With the Summer finally upon us after what seemed to be a never-ending winter, it’s time to embrace the change as the weather heats up and we throw ourselves fully into this Summer’s must-have fashion trends. I’ve shopped around to bring you the best local, high-street and designers picks. Here is your definitive guide to what to wear this Summer and quite frankly, the styles are sizzling…
DENIM
Denim has long been a capsule wardrobe staple and is somewhat a fashion icon in itself. This season anything goes, as denim styles including coats and skirts are printed, distressed and studded. If you’re feeling brave then don’t be afraid to wear ‘double denim’. If you opt for a pair of jeans, the style of the summer is low-rise, so be prepared to bare a little midriff in slouchy, wide-leg denim. It is worth investing in the right pair, as they will see you through many seasons to come.
Wide-leg jeans. Mango £49.99 (www.mango.com)
Denim cut-out dress. Pull and Bear £29.99 (www.pullandbear.com)
CARGO PANTS
Cargo pants are one of the ‘must have’ items this summer. The trend offers Y2K vibes, think circa 2002 when Kylie Minogue appeared in her iconic ‘Love at First Sight’ video wearing a pair of cargo pants so low you could see her lingerie! Yes, this trend is back and it’s loaded with pockets – on the bright side, at least you’ll have somewhere to store your lipstick.
Kylie Minogue (Source: www.imgflip.com)
Pull and Bear Striped Cargo Pants £35.99, complete the look with this striped halter neck top for just £19.99. (www.pullandbear.co.uk)
For a more sophisticated take on this low-rise trend, opt for tailored alternatives like those seen at Stella McCartney during Paris Fashion Week.
Stella McCartney (Source: www.propakistani.com)
COBALT BLUE
Cobalt blue makes its long-awaited return to the fashion forefront this summer. It’s definitely a colour that makes an impact for all the right reasons if it’s styled correctly. Cobalt blue works well as a whole outfit colour. It also pairs well with a variety of colours, but particularly white, black and its fellow primary colour yellow. If the thought of a whole cobalt blue outfit overwhelms you – try styling outfits with cobalt blue accessories, or opt for a modern twist on the classic French tip nails for an on trend look.
This co-ord set by Zara is an absolute steal and can easily be styled separately for a subtle yet on trend look. Bermuda Shorts £25.99 and Top £7.99 (www.zara.com)
Combine two trends in one with this electric blue cut-out swimsuit by H&M £29.99 (www.hm.com)
BOUDOIR ELEGANCE
Think corsets, lace trims and sheer gowns. This eveningwear trend incorporates soft, yet edgy, boudoir detailing for exquisite evening looks. Whether it’s long, sheer evening gowns or shorter more playful slip dresses like this bias-cut beauty by Victoria Beckham. This trend is set to be a head-turner.
Victoria Beckham www.mytheresa.com
Pretty Little Thing £20.00 (www.prettylittlething.com)
BLACK IS BACK
If the heavy feature of black in this article hasn’t already given it away, this Summer’s crush on the colour black is a trend after my own heart. I mean, who doesn’t like black? It is both super chic and versatile at the same time. I adore black, as its effortlessly stylish and has slimming super powers like no other colour. It’s also a colour that features in some of the top trends this Summer which confirms that it shouldn’t to be overlooked in your Summer 2023 wardrobe. Soft fabrics such as lace and crochet help to keep this colour feeling light and summery. Black – we salute you!
Johanna Ortiz (www.net-a-porter.com) £625.00
HEARTS
Why not spread a little love with this fun and flirty trend. The Spring/Summer catwalks featured heart motifs on the runways of designers such as Victoria Beckham and Moschino. The beauty of this trend is that it can be celebrated through accessories. Think heart shaped glasses, like those spotted on Yves Saint Laurent, gold heart pendant jewellery and playful, heart-shaped bags.
Saint Laurent Eyewear £475 www.net-a-porter.com
Heart Motif Dress by Nensi Dojaka in the sale at £939 (www.net-a-porter.com) (Source: www.door11.com)
Alaia leather shoulder bag £880 (www.net-a-porter.com)
‘Nettie Knows,’ is an eclectic fashion boutique in Weybridge who have a fantastic range of unisex sweaters featuring fun sequin motifs all priced at £59. Head to the store or shop online at (nettie-knows.myshopify.com)
ASYMMETRY AND CUT-OUT
Asymmetric hemlines were all over the Spring/Summer catwalks. It’s a hugely popular trend with cheaper online retailers, so if you want to save a penny…I mean who doesn’t? Then head to Pretty Little Thing and MISS PAP. You’ll find this trend in co-ord sets, dresses and even swimwear. So, be prepared to bar! For a more subtle approach to this trend, try wearing asymmetric tops with this seasons cargo pants.
£38.00 Pretty Little Thing (www.prettylittlething.com)
£50.00 MISS PAP (www.misspap.com)
Rose detail cut-out asymmetric swimsuit £25.00 (www.prettylittlething.com)
Pretty Little Thing
SHEER FABRICS
Sheer fabrics such as tulle, organza and mesh were all over the Spring/Summer runway shows. This skin-baring trend exudes confidence. Perfect for those hot summer evenings, or a stylish evening out in Ibiza Town. My favourite? The ‘Gaia’ Dress from Annie’s Ibiza.
Gaia Dress £750 (www.anniesibiza.com)
FRINGING
From tops and skirts to dresses, fringing is a hot trend this summer. Whether you chose to opt for subtle fringe detailing, or strut your stuff in fully-fringed options, retailers have something for everyone. Fringe details on crochet tops, dresses and maxi skirts, styled with sandals make for the ultimate summer holiday look.
MISS PAP £70 (www.misspap.com)
Tassel detail earrings Pretty Little Thing £10 (www.prettylittlething.com)
Zara Maxi Skirt £32.99 (www.zara.com)
FLORALS
Florals were one of the most prevalent trends on the Spring/Summer catwalk shows. Not only were there floral rose prints a plenty, 3D floral appliques also featured.
This floral print satin wrap dress by Farnham boutique ‘Ruby La La’ is perfect for those sunny summer days and warm evenings. £57.00 (www.rubylala.co.uk)
Zara £32.99
Zara £17.99
Phoenix Style in Cobham & Wimbledon have partnered with brands and designers to offer sustainable pieces from their current collection. They have a fantastic range of floral dresses ByTiMo, head to www.phoenixstyle.co.uk
WORDS BY: NATASHA TERRI FRANKLIN
