Despite the official confirmation, the presence of humidity and sunshine implies that summertime is here, and in order to keep you looking best for those hot, sticky holidays, we’ve compiled the best ladies’ fashion for summer to ease you into the season. Here’s how to go from spring to summer in a few simple steps.
Denim
Breathe a sigh of relief: in those desperate moments of sitting by the air conditioner in an attempt to lower your body temperature, the last thing we’re going to encourage is for you to don is a pair of full-length jeans. But just because pants aren’t a seasonal it-item doesn’t mean you’ve got to abandon denim completely: thanks to designers like Stella McCartney, Derek Lam and Jason Wu, denim is a seasonal must, with dresses, shorts and even jackets (for those last crisp springtime nights) working to dictated the what to wear guides of nearly everyone fashionably-inclined.
Check out Old Navy’s Cropped Denim Jacket in Light Wash, $34.50. Available at Old Navy.
White
Even if you’re against the fictitious Labour Day rule, now’s the time to don those white pants, dresses and business suits, as simple designs are given a lighter, season-appropriate edge thanks to the shade synonymous with summer. Brands like Calvin Klein re-introduced the airy slip dress, while Ralph Lauren took a page out of the Wild West to re-introduce peasant-y blouses, sheer styles and a bohemian aesthetic that’s embellished by leather accessories and of course, denim.
Check out Anthropologie’s Saltwater Blouse in White, $78. Available at Anthropologie.
Colour Blocking
If the start-of-year neon didn’t tip you off, perhaps the deluge of colour has. Thanks to the super-bright lines of Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander, summertime brightness has been propelled to new levels, as neutrals and safe choices are replaced with bold, dynamic styles rarely paired together. This year, ladies’ fashion for summer needs only be one thing: brave. And with the likes of green cigarette pants being paired with purple tank tops and orange blazers, it’s not so much about the colours you choose, but how you plan to wear them together.
Check out Zara’s Colourblock Two-Tone Dress in Orange/White, $59.90. Available at Zara.
Retro
We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it once more: everything old is new again. But while some seasons are defined by specific eras or moments in time, ladies’ fashion for summer in 2011 is not so much about the decade but what you do with it; taking influences from the 70s disco era to Manhattan in the early 60s to Seattle circa 1994. Eclecticism defines the summertime landscape, with the likes of bold prints, defined silhouettes and floral patterns work to make the season about uniqueness, originality and how you can interpret runway styles on you very own.
Check out H&M’s Patterned Jumpsuit in Blue, $29.95. Available at H&M.
