How to wear the new neutral…
There’s no doubt we all love to see Summer approaching, to feel the warmth again and to spend more time outdoors, particularly with family and friends. But what to wear? Dressing for summer can often feel like a challenge particularly as we get a little older, given the number of sleeveless tops and short skirts on the rails. Whilst you don’t want to dress like ‘a young one’, you still want to look and feel as stylish as possible.
Remember, style is ageless! It’s never too late to update or tweak your personal style. A great place to start is to ‘shop your own wardrobe’. Go through what you already have and try putting combinations together that you may never have tried before. Your pieces might be at the back of your wardrobe but they could also be back in fashion. So, pull out your straight leg denims or a breton striped top, a classic look that really never dates. What about your old blazers with shoulder pads? Yes, big shoulders are back with a bang. Try belting it for a new, modern silhouette or reach for one of your old printed silk scarves, also being worn as belts or tied at the neck, adding both colour and personality to your outfits.
Of course, there’s a whole new colour palette out there this Summer, for those who wish to embrace it. We’re presented with new trends and colours every year but this season in particular, the fashion pages are filled with soft baby pinks and buttery yellows. These are paired beautifully with denim and every conceivable shade of brown. Chances are you already have some of these colours. It’s true that pale colours can often be tricky to carry off, particularly if you happen to have a fair complexion, with one exception…baby blue. This widely available and universally flattering sky blue, is well worth the investment as it can be worn all year round whilst elevating your style sky high!
This versatile blue hue works beautifully as a primary or accent shade. Pair it with whites or taupes, in particular linens and crisp cottons or wear it on its own under a camel knit. Take the lead from fashionista Grece Ghanem (pictured) who chose a blue blouse with a bow, brilliantly styled under a check blazer. Consider closing your shirt to the top button for a more modern preppy look or leave it open over a white tank top. By the way, the best white ribbed tank tops can be found at Arket, the fabric is heavyweight and the shape is flattering, giving you the perfect foundation piece for layering.
The pinstripe blue shirt is also a fresh alternative to block blue. Try a striped poplin shirt which is incredibly easy to style. Dress it down with a white T-shirt as pictured or wear under a navy blazer for a distinctly ‘Parisian’ look. Why not embellish the cuffs with a beautiful handmade bracelet from Irish jewellery designer LoveBeth.
This brilliant blue can take you right through to the autumn months when worn with browns and burgundies, which are two colours that continue to grow in popularity throughout the year. To add depth to your look, consider mixing different textures, such as a soft knit with a leather jacket or skirt. We love a flattering knit where the sleeves come to the elbow (a must!). A round neckline allows for another layer underneath if required. Pair your knit with indigo jeans, there’s lots to choose from the recently launched denim collection at Dunnes Stores.
So, don’t be afraid to try new colour combinations, you might be surprised by the difference they can make, both to your complexion and your wardrobe. We recommend sticking to maximum two or three colours, or multiple shades of the one colour, for a more polished ‘put together’ look. The sky really is the limit when it comes to your style…
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