This is the first week that us Capetonians are anticipating a few warm days in a row! I was tempted last week to write another winter newsletter instead! The stores are groaning with Summer stock but where to start? Remember, it’s not just about fashion but how to ADAPT it to your body proportions, lifestyle, budget and personality….

For those of you who love ROMANTIC dressing then this is definitely the season for you! Fabrics are soft and feminine while colours range from pretty pastels and brights right through to black and white. Dresses are everywhere and look perfect teamed with a feminine cardi and a narrow belt. If you have a full bust, avoid halter neck dresses – instead look for sweetheart necklines or wrap dresses. If you have a small bust, make use of dresses with frills or flounces over the bust or pretty necklines with gathers. Skintight tops tend to flatten your bust even more while halter necks flatter you as the emphasis is then on the shoulders. Swirl skirts look lovely with tucked-in cardigans.
BRIGHTS are everywhere – you’ll see lots of citrus colours (i.e. neon) which you can team with white or black – alternatively just add a bright, fun bag (an inexpensive way to update your look as it can be worn with most of your wardrobe)! NAUTICAL comes through strongly this season and is teamed with gold accessories. Avoid very wide stripes if you have a fuller figure. Also add white to any nautical look and a bright belt. Avoid too much accessorizing with this look.

As always, there are many and varied T-SHIRTS on the shelves and are a must-have for your summer look. But there are t-shirts and t-shirts! If you have a full bust and full upper arms avoid high, round-neck t-shirts with cap sleeves – this is the worst style for you. Rather opt for a  ‘V’ neck or a low scoop neck with a sleeve that ends just below where your upper arm starts getting fuller (a ¾ sleeve is also great). Cap sleeves for a small bust are ideal (providing your arms allow you to wear this style). SHIRTS are flimsy and transparent and are a lovely way of softening capri or cigarette leg pants.

JACKETS of all lengths and styles are in vogue this season. Boxy, short-waisted jackets should be avoided by those of you who have a full bust, hips and tummy – rather go for a tapered jacket with a deep V and a narrow lapel. If you are small on top almost anything goes as long as the length of your jacket doesn’t cut through the widest part of your body! The tailored jacket is also great worn over a pretty dress to give the look some structure. Be careful of belted jackets and lots of pockets if you would like to appear slimmer. Wear wide leg pants or bootleg pants with fitted jackets and a scarf, as this will slim down bigger thighs.

BLACK AND WHITE is very chic this season as well as being flattering and timeless (budget is important here). Prints are graphic, retro and quite sharp but essentially the entire look is bold. Black and white dresses are in abundance – particularly the polka dot.

If you haven’t already done so, start by ‘de-cluttering’ your cupboard and working out your existing combinations and from there you should have a good idea as to what you need to shop for in order to update and reinvent your new look.

Have fun!
Until next time kind regards as always,
Jane.