Style status

Everyday upgrades for warmer weather.

words NICKY ADAMS

JULIETTE HOGAN UNO DRESS $849, WENDYSBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ

Ciao bella

Hot on the heels of the Italian vibe that emerged for spring, all things European are filling the racks for summer as the latest aspirational trend. Tailored tops, feminine dresses, matching separates (a waistcoat is a must have) and top handled bags. The ultimate accessory is a silky headscarf, which plays very much to the effortless ease theme. Strapless, one shoulder and off the shoulder is never better than in summer. Satisfyingly flattering, the exposed shoulder is magical in its power to look fabulous on every figure. Colour blocking with muted rather than contrasting vibrant shades seems to have gone hand- in-hand with the quiet luxury trend that’s been so big for the last couple of years.

However, while the pairing of pales is nothing new, it really is as lovely as ever. All shades of white, creams, pale beige; what could possibly be more on point for summer? Capri pants have come back out from the cold – with less of an American cruise ship vibe and more of an Audrey Hepburn aesthetic. Cast off the sneakers and pair with a pair of pretty sandals for a sophisticated silhouette. The tie front blouse has been acknowledged as the summer break-out – crossing age barriers you’ll find it styled with a false front for the more modest and a gap through the torso for those with a six pack to showcase. Often with a puff sleeve, on the right top or dress this manages to look summery and elegant; but ‘try before you buy’ because too much puff can feel a bit twee.

SUPREME SHIRT ODYSSEY $329, TORY PANT ODYSSEY $329, NYNE.CO.NZ

Summer lovin’

Crochet – but not as we know it – has hit the summer landscape. Forget the Woodstock multi-coloured patch ponchos, and imagine delicate colours, beautifully crafted and exquisite three-dimensional beauty. It’s a classic for a reason – it can be styled in so many ways and fit a multitude of looks. Embroidery for detailing is another feature that will take your outfit from the ordinary to the sublime this summer. When it comes to accessories, you’re going to want a raffia/woven/straw bag – if it looks like a horse can eat it, you should be carrying it. Love it or laugh at it, the IT bag for this season is the Loewe tote or Botega Venetta’s basket bag – eye wateringly expensive, if you like the trend it’s really not hard to get the look for less. The Prada crochet tote is also having a moment; again, this is easily recreated. Bold jewellery is making a statement, dare I say ’80s era button earrings – but sophisticated and carefully accessorised. Alongside all the frills, layers and chiffons sit silk and lace, with a vibe that harks back to the elegance of the 1920s. The modern flapper look can be found in various forms, complete with sequins, crystals, fringing and dropped waistlines. Cutouts are still cool and in the form of ‘venting’, which can be everything from simple slices to tear drops at the clavicle or geometric cuts. Puddle pants pooled on the floor have moved off the catwalk and into the high street, however it doesn’t feel like the most practical choice for those of us who want longevity from our outfits – dusty hems and a trip hazard is what I take away from this look. A shorter hem with a slingback is much more the go and will take you to any summer event day or night.

Pack with purpose

Whittle down the excess and pack a punch with your holiday wardrobe.

words NICKY ADAMS

Find me someone who doesn’t overpack when they go on holiday. Whether it’s a dilemma over the unknown climate conditions – because let’s face it, there are very few destinations that don’t offer up a mixed weather bag at any time of year – or simply the fear of not being able to find a washing machine, it’s hard to trim down the excess items. Every time I pack a suitcase, multiple dress-up options are required. For those that may be on the kind of trip that requires evening dress, some garments are definitely more suitcase ready than others. It is so much more helpful if something is a noncrease fabric and can be pulled out of your bag and shaken out without much kerfuffle.

So, how best to nail the concept of a capsule wardrobe when it comes to packing for your trip? The most important start point is to step back and look at what kind of holiday you are actually having, as opposed to what you imagine it might be. In short, be realistic – if you’re going on a family beach holiday, are you really going to make it to the hotel gym. If not, ditch those trainers and lycra right now. If your trip is to the tropics, no matter how much you want to shake the dust off those super high heels, are you really going to wobble around in them, or would flats just be more practical? These are the types of questions that should be asked in the first instance.

The next step is to look at what your staples should be for the type of trip you are taking. Capsule packing works in much the same way as a capsule wardrobe – although it’s less frightening because it only needs to be restricted for a limited period of time. Day to night dressing is the golden rule of capsule, with the ability to accessorise and jazz up your outfit.

Summer suitcase suggestions

Linen pants, vest top and blousy shirt

Linen is known to be a warm weather must-have. The advantage of long pants is that they will double up to protect you from the sun, or if there’s a chill, provide leg cover. A tight vest top will balance out baggy pants, and then an over shirt worn open will provide both a layer for warmth, or can be easily stripped off for some sunning. Add – a silk cami will match with the linen pants for an evening look, together with wedge espadrilles or low heels.

Basic tee and shorts

Denim shorts are a take-me-anywhere item as long as they’re not super short. Worn with a white tee, the look is on trend and robust for warm weather activities. Add – accessories! Throw on some layered necklaces, earrings, bracelets. Swap out the tee for the silk cami and espadrilles.

Non-crease midi dress

Some countries may be more conservative, so it’s good to have a dress that covers the tops of the arms and falls below the knee. Bring a midi that’s a little on the dressy side, which will suit a smart lunch or evening out. Add – an evening bag and blazer will take you anywhere.

Skirt and top

Either a maxi, midi or mini – whichever style you feel most comfortable in, together with a summer top that will match. The top should also be interchangeable with your shorts and linen pants.

Add – a cardigan for chilly days and light coloured/white streetwear sneakers.

Don’t forget essentials – togs, hat, sarong, evening bag and large carry-all tote for beach/pool/shopping that doubles as your cabin bag.

Fashion forecast

Keep an eye on the season ahead.

words NICKY ADAMS

Emilia Wickstead.

Shady stuff

Deep burgundy will be elevating outfits everywhere this autumn. Some like it head to toe, others are thoroughly modernising the shade by mixing it up with other tones – a burgundy dress paired with cherry red shoes for example. You’ll see it in everything from leather/faux leather trench coats to accessories such as boots and bags. More versatile than you might think, come autumn it will practically be considered a neutral.

Get set, go!

Tracksuits and tailoring may seem incongruous together, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Prioritising comfort, but at the same time giving off an effortlessly cool vibe, the combination of stilettos, trackie pants (specifically Adidas) and a blazer manages to tick multiple boxes. There’s lots of ways to play around with this style – full sports lux accessorised with heels and handbag, or tracksuit jacket and jeans. It’s street style so there are no rules.

Tommy Hilfiger.

To the manor born

Heritage tweed, Herringbone and cosy argyle jumpers combine to create a town and country vibe when the weather cools down. Sweeping woolen coats will take us into winter, but for autumn, chunky sweaters will be the hero of the look. This trend is an example of the ‘real’ trends that designers are sending down the runway, narrowing the gap between the aspirational and inspirational for mainstream fashion followers.

Missoni.

Caped crusader

Boho is back with a bang – all things Chloe have been rapturously received, and the ’70’s look has been reimagined ever so slightly to fit with today’s world. While the cape was synonymous with the ’70s and without a doubt has a relaxed retro vibe, it is something of a chameleon as it can just as easily be styled in a sleek, elegant way that will take an evening look to the next level. Appearing on the runway as something of an autumn essential, its versatile trans-seasonal appeal makes it a must.