie-front.

 

 

Alternatively, why not feel the power of the flower and buy into the beautiful bouquets trend? Even though floral patterns aren’t ground-breaking in the style stakes, they’ve certainly been resilient over the years. As well as being a signifier of the season, items of clothing with a flowery theme are turning out to be a real wardrobe investment.

By far one of the most popular and wearable trends is that of the maxi-dress, perhaps because it’s a simple way of transitioning from day to night, or in this case from the beach to the bar. In multi print, this dress is sleeveless and has a crossover front with a gathered waist to showcase your silhouette.

Bonus: Maxi dresses are not only comfortable to wear, but they work for practically every body type and are the perfect shifting (day/night) piece.

Flat sandals are universal pieces, being suitable for just about any combination and trend, but they’re also one of the best choices for maxi dresses. Emphasising the more  silver/greyish tones in the dress, these understated Lotus flat sandals makes them a versatile and worthy Summer investment.

The boldly patterned dress should be the focal point, so accessorise with simplistic and delicate jewellery pieces, such as a statement bracelet and/or a dainty pair of earrings. In-keeping with the nature-driven theme, the leaf hinge cuff bracelet and the glitter leaf earrings add some glitz and glam to the assemble.

Finally, inject a dose of drama into your evening look by adding a clutch bag. The opulent structured lace envelope clutch includes a very subtle design of floral and leaf patterns to tie everything together and complete the look.

Which of these summer trends is your favourite?

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