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Season-after-season, we head to the shops for all the latest trends and more often than not, end up purchasing items that we wear once and never again.

Feeling overwhelmed by the endless options in the shops and magazines?

Read on for the woman's Summer Must-Have's; what are the top colours to go for this Summer and Summer Caution-what trends to steer away from altogether.

"Everything in your closet should have an expiration date on it the way milk and bread and magazines and newspapers do"    Andy Warhol

Summer Must Have's
•White on white-freshen up this Summer with white and cream separates for a sleek style. For a size 14 or over avoid the head to toe white look-it can make you look one size bigger.
•Bold Colour Blocking-solid clashing colours from head to toe are the rage this season. It’s modern & fun but not for everyone. For work-so as not to shock the office staff, anchor two bold colours with a neutral eg. mix a bright top and bright coloured accessory with tan trousers. Colours that work together are pink & purple; orange & cobalt blue; yellow & green.
•Summer Romance-soft tailoring, nude colours, lace, ruffles and sheer fabrics brings back femininity this Summer. Lace and sheer go hand in hand with this one. For work-blouses with lace detail teamed up with a constructed jacket. Wear a camisole under a sheer blouse. Make sure fabrics drape your body and are not too body hugging.
•Super Stripes-big, bold colourful or black and white stripes are a hit this season. For work-keep stripes to a minimum. Ensure you place the horizontal stripes over the narrowest part of your body-not the widest. A vertical stripe is great for creating a slim effect. Remember, the wider the stripe-the wider you will look.
•The shift dress is an ongoing fashion essential. Very few of us suit the shapeless “sack dress” rather select a fitted-to the knee option.
•A white shirt - this is a key item in your wardobe, which needs to be replaced at least one a year. Choose a silky or ruffled option this season.
•Palazzo (wide legged) pants - worn best with a fitted top, belt and high platform wedges.
•Wedges - a comfortable and fashionable alternative to a stiletto heel. Make sure these are not made from a cork or basket weave material-unless its Casual Friday.

These are the 3 main palettes this season:
•Bright Bolds - citrus orange, cobalt blue, shocking pink, neon green, vivid purple. Generally best suited to darker skins.
•Candyfloss Pastels - lavender, blush pink, peach, banana, mint and aqua.
•The Nudes - sandy beige, café latté, cream, taupe, stone and khaki.

Remember, it's not about what you wear - it's how you wear it. Make sure it's appropriate for the situation, accentuates your assets and makes you feel confident.

Summer Caution
•Extreme Colour Blocking-using 3 bright solid contrast colours from head to toe.
•2 toned heels eg pink and purple-very limiting to what you can wear with it.
•Basket weave or cork wedges-fine if for a casual event or day.
•Full pleated skirt-unless you are really tall, slim and young.
•Prints from head to toe.
•Chino shorts-too casual for the workspace.
•Linen-creases too easily, giving you an untidy appearance. Looking like an unmade bed is not a cool look on anyone.

“We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 
Haydee Antezana of Profesional Impressions  email: info@profimpressions.co.za      www.profimpressions.co.za