SUMMER LOVING

This season is awash with inspiration.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

MAEVARII TEACUP SHIRT, $259, GEORGEEDWARD.CO.NZ

ELEVATE YOUR OFF DUTY

If you’ve been thinking a white skirt could be key to your summer wardrobe, then you could be right. Forget concerns about spills and stains, pick a robust, easily washable fabric and you’ll be fine. For a ‘I’ve just stepped off my private yacht’ vibe, nothing beats head-to-toe light shades, while a coastal colour palette (blues, whites, navy) will tie in nicely to the nautical trend. A Breton stripe is always a key look in summer and can be easily incorporated into day-to-day wear. Another staple would be a trusty summer shirt. There’s always plenty of applause for a simple pale coloured cotton or linen shirt — and a well-cut white shirt is worth a thousand cheap imitations. However, don’t pass over a print, if you feel too much colour or pattern close to your face doesn’t work for you, then unbutton further. As luck would have it, the unbuttoned shirt is actually a micro trend of its own, with either a peep of f lesh, a flash of bra or camisole underneath.

COTTON MIDI DRESS, $268, SOPHIESTORE.CO.NZ

PERSONAL PREFERENCE

Pink has become a mainstay — pick your shade or flit between; with the more modern interpretation of this as a power palette the girly connotation has finally lifted. Summer is definitely the season to rock accessories, and finding a hat that suits you, and your needs is crucial. Handbags are being personalised with everything from silk scarves to charms. Often treated as pieces of wearable art, a statement bag really can reflect the personality of its owner, whether through colour, shape or points of difference such as fringing, studs, buckles, tassels or woven leather.

MUSE SKIRT, $309, NZ.KOWTOWCLOTHING.COM

TRENDING NOW

Most wanted this season.

BOYFRIEND SHIRT, $379, BIAS CUT PANTS, $469, SILKLAUNDRY.COM.AU

LOCK IN YOUR LOOK

Breathe a sigh of relief — when it comes to high fashion aficionados have called 2025 ‘a summer without trends’. What this means is, unlike other recent years where everyone has gone crazy for ‘Barbiecore’ (bubblegum pink) or mob wife (bling), there’s no defining trend, and with that, greater fashion flexibility. So, while lots of styles are swirling around, there’s no pressure to buy into a narrowed down specific. Of course there are still predominant looks, one of which would be polka dots, which has come forward as the must-have pattern of the season — big spots, little spots and everything in-between. Translating well to silky fabrics, a polka dot on a slinky slip skirt, paired with a black top and black kitten heels is considered a retro-style classic.

FRILL LAYER DRESS, $269, STORMONLINE.COM

PRETTY BUT PRACTICAL

In a fashion twist, straight from the catwalks to the high street for this season are two pieces that most people would consider basics. None other than the good old tank top, and the no-nonsense (but ultimately elevated) flip flop. The message is loud and clear — it’s quality over bells and whistles. If you prefer a shaped silhouette with definition to the waist, then consider a statement belt. Stealth creeping into the hot looks, belts are only set to get bigger with a revival of the early 2000s’ love of designer brand logo belts. If your budget or conscience won’t stretch to designer, then there’s a great selection of hardware to be found locally. This year you’d need to have been in fashion hinterland — or not laid eyes on a teenager — to notice that ultra-high hemlines are everywhere. So micro they may bring blushes to the cheeks. While this is not a trend that pairs well with varicose veins, a short skirt is certainly not off limits for the more mature. Aesthetically there’s a wonderfully maximalist feel to lots of the looks that we’ll see over summer, like swathes of fabric, reams of tulle, draping, romantic ruffles and blouses with puff shoulders. Bigger feels fun, and that’s what summer is all about.

SMOCKED MINI SKIRT, $229.99, SCOTCH-SODA.CO.NZ

EVENT PLANNING

Match your outfit to your mood board.

Summer is the ultimate event season, from top-tier dress code themes, such as a wedding or the races, to the usual round of barbecues and family gatherings.

Pairing an outfit to an occasion can be tricky and many will be beset with angst, weighing up the desire to break out the finery with the fear of turning up either overdressed or underdressed.

And this isn’t just a female thing. Most women will be familiar with the last minute yell of ‘Am I ok in shorts?’ or ‘Do I need to wear a shirt? What? You really want me to put on a tie?!’

So, how do you gauge your outfit to hit the bullseye? First and foremost, no matter what the occasion, be guided by your own personal style and level of comfort. Secondly, and most importantly, be confident. An outing is an opportunity to have fun with your wardrobe; there’s sure to be something shoved to the back that you’ve been dying to showcase. This is the season to flex your sartorial muscles among friends.

A-LIST EVENT

Obviously if there’s a dress code then you need to adhere to it. A wedding guest will aim to stick to the usual rules; no head-to toe white/cream/champagne shades and keep cut-outs and cleavage spills to a minimum.

A similar train of thought would apply to a hosted event at the races, with rule of thumb dictating a dress or pants worn below the knee in length and a general level of modesty. While there are a few ‘no’s’, there are lots of ‘yes’s’! Tailored dresses, feather trims, pencil skirts, fit-n-flare styles, jumpsuits — the options are endless.

Men can break out the jackets, linen suits; even ties — or alternatively bring style and savvy with a feature shirt. Banish the sneakers and put the best foot forward by trying dress shoes, boat shoes or open weave loafers.

WORK NIGHT OUT

Now this is your chance to shine, but with parameters. Usually in a workplace there is an unspoken sense of house rules when it comes to staff presentation. The end of-year shebang offers a chance to inject more personality into your outfit.

With that said you are still mixing with colleagues, so while it’s great to get creative, it’s recommended to do this with decorum. No one wants to face their boss on Monday morning knowing she saw your side-boob on Friday night. But you can crack out the sparkles, semi-sheers, slinky dresses, the heels. Keep elegant as your keyword and dress up as much as you want. Even if everyone else turns up in jandals, you can set the precedent for next year.

FAMILY GARDEN PARTY

Whether your preference is bohemian, country cottagecore or minimalist, wide leg pants and a flowing top or a maxi dress will be surefire winners. There’s a relaxed nature to a maxi that translates to any occasion — it tends to be the fabric of the dress and accessories that will be an indication of how dressy the finished look will be. If you opt for a satin then the feel will be smarter, a linen, cotton or crepe give off effortless chic. Prints are another guide to your style inspiration — vintage f lorals say nostalgia, delicate blooms tend to be understated, and a polka dot screams right on trend. A hat is a must; for versatility choose a natural weave, a black boater will elevate or lean into boho with a felt fedora style.

FASHION FORWARD

Keep one eye on what’s to come this autumn.

Louis Vuitton

GO WITH THE FLOW

Lingerie looks continue to be strong to the point where I’ve eyed up my silk nightie and wondered if anyone would really know the difference. The slinky satin slips, lace trim and general boudoir feel may feel flimsy, but are easy to layer up for cooler weather.

Burberry

GIDDY UP

Equestrian influences seem to have cantered onto the catwalks. Polished riding boots, jodhpurs, country-chic checks and knitwear will please lovers of the great outdoors.

Chloe