I think most of us are probably over feeling the need to embrace every new fashion but it’s always good to keep an eye on key trends to refresh our wardrobe and keep it looking current. Once you understand your style personality (and therefore the types of clothes that will make you feel your best, authentic self) and your shape, scale and proportions, you can filter out the trends that won’t work for you and home in on the ones that will.

There are a number of key trends this summer but in this post I’m focusing on those that I think you will actually want to wear. So, although bralettes and baby doll dresses are “in”, I suspect these won’t be relevant to most of us, so I have not include them here!

Oversized blazer

This trend continues and will work particularly well for you if you are fairly tall and/or long-legged. Unbuttoned jackets are an excellent way of disguising a big tummy and can be slung on over trousers and dresses. If you’re petite, you may find that over-sized versions overwhelm your frame, so instead opt for something a little more fitted.

Waistcoat

There are lots of waistcoats around this season and they can be a nice way of adding a bit of structure to your outfit. They can be worn formally as part of a matching trouser suit or informally with jeans. Those with toned arms may want to wear one on its own but you can also team them with shirts and tee shirts. Worn open, they can be useful for disguising your tummy.

Relaxed trousers

Wide leg trousers, kick fares and cargo pants have taken over from skinnies and are often a more flattering option for those of us who aren’t blessed with slender legs. They can also help balance out wider hips and disguise heavy calves. Unless you’re tall though, these wider leg cuts are best worn with a fairly fitted top. Watch out for pocket placement on cargo pants as they will add bulk to whichever part of your hips and legs they cover.

Asymmetric

If you’ve got nice legs an asymmetric hemline on a skirt or dress is a great way to draw attention to them. Likewise, an asymmetric neckline will highlight a good set of shoulders. Conversely though, a longer line asymmetric top can be a good way of slimming the hip and tummy area.

Green and Pink

These are two of this season’s key colours. Grassy, yellow-based greens are lovely for those who suit warmer tones, whereas fuchsia pinks are excellent for those who have cool undertones. As well as appearing as individual block colours, pink and green are also featuring together in prints. In this case, select either the pink or green for accessories depending on whether you have warm or cool colouring.

Cut Outs

There are quite a few cut-out styles this season, particularly around the waist. Less revealing than cropped tops, they’ll keep you cool, allow a glimpse of flesh and highlight a trim back or waist. Just make sure they’re positioned on a part of your body that you’re happy to show off.

Metallics

There are a lot of metallics about this season, particularly silver. Silver is a fab colour for those with cool colouring. If you’ve decided to embrace grey hair, you may find this metallic works well for you. Metallics are a particularly good choice for accessories as they act as a neutral and therefore work well with so many other colours.

Take a look at my latest catalogue to see some of the current styles available.