Out of Africa
Perfect for high summer is the ‘Out of Africa’
trend. Bold print with a high contrast graphic feel, African
inspired textile designs and bright colours are what this trend
is all about. If you are not sure how to work with colour download
a free e-book on your body shape for my guide on how to choose
the right colour for you.
|
I’m always saying
how it’s possible to use as little or as much of the trend
as you like. This styling idea from H&M takes the
cropped jean which most of us have in one form or another and
uses layers of vest, silk camisole and finally a belted knitted
wrap to create a totally individual look.
See how the strappy platform sandals and
chunky jewellery giving it a fashion forward edge. But it’s
as simple as that!
|
|
|
Meanwhile there are
plenty of conventional looks too Dorothy Perkins shown
here, are utilising graphic prints and African inspired textile
designs. It can be as simple as taking a summer dress with a
stark print like this one and adding your choice of bangles.
Both these pictures remind me of the 80 s styles and fashion
around, when I started my days as a fashion editor of a magazine.
So for anyone out there who owns an original Sue Clowes textile
design – now's the time to get it out and display your
own personal vintage.
See how the cropped Khaki trouser (bet you’ve
got something like that in your wardrobe left over from the
last few seasons) is revitalised with an African print top.
Buy these African prints and really get the wear out of them
in the next few months in the knowledge that you are bang on
trend!
|
Take a pair of shorts
like these ones from Topshop (choose longer length
or baggy shorts which are a much more forgiving shape than short
shorts)! And add a simple graphic print t-shirt and some colourful
beads. If you read these images as styling ideas you can begin
to build up a confident idea of what you will shop for when
next looking to add to your wardrobe.
Flat sandals are a perfect accompaniment,
but to give this look into a more catwalk feel, add wedge sandals
or round toe t-bar shoes.
|
|
|
You’ll have already
read that tie-dye is a key trend this summer, so anything
with a tie-dye feature will put you on the fashion map. This
is a styling suggestion from
, which may be too much for most of you reading, this but let’s
break it down into something that may suit you.
Jeans cropped or otherwise, shorts, or even denim
skirt styles will be given and instant lift when worn
with this top (try pulling styles like this off the shoulder
to reveal a colourful vest top underneath).
I’ll be giving the leggings a miss
but they can give a plain graphic print dress, like the one
shown earlier, a much edgier finish if that’s your bag.
– You choose how to wear them to suit your style.
|
Out of Africa
So let’s have a look at the key items for
your wardrobe this season as flagged up by our catwalk reporter
Melissa Dick. A selection of these items will help you to recreate
the catwalk looks perfectly. One or two, when mixed with your
favourite jeans will help you to update your existing wardrobe
and don’t forget our Spring Jewellery Looks
for key buys that will do the same!
Batik or tie-dyed skirt
Sleeveless military shirt
Cropped trousers
African print tops
African wooden bead necklace
3-4 chunky bangles worn together
Straw wedge heel espadrilles
Gladiator Sandals
Remember to download an e-book on your individual
bodyshape showing how this season’s trends can work for
you.
Standard
• Fuller
• Tall
• Petite
|
|
