Summer is finally upon us (minus the Wimbledon/Glastonbury weather), so to celebrate – we’ve put together our five favourite trends to watch out for this season. From pastels to sandals, shoulder flashing and orange hues, here’s what we’ll all be sporting in a few weeks time:
Pastels
1. River Island 2. Flower Crown 3. Cat-eye Sunglasses 4. Crop Top 5. Midi Skirt 6. ZARA dress
It wouldn’t be summer without a splash of pastel perfection! Some may say that the trend has been exhausted, but I am going to have to respectfully disagree and argue that the sugary sweet hues that dominate the rails during the summer season are always my favourite. Whether it’s candy-hued hair or a wardrobe full of lilac, there is always a new way to wear this reoccurring trend. I am particularly crushing on this River Island Lilac Feather Cross-body Bag, which is so unlike a summer accessory. Feathers are not typically associated with summer – they’ve been claimed by the festive season – but I love the interesting texture and play on the pastel norm. It’s officially the season of the flower crown too, so you could offer a nod towards the pastel trend rather than dressing in it head-to-toe. Having said that, can anyone actually resist the temptation to dress up like a giant sherbet sorbet?
Off-the-shoulder
Casual, Lunch, Summer Nights, Wedding
Shoulder flashing is in people! As modelled so effortlessly by Alexa Chung in a recent street style snap, the crop top has officially been replaced with the easy breezy off-the-shoulder dress – and I LOVE Alexa’s Free People dress (£98) for two reasons.
1) Those of us who simply can’t trade in the bra for a totally unsupportive, shoulder-less dress are rejoicing at the fact that you can work the cold-shoulder trend. That is, a cut-out shoulder that doesn’t require awkward strapless bras or worse – total commando!
2) The pretty daisy print is right up my street and I can imagine floating around London in it feeling comfortable and effortlessly stylish.
There are some AMAZING off-the-shoulder pieces in the sales at the moment, so snap them up quickly before it’s too late! All of the dresses in the collage above come in at £25 and under – I know, I couldn’t believe it either!
Orange Lips
1. Barry M 2. Nars 3. Topshop 4.Bobbi Brown
They were everywhere on the spring/summer catwalks – and I for one love this refreshing tango colour! I was lucky enough to go backstage with Fashion Scout during Fashion Week SS14 and got to see first-hand how the professionals achieve the flawless look. I was surprised to learn that the pop of neon orange comes from a mixture of white pencil beneath an orange matte lipstick. Personally I am dying to try the Bobbi Brown lip paint as shown above. It comes in at £19.50, which is reasonable for a good-quality lipstick, and is really all you need to totally transform a simple summer outfit. From subtle coral to full-on neon, orange tones are hot for high summer.
Flat Sandals
1. White Flats 2. Clarks Romantic Moon Sandals 3. River Island 4. Mint Arizona 5. Famous Last Words Sandals
Unless you’ve been living on Mars for the past two months, you’ll know that the fashion world has gone barmy for Birkenstocks! I don’t know whether it’s the comfort factor or the sheer fact that they go with literally everything, but these stylish summer sliders have definitely got my vote! I’ve put together a collage of some of my favourites above, but if you don’t want to splash out you could always raid your Mum’s (or Dad’s) wardrobe – these mandals (man sandals) have been around for yonks! You can’t go wrong with a pair of black or white sliders, but if you’re feeling bold you could always opt for a splash of leopard print like these River Island Brown Leopard Print Double Strap Sandals. The cork footbed is perfect for holidays and the print will liven up a plain bikini.
Wimbledon Whites
1. Daisy Street 2. Asos Cold Shoulder Dress 3. Skirt
It’s that time of year again and we’re sporting whites in honour of the beautiful game! Whether you’re headed to Wimbledon or watching with a bowl of British strawberries from the comfort of your own home, you might as well look the part! Summer is all about a wardrobe white out – a welcome break from all the blacks and greys of autumn. I love the feel of a crisp white dress in the sunshine, and this ASOS Swing Dress with Cold Shoulder has me head over heels! I love the feminine crochet detailing to the front and the relaxed cold shoulder makes it perfect for long summer days.
And if you’ve already shopped til’ you’ve dropped in preparation for the summer season, then why not show off your new garments and enter our giveaway below to be in with the chance of winning a £150 bar tab for you and four friends at Made in Chelsea’s favourite haunt – Dirty Martini. Please feel free to enter as many times as the widget will let you and let us know what your favourite summer trend is!
