A-Z of Summer Style – Cont.

Q is for quantity…

…as in how many items you can wear at one time. Layering is a look for all seasons, but layering clothes in summer and achieving the balance between looking good but not over heating is a skill.

Luckily this season has a sheer romantic air running through the trends, with many designer geniuses doing the hard work for you with their ‘here’s what I made earlier’ ruffled, tiered and floaty creations – helping you to create that layered look with minimal effort.

Although for any fashionista worth their title, the ‘hard work’ of shopping and putting together the outfit is the fun part. For a layered look start with the basics – neutral colours in sheer and floaty fabrics are a great foundation. When you’re picking out what colours to wear, choose contrasting or similar shades that compliment each other. Sheer also doesn’t have to mean bare or see-through. Try layering a sheer loose vest over one of summer’s fabulous prints or a chiffon blouse over a camisole to achieve a chic look without the exposure.

For a layered look that is oh so now, try adding some pop to your colour palette by combining neutrals with an accent piece in summer’s bright hues. Look for juicy shades such as canary yellow, orange and fuchsia as these mix great with basics and really offset the colour. The bold and brave amongst us should try layering neutral sheers over brights, whereas those who shy away from attention-grabbing colours can still achieve the look by adding a brightly coloured neck scarf, belt or jewellery.

Ruffled and tiered tops and skirts are great for an instant layered look, but don’t go overboard by wearing both at the same time. Unless it’s a ruffled dress you’re wearing, go for ruffles either on the top or bottom at one time and team with a basic piece on the other half and a belt to emphasise your waist and avoid drowning your figure in masses of material. Belts of all sizes, from ultra-skinny to wide corset belts are great for cinching a flowing blouse or top and balancing out a full skirt.  

And when the summer sun begins to set and the evening becomes slightly cooler, add a cute little jacket or cardigan for a stylish but practical look that will see you survive the British summer.

Above all, the good thing about layering is that combining old garments gives you a new look without even having to go out and buy a new outfit!