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.
Style status
Say hello to a warm weather aesthetic.
Say hello to a warm weather aesthetic.
WORDS Nicky Adams
Alexandria Dress $249, Blak.co.nz
Cool comfort
Wardrobe staples ahoy. Longevity is the biggest drawcard, so look to a light cover or trench, a pencil skirt, trouser suit and jeans, which all have the potential to play a part in your spring capsule collection. The camel-coloured skirts (which you can try styling with a black or pale blue top for a change), muted tailoring and crisp white shirts that indicate simplicity are in vogue, and are a look that resonates with those that want to lower consumption and make the ‘what to wear’ question easy to answer. If you loved the New York minimalism epitomised by 90s icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who died tragically 25 years ago, you’ll be celebrating the fact that her super-stylish legacy is inspiring the current heightened love of a sleek capsule wardrobe. Arm yourself with a sharp blazer, perfect tee and jeans with a slim loafer, or a slip dress
and flat slingback for the ultimate streamlined look.
Whilst we’re all clear on the widening trouser leg, waistlines feel like they’ve been yo-yoing up and down to the point of not knowing what’s in and what’s out. I think it’s fair to say that super Y2K low is generally a youth move, and anything north of that is fine. Mid waist is a comfy fit without a doubt, but high is looking to make its way back for next year, with designers such as Loewe showing under-bust super high at his Spring/Summer 24 fashion show. Really high can be smoothing when covered with an on-trend buttoned untucked white shirt – after all no-one knows what lies beneath. Skirts are still big news though, with lots of lengths to play with, the latest being the return of the midaxi. No prizes for guessing this falls to above ankles, below mid-calf.
Spencer shirt in Baroque $225, Riper short $169, urbanvogue.co.nz
Trending now
Most wanted this season.
Spring fling
While sheer skirts and dresses may feel whimsical by day, they are the ultimate in cool sophisticate for the evening, screaming the boho chic synonymous with high-end designer Chloe. Currently seeing a huge red-carpet fashion moment, being modelled impeccably by the ultimate fashion muse Sienna Miller has certainly helped bring this look into the mainstream. Unless you pick a more robust layered tulle, you’ll find a single layer chiffon needs careful wear, so if it’s an investment piece then be mindful of snag hazards. This look calls for delicate jewels and accessories and a sleeker choice of footwear; a little kitten heel, strappy sandal or even a Mary-Jane flat will finish the look nicely.
The word jumpsuit may send a shiver down your spine – and not a joyful one – but don’t be hasty. There are so many elegant and age-appropriate versions, the practicalities of not being able to go to the toilet simply fade into the background. Having been given the high fashion treatment, it’s hard not to get excited about some of the really flattering all-in-ones hitting the high street. You can’t miss the European inspired aesthetic of bold prints – Italian summer themes reign supreme, all Versace and la dolce vita rolled into one glorious burst of vibrant colour. The lightweight fabrics, layered jewellery, matching trouser sets together with dropped waists and puff sleeves all play to the frivolity of spring. The fashion obsessed will have tapped into Nicole Kidman’s latest Netflix series The Perfect Couple. Reflecting a world of American wealth, it’s perfect inspiration for spring event wear, with everything from structured gowns to layers and frou-frou, and an array of looks that can easily be emulated from the high street. When it comes to colours, take your pick from light blues, butter yellow, red – joyful shades will be everywhere.
Step up to step out
Man up to the season ahead with an elevated look.
It’s that time of year when invitations start arriving with the ubiquitous ‘smart casual’ dress code. For women this can be a little perplexing, more so as the cultural definition of both smart and casual has changed hugely over the last decade. For men though, it’s nothing short of a ‘what does this even mean’ as everyone starts furiously ringing round other attendees to find out if it’s a tie, or no tie, shorts, long trousers… help!
Life stage is another factor. While women are often conscious of the old-
school perception of ‘age appropriate’ this is equally outdated for both males and females, particularly when you see some of the middle-aged male role models currently taking centre stage – Daniel Craig and Brad Pitt, we’re looking at you. Finding your personal balance of still looking invested but allowing your style to mature along with you is pivotal.
Without a doubt there’s been a shift in emphasis onto the male of the species. Midlife men have had a celebrity boost in the style stakes with trendsetters such as the aforementioned Daniel Craig, who hitherto would not have ranked as a fashion icon; however he has shaken off sleek conservative style and before our eyes adopted a more rugged on trend vibe.
So, with this it’s clear that when navigating the spring/summer smart casual code, the parameters are wide. A real go-to would be a polo shirt. It doesn’t need to be branded but would likely be one that wasn’t covered in slogans. Short or long sleeve shirts are equally fine, and the shirt by no means has to be plain. Dress pants tend to be chino style and fabric is often a cotton twill. Tailored linen would be fine but leave the Ibiza drawstring ones in the island holiday pile. A linen suit is great for warmer weather but be mindful that linen naturally inclines to crease. Women are slowly making the shift from skinny over to a wider leg trouser, and men are following in their wake. Rather than skinny, a straight leg is a great smart/casual option. Depending on the event, sneakers, even designer ones, are probably lower on the list than a more professional style shoe – however you would really need to consider the event and crowd you will be with.
Make the most of being more confident in your choices:
Wear the clothes, don’t let them wear you: Even if you love the idea of going out in a blaze of glory, consider whether a more ‘out there’ look would just end up being the talking point, as opposed to a more subtle style choice.
Be authentic: If you’ve always been a surf dude in Billabong shirts and jandals then a total switcheroo would be weird. But there are plenty of summery shirts from smaller Australasian brands that do a really good job of well-cut short sleeve shirts in a breezy print that elevates the surf look to a smarter or more mature feel.
Pick an area of interest – don’t go for multiple: Try a shirt with detailed stitching, a suit in a bold colour, or ‘pricking’ or hand stitching on the edge of lapels.
Change up the corporate colour wheel: Light coloured suiting, while still polished, feels less stuffy. A taupe suit will look spring/summer ready and less like office wear. Light grey looks good; two shades can be put together tonally very easily.
To tie or not to tie: Ties are increasingly less common outside of the boardroom. A suit with a shirt with the top button undone is widely acceptable, and you can add the trimmings of pocket kerchief and cufflinks. A step up would be the top button of the shirt fastened.
Fashion forecast
Look ahead to summer 24/25.
Letting loose
The pajama look trend of oversized shirts and relaxed pants or boxers can be tricky to pull off when it’s not on the catwalk – but it’s not impossible. And it scores huge points for being seasonally appropriate and hugely comfortable. The key could be in the accessories – lots of jewellery and carefully paired shoe and bag combination to show that this is in fact a very deliberate outfit not a moment of menopausal madness.
Steal the limelight
‘Brat green’ – otherwise known as lime – is the colour that’s trending for Summer 24. Popularised by a British popstar, Charli XCX (if that means absolutely nothing to you, you’re not alone), apparently ‘the girls that get it, get it’. Aside from its pop culture context it was already in the mix as a summer favourite after appearing on the catwalks. It can be mixed with more than you might imagine, from black to gold to burgundy, grey, navy – even sky blue.
Aye aye, captain
What’s summer without a Breton stripe? With the call having gone out to the high fashion mavens to make the ordinary extraordinary, there’s been a host of classic styles given a lift. So, mariners’ stripes are looking hotter than ever, and nautical styles, from sailor collars to gold naval buttons, are a trend we can all get behind.
Fashion faithful
I honestly didn’t see this one coming, especially after culling all capris from my wardrobe some time ago. But here it is, and not only are they on the runway: the trend-setting and sealing Hadid sisters have both been seen wearing them, as has Kendall Jenner, so we can consider it official. Forever throwing Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot vibes, capri pants or pedal pushers can be styled in multiple ways, and we’ll be seeing them in every form from leggings to trousers to denim.