Versatility is key for the wardrobe this season.

Words Nicky Adams

Hot stuff

Balancing work and play outfits across the summer months is an annual consideration for most of us as the temperature rises. No one wants to overinvest in office wear, so to find pieces that tick the boxes of appropriate, breathable and stylish can be a challenge.

Sheath dresses just so happen to be on-trend and, with their easy fit, will suit most body shapes. A style that is readily available in linen and cotton, should you opt for a sheer fabric, find a light slip to layer underneath. If it feels too shapeless, then belts are another key trend and one that will add a waistline.

An oversized slouchy suit in a light linen with a satin camisole top underneath is super versatile for office or evening – just change up footwear from ballet flats to heels. If you’re feeling brave, an all-white suit comes off as effortlessly elevated – classic monochrome definitely comes under the luxe category.

Laser-cut designs are a thoroughly modern take on a lace look; still conjuring up all the romanticism associated with this finish, a shirt can be put with anything and will pay style dividends.

We know cargo pants are big hitters this season, and they’re coming in multiple fabrics, freeing them up from just streetwear – try styling with kitten heels for the office.

Lilac and purple had a makeover last year, and the softer tones remain a really coveted colour this season. It’s fun to pair the various shades together or, if this is too much, just try a splash among other colourways.

Trending Now

Most wanted this season

Wear It Well

Ultra-feminine and floaty are trends that naturally lend themselves to this time of year; semi-sheer can look sophisticated and polished while still giving off a light and breezy vibe. More timeless than trendy, it can take you from day event to evening occasion seamlessly. Above all, we want our summer outfits to feel effortless – the silhouette of the season is definitely strapless, which works perfectly with the hot weather holy grail of achieving as few tan lines as possible.

The simplicity of style is timeless; however, strapless naturally lends itself to a dressy occasion – and the cleaner the lines, the more you can layer up the accessories. Depending on the fabric (and event), the footwear will follow – cottons and stretch ribbed materials will suit casual slides, jandals or sneakers; and although we love to throw street shoes with everything, satin or shimmery fabric will dazzle with a dressy sandal. It’s fun to signal the frivolity of summer with your colours; vibrant hues are key this season – and if you don’t usually indulge, then try toning down by pairing with a more neutral piece such as jacket.

Whether you love them or loathe them, tailored shorts are here to stay this season; despite being a look that is trickier to carry off, worn with heels, even the haters will be converted to the Bermuda length. Again on the divisive front is a 1980s favourite. If I say bubble hems are back, I’m sure there will be mad scrabbling in the bottom of dress-up boxes. But like any past style, it’s reappeared in a more sophisticated form. Its full, voluminous style requires visual balance from top to toe, but creates a dramatic look that will be a showstopper.

Shapeshifting

Underpin your look for the ultimate outcome.

When it comes to makeovers, the world of shapewear is right up there at the top of the tree. A gradual rebranding over the last 20 years has amped up into full force over the last five, to the point where most women will boast at least one pair of firm flesh-coloured undies in their lingerie collection.

The emphasis has moved from slogans that were enough to make you sweat at the mere thought – “hold-me-ins that don’t let you out” a popular catchphrase that said it all – to a rebranding as empowering underwear essentials that give you a seamless, smooth silhouette. Botox for the body, if you will. Our love affair with silky slip dresses and body-con loungewear has meant that the merits of good solid undies cannot be understated to achieve the ultimate flawless finish. 

Women’s dressing has historically relied on firm foundations, most famously the corset, and while we’ve largely evolved from the belief in blatant restriction, the concept has been taken and transformed into in all manner of variants (that unless you’ve dabbled in this world before, you really would have no idea existed). From the basic seamless slip that will give you line-free curves (some with built-in bra, some designed to go over your own), to a backless bodysuit (a real lifesaver if you want something that gives boob support and smooths over your tummy area) to high-waisted shorts that will smooth the belly, ensure no panty line, and continue over top of legs. There is literally something for every dress, occasion, and body shape. The most well-known of the brands are Spanx in the States, and Nancy Ganz here in New Zealand. Nancy Ganz has been at this game for a long time, which is reflected in the sheer variety on offer, and is easily available (Farmers). Kmart is worth checking out for entry level pieces. However, if you’re happy to shop online the Skims brand from Kim Kardashian has in some ways revolutionised the mass market, so much so that she has just introduced Skims for men – designed to enhance not conceal curves, she has had the forethought to introduce inclusive sizing and diverse shades from beige to brown. The brand has also thrown in a few other innovations – the one-leg undies are a godsend to anyone with a maxi dress with a side split. 

There are other tricks of the trade used to perfect a polished look. Boob Tape is useful, although how effective depends on the size and perkiness of your breasts – “three children” and “boob tape” don’t usually work in the same sentence. Nevertheless, it’s worth a go – double- sided, it sticks to your skin, then onto the dress. Using it is something you want to practise first as it can be as tricky as eating jelly with a fork. However, even if you don’t manage to harness your breasts effectively, it can be super useful for sticking down a gaping décolletage on a plunging dress. 

To achieve the ultimate look, the focus is to avoid anything that makes you feel as though you are being squeezed in. The point of the evolution of shapewear is that it is no longer seen as a tool in flab fighting –anything that claims to eliminate excess flesh totally overlooks the physics of the body. Just like a sausage, if you’re pushing something into a tight skin, the law of science dictates that it must burst out somewhere else, and no one wants spillage over the top of a waistband.
So just like with the external outfit, try, try and try again until you find the under-garment that may not look pretty, but feels fabulous.

Fashion forecast

Get ahead with the latest summer fashion trends.

Mix and Match 

If you thought you’d seen enough rugby shirts after the World Cup to last
a lifetime, then you’re out of luck. The cool crowd have brought back this dad trend as a must-have, and it’s not just for the sideline sports fans: If you’re in any doubt then take note from the coolest of them all, Chloe Sevigny, spotted sporting one in downtown New York.

Tie it up

Sharp suiting – also known as power dressing – is a look that designers have brought to the fore for autumn/winter. This more polished approach to suiting is a throwback to the 1980s, so it’s no surprise to see exaggerated shoulders and sleek silhouettes. Throw in the double-breasted jackets, sartorial use of ties and tailored pinstriped pencil skirt suits and it’s hard not to feel nostalgic.

Skirting the Issue

Denim skirts have been yanked back from the early noughties and heralded as the denim-to-die-for this season. In all lengths from midi to maxi, there’s a range of colourways and styles with detailing, belts and splits. This is one runway style that translates seamlessly to the wardrobe. For the cooler months and the shorter lengths, pair with long boots underneath for practicality.

Leather looks

Leather has been in every winter wardrobe for a number of years; however, it’s looking to reach its zenith for autumn/winter 23. Never has this medium been used with such breadth – versatility is an understatement. Skirts, shirts, denim-look leather, evening dresses – even socks.