Your Summer Wardrobe Sorted

Emma O’Neill shows us how to keep looking and feeling cool as the weather finally heats up!

This season, the catwalk was bursting with cute dresses adorned with daisies and all things fabulously floral. Flowery crop tops and bralets paired with a matching miniskirt is a popular style with definite summer flair.

Girls: it is once again acceptable to dress like a girl again. Ruffles, flared skater skirts, and pretty print patterns are all top choices – think 60’s fashion icon Twiggy. For those who like to stand out, this summer’s print trend will not disappoint.

Go for quirky patterns that are perfect to mix and, well, un-match! Think Aztec meets tribal, or floral meets stripes for that exotic, bohemian look. Alternatively, combine neon pinks, oranges, greens and yellows with chunky jewellery and platform sandals. It’s okay if your mirror reflection says: ‘I just stepped out of an Austin Powers movie’, that’s the aim! Enhance your confidence – bold is beautiful!

For the minimalistic type, ditch the neon and opt for an all-white outfit – including shoes and accessories. Let your clothes act as a canvas, allowing your own beauty and personality to dazzle, whilst simultaneously remaining a fashion guru.

The versatility of this summer’s trends is another reason to get shopping. At the moment, monochrome is a huge spring/summer trend that you will find in any mainstream window display.

Whether worn in stripes or checks, this smart look is perfect wear for interviews or other formal events; not only are the colours suitable, they also stand out when paired together so you will not get lost in the crowd of other interviewees! Alternatively, go for glam with a stripy bodycon dress or hotpants, which are certifiably top notch for Altoria’s standards!

Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs seemed Inception inspired: bags within bags within bags

This summer, accessories are extremely important and designed in a way that will not simply enhance your outfit, but rather, define it. If you haven’t got a leather tote bag, now is the time to get one. They are smart, look fabulous in any colour, and are currently huge! Moreover, printed or embellished summer totes are great arm candy for casual shopping sprees or trips to the beach.

However, the clear theme of this summer’s handbag extravaganza is innovation. If your friends find it hard to identify that what you are carrying is indeed a bag, or alternatively, if your bag resembles something that you may have made during Art GSCE, then you are spot on. Reptile-skin, Lego-block colour and plenty of Perspex – clutch bags are no longer the boring option.

Additionally, many of the big names, including Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs, seemed Inception inspired: as transparent bags within bags within bags (and so on!) lined the catwalks. Finally, high street shops seem set on the return of what was thought to be a stroke of pure genius in the 90s – yes; bumbags are back on the scene! With cute Aztec prints to studded leather, team them with a pair of denim hotpants and never again look like a fat lady at Disneyland!

Shoes, shoes, shoes. Resisting buying a new pair is pretty much like letting down a best friend. Logic: without them our feet would hurt and be dirty so it is always better to have them. The chunky look is definitely in style, with midi block heels and peep-toe wedges, both injected with plenty of colour!

For those who choose comfort over foot bunions, you are not going to be disappointed as flats have been given a whole new makeover. Ta-dah! Flatform sandals and creepers are also in the summer spotlight, as are sporty trainers and ballet pumps- perfect for toning down outfits and giving them that playful, summery feel.

So thank goodness for that – 90’s nostalgia, ‘geek’ tops, and ‘sports luxe’ are not the only things to be wearing this summer. Now lock up that North Face jacket for good and get shopping!