It's that time of year when magazines
and newspapers offer their advice on what's hot for the season and my
inbox is full with messages from retailers telling me what delights
they have in store for me. With that plethora of information already
available, I am only going to comment on what I consider to be top style heroes for S/S 2016.
Off the Shoulder
A flash of bare shoulder has become the
subtle way to show some skin and the off the shoulder silhouette is
everywhere. Peasant style blouses and tops with cut out shoulders
can be found in designer boutiques and high street stores. The
shoulder is certainly the new erogenous zone and for most women it's
an area of the body that they are happy to reveal.
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| Jacques Vert |
However, when deciding whether or not this trend is for you, remember, lines create optical illusions so make sure those lines work for you and flatter
your proportions.
If you're pear-shaped (wider at the
hips) an off the shoulder top or a top with diagonal lines that angle
out toward the outer part of your shoulders is great for making your
shoulders appear wider, thus balancing your body. Avoid halter
necks or those that create the look of one with lines that angle
inwards.
If your shoulders are broad you can go
for the halter neck illusion and try vertical stripes or
seams that will make shoulders appear less wide.
The Brooch
Definitely on my radar. What an easy
and fun way to amp up a blouse or to add feminity to a masculine
shirt or to add an extra touch of chic to an evening dress. Get your
retro feel accessory from your Granny's jewellery box or take a look
at beautiful bug brooches at River Island or oriental flower pins at
Topshop.
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| River Island |
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| Top Shop |
Play around with the placement of the
brooch, pinning it where you want to draw attention, it doesn't have
to be stuck to your lapel! You can even create interest by grouping a
few smaller ones together.
The Skirt
A fabulously feminine staple, the skirt
can show off your legs and physique. A couple of skirts have caught
my eye this season. They are all midi lengths which unfortunately
for me, being petite, is a length that does me no favours. However, that
doesn't stop me looking at the menu for my taller sisters! Marks & Spencer have a green
leather wrap skirt in their Autograph range that I think will be as popular as last season's sell-out suede midi skirt and Topshop have a 'paperbag' waisted midi that is elegant and edgy at the same time.
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| Marks and Spencer |
There are lots of pleated skirts about too, especially knife pleats but watch out if you're curvy or have a tummy, pleats can be unforgiving. However, if your figure is boyish with narrow hips, a pleated style can be a winner.
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| New Look |
The Shirt Dress
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| New Look |
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| River Island |
A great summer basic and a style which
will suit most body shapes. Available in mini and maxi lengths and in a
range of colours, prints and fabrics. This easy peasy dress will be one of your
most versatile purchases this season.
Oh and one trend I won't be considering:
irregular ornamentation (one statement earring or two different
ones). I know a few women who could pull this look off but I would just look as if I had forgotten something!
Remember, only buy into a trend if it
suits you not because it's fashion!
Photos courtesy of www.prshots.com
Photos courtesy of www.prshots.com
