Flowing white dresses, ditsy florals and slogan T shirts- they are all going to be on trend this season according to Essex fashion experts. As we make our summer style choices, however, we should never underestimate the power of the simple maxi dress…
It’s hotting up outside but just how do you stay looking fresh and glamorous when it’s a furnace out there? After all, we never see Carrie Bradshaw drenched in sweat as she struts around Manhattan in her Manolos, despite the city’s 75-per cent humidity.
According to the experts it’s all about selecting the right materials and keeping it simple, all the while affirming the mantra that if you feel good on the inside, you’ll look good on the outside.
So as the temperature soars, what styles, colours and shapes will we see in shops and on the runway this summer?
According to Vogue, we can expect to see women everywhere wearing romantic white dresses (think’s Marilyn’s iconic white halter) high rise trousers and pretty pastels. However, we can also expect a nod to 90s redux with metallic tops and boyfriend jeans.
Essex based personal stylist, Katie Porter, has plenty of tips on how to look cool when it’s hot.
Katie, 49, of Woodham Mortimer, says shades of blue are going to be big for spring/summer 2024, with pale blue being particularly on trend.
'Peach is also prevalent as ‘Peach Fuzz’ was nominated as the colour of the year by Pantone. This is an uplifting and soothing colour which represents joy, warmth, and contentment. For those with warm undertones it exudes a healthy complexion,' said Katie.
'Florals will see a resurgence this summer as many designers have been using these patterns in their collections.'
When it comes to the age-old question of how to avoid melting as you venture outside for work, an outing or wedding, Katie has this advice: 'I’m frequently asked what to wear in the summer and on holiday to stay cool when the temperature is soaring and how to stay stylish,' she said.
'Firstly, try to focus on breathable, cool, cotton or linen clothing.
'Maxi dresses are a great choice for day or night as it’s a ‘one stop shop’ outfit without having to worry about matching separate items. These are currently trending, especially those with tiered detailing. They not only offer protection from the sunlight but also allow adequate airflow to help you stay cool and dry.
'Various camisole tops in a neutral palette will be your wardrobe hero which you can mix and match by dressing up with brightly coloured maxi skirts or dressing down with shorts but still denotes a glamorous edge for day or evening.'
Sometimes we forget about the ‘extras’ in summertime. But Katie says that’s a mistake.
'Accessories are fabulous and will elevate any outfit. A summer straw hat, basket bag, sunglasses, embellished sandals, flip flops, and jewellery to name but a few will certainly do the trick. Our main aim is to keep it simple, comfortable, elegant, and stylish.'
Katie worked in the media industry after leaving university and crafted a career working as a stylist for production companies. Now she has clients from across Essex and beyond with her business ‘Styled By Katie’. She says sometimes a ‘big event’ can be the catalyst for a wardrobe overhaul.
'The most satisfying part of my job is giving women and men the confidence to make them feel good about themselves. There are many reasons why people lose their way with their style and find themselves in a rut not knowing where to begin,' she said.
'Covid has been a big reason for people needing my help and wanting to get back ‘out there’. New mothers who want to feel stylish again, men and women wanting to find an inner confidence to change careers, women going through the menopause, the list is endless.
'If you feel good, you look good and then you are perceived in a completely different way, once on track there is nothing stopping you. It sounds dramatic, but it can be life changing. This used to be a service for the rich and famous, but it’s now become totally accessible and relatable to everyone, self-care and self-belief is imperative.'
And the one question that stylists are always asked. Which celeb would they love to dress?
'My celebrity fashion icon is Sarah Jessica Parker,' admits Katie. 'I love her individuality, from her eclectic mix of high-end designer pieces to vintage finds. This too reflects my style personality, I enjoy combining unique looks mixing high street, designer, and vintage. I recently saw SJP in her play The Plaza Suite in the West End and was thrilled to be there under the same roof.'
Fellow Essex fashion expert Emma Smith is a personal stylist with over 15 years’ experience. She offers style consultations in person and online as well as personal shopping and wardrobe edits. Emma is also a regular on BBC Radio.
She too stresses how it’s all about the material when the sun comes out.
'The best fabrics to wear when it is hot outside are the most natural fabrics so think Linen, 100% cotton and silk any synthetic fabric tends to make you sweat,' said Emma.
'When we are in the height of summer, trends are less important and staying cool takes priority, but you can still look good whilst staying cool and feeling comfortable. If you are attending a summer wedding, a floral dress is always a winner, there's no need for a jacket if it's a very hot day, a fascinator and a clutch bag will finish off the look, or if you are keener on trousers, try a linen jumpsuit.
'At work the same thing applies a floral dress in or a light fabric jumpsuit or a linen suit are all great options.
'For the weekends shorts are always a great option, but lots of as have a love or hate relationship with shorts, there are loads of styles of shorts that suit every body shape, you have the mid-rise boyfriend shorts in denim, which are great for athletic body shapes and rectangle body shapes, but if you are conscious of your tummy or hips you have high waisted flared shorts.
'In terms of trends, the boho trend is back so think lots of frills, ditsy florals with denim and suede waistcoats on top paired with strappy gladiator sandals.
'You will also say a lot of white dresses and suits and wide trousers on the high street. White is having a moment. Other colours that are in the stores are green in all forms, mustard and royal blue.'
Of course, the humble T-shirt is many people’s ‘go to’ garment in the summer, but Emma says, this season slogan tees will be bang on trend.
'The slogan T-shirt will be on our high street, don’t forget to check out charity or vintage shops too, as you could pick up one off at a bargain price. You can style a T-shirt under a slip dress or with a floral or leopard print mid length skirt or with cut off shorts and pair with Birkenstocks, a wedged espadrille or a clog.'
Again, those accessories can make or break a summer outfit, says Emma.
'Don't forget your hat if you are in the garden or going away for the summer, slogan caps or floppy style 70s hats are in for summer 2024. Also don't forget your sunnies and make sure they're sun safe and have UV protection. Above all, enjoy the summer!'
Twitter emmapersonalstylist
Web- emmasmith.co.uk
Web- styledbykatie.co.uk
