A Summer of Love
November 28th 2009 23:10
There's nothing quite like the Australian summertime. Days are spent at the beach and the nights are balmy and hot, and we're all just that little bit happier than we are during the winter months. Maybe the fact that we don't have to struggle under five layers of clothing has something to do with it! Summer dressing in Sydney is about relaxed styling, sexy simplicity and having fun in the sunshine. Here are a few of the key trends that we'll be seeing (and wearing) until the season wraps up next year.
As with the spring that just left us, there's a strong bohemian flavour to this summer's dressing. The maxi dress continues to reign supreme, with colours and patterns so diverse that anyone can find one to suit their own tastes. As for tops, the tight ones left us eons ago - this season's tops are loose and flowing, with the caftan being a major player, and draped styles popping up in stores everywhere.
While harem pants can still be seen on the trendy young ones of the North Shore, they're steadily being replaced by the pants that seem to have epitomised summer for the last three years: that's right, I'm talking about the good old denim shorts. With every year they get shorter and more faded, but be warned: if you're not young like Leighton Meester or super-fit like Victoria Beckham, denim shorts are probably not your best option and you'd be better served sticking to a maxi dress or hippie-style skirt.
As for the swimwear, one-pieces with cutouts are making a return to fashion but although they're dominating the catwalks, on the beach it's the same story as before: bikinis, bikinis and more bikinis! They're just that little bit more comfortable than the one-pieces and they don't result in odd-looking tan lines. Of course, it's all up to you. The swimsuit that makes you look and feel like a goddess is (obviously!) the one for you.
Now what about the shoes, I hear you ask? This summer it's all about metallic flats, embellished gladiators and earthy leather sandals for the daytime, and skyscraper heels for the night (but only if you can walk in them!) If you think you can get away with wearing those awful cast-like gladiators that were in vogue last summer, then think again - gladiators are only hot now in their evolved form, that is, less Roman-style and much more feminine. If they're not embellished in some way, then you'll be risking looking outdated.
If all else fails, reach for your Havaianas!
When the hot days turn into sultry nights, it's time to vamp it up with sequins and the shortest of minidresses. If sequins are just a little too 80s-trash for you, then find yourself a fabulous draped dress. Draping should always be in a monochromatic fabric, and if the dress is one-shouldered, then so much the better.
When shopping for your summer wardrobe, remember that fashion is about fun and self-expression, and that following every trend is a major no-no: you should always pick and choose from the current styles, wearing the ones that suit your own signature look, and discarding the ones that don't. For example, although tie dye is huge right now, I wouldn't be caught dead in it as it's just not me! If we all dressed the same, life would be very dull indeed, and clothes should never, ever be dull.
I'll keep you updated throughout the season on what's hot, what's not and everything in between. Here's to the best season of them all - I hope yours is unforgettable!
Vibrant colours with a hint of sixties styling
As with the spring that just left us, there's a strong bohemian flavour to this summer's dressing. The maxi dress continues to reign supreme, with colours and patterns so diverse that anyone can find one to suit their own tastes. As for tops, the tight ones left us eons ago - this season's tops are loose and flowing, with the caftan being a major player, and draped styles popping up in stores everywhere.
Maxi-mum impact
Loose-fitting and feminine
So very summery!
While harem pants can still be seen on the trendy young ones of the North Shore, they're steadily being replaced by the pants that seem to have epitomised summer for the last three years: that's right, I'm talking about the good old denim shorts. With every year they get shorter and more faded, but be warned: if you're not young like Leighton Meester or super-fit like Victoria Beckham, denim shorts are probably not your best option and you'd be better served sticking to a maxi dress or hippie-style skirt.
Cellulite display? No way!
As for the swimwear, one-pieces with cutouts are making a return to fashion but although they're dominating the catwalks, on the beach it's the same story as before: bikinis, bikinis and more bikinis! They're just that little bit more comfortable than the one-pieces and they don't result in odd-looking tan lines. Of course, it's all up to you. The swimsuit that makes you look and feel like a goddess is (obviously!) the one for you.
Miranda Kerr works her magic in a 2009 one-piece...
... while Jessica Hart keeps it real in a Seafolly bikini.
Now what about the shoes, I hear you ask? This summer it's all about metallic flats, embellished gladiators and earthy leather sandals for the daytime, and skyscraper heels for the night (but only if you can walk in them!) If you think you can get away with wearing those awful cast-like gladiators that were in vogue last summer, then think again - gladiators are only hot now in their evolved form, that is, less Roman-style and much more feminine. If they're not embellished in some way, then you'll be risking looking outdated.
If all else fails, reach for your Havaianas!
Loving these summer sandals
When the hot days turn into sultry nights, it's time to vamp it up with sequins and the shortest of minidresses. If sequins are just a little too 80s-trash for you, then find yourself a fabulous draped dress. Draping should always be in a monochromatic fabric, and if the dress is one-shouldered, then so much the better.
Taylor Momsen, Blake Lively and Vanessa Hudgens are smokin' in their sequinned minis
Draping is an elegant alternative
When shopping for your summer wardrobe, remember that fashion is about fun and self-expression, and that following every trend is a major no-no: you should always pick and choose from the current styles, wearing the ones that suit your own signature look, and discarding the ones that don't. For example, although tie dye is huge right now, I wouldn't be caught dead in it as it's just not me! If we all dressed the same, life would be very dull indeed, and clothes should never, ever be dull.
I'll keep you updated throughout the season on what's hot, what's not and everything in between. Here's to the best season of them all - I hope yours is unforgettable!
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