IT IS not quite summer yet but it is time to think about casting off the winter woollies and thick tights. But, perhaps, not time yet for flimsy summer frocks and little tops.
Enter the mid-season wardrobe of garments that can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion and the weather.
Short frocks are a versatile buy because they can double as tops, worn with leggings or jeans on a cool day, but will come into their own when the sun starts to shine.
This season there are plenty of hippie-chic printed fabric tops and dresses in loose shapes that flatter most figures and provide a splash of colour. The smock or kaftan is still a major player for this spring and summer. If you like your clothes to have more shape then simply stock up on wide belts to create a waistline. It’s a look that’s casual without being scruffy and feminine without being, shall we say, slutty.
As summer approaches it’s worth digging out all those peasant dresses and skirts that first appeared a few years ago and have enjoyed an enduring love affair with women of all ages. They’re still big news this year and, possibly, even more colourful and exotic. Watch out for long line dresses with tiers of different fabrics and in different colours.
If you’ve had enough of peasant and hippie styling then the other strong fashion story for summer is the shift dress in simple shapes but bold printed and luxurious fabrics.
Silk and satin transform this fashion classic into something cool and glamorous for summer.
Once again, it’s possible to get more wear out of summer’s styles by layering a t-shirt under a shift dress until the temperatures start to rise. If we have another summer like last year this may be one of the season’s key looks!
