Summer is here. And this means one thing- wardrobe makeover. And yes that means shopping! But before you hit the malls for the latest spring summer collections, make sure that you have the basic essentials of the season. Here are my top 10 must haves for spring summer 2011:
The Classic White Shirt
Although the white shirt is the basic staple for any season, anywhere in the world and for all ages, the charm, utility and chic-ness of a white shirt is unbeatable in summers. You can dress it up for a classy look. Or you can dress it down for a casual and easy look. There is nothing more practical and more versatile than this piece of clothing. White shirts come in different styles with different kinds of detailing, so you don’t have to settle for a simple office wear white shirt. However if a simple office wear white shirt is what you have, you can go crazy with different ways of styling it.
Linen Pants and Shorts
White linen pants for women stand the test of time as much as a LBD. Linen is known for its breathability and comfort. And white is the colour of summers. White linen pants and shorts not only look super smart but also make you look summery and fresh. So if you need to go out for shopping or lunch on an unbearably hot day (yes happens to all of us) this is your best bet. You can also go for linen tunics, dresses and kurtis for a relaxed and easy look.
Floral Prints
Good news for the bohemian and the romantic in you. Floral prints are back in a big way this season. Alexander Berardi, Nanette Lepore, Chanel, D&G and Loewe have shown us how to rock this trend this season. From big bold flowers to tiny little ones, you have a wide variety to choose from.
Blake Lively, Taylor Swift and Eva Mendes in floral dresses.
Strap Wedges
These are super comfortable, even if you have to spend days in them. These are universally flattering to women of all heights and structures. These come in various heel lengths. They are the most versatile types of heels. They are the summer shoes for all spring summer collections. Do you need more reasons to wear them? Pick up flirty embellished versions for day look or simple subtle types for work or candy coloured ones to pep up your LBDs.
Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Carvela- Kera Wedges
Nudes
No, nude doesn’t mean boring. And no, nude doesn’t mean only nude pumps. If worn correctly nudes can be sexy and elegant or casual and feminine. Although picking up nude pieces can be a little tricky, (you need to know what nude would look nice with your skin complexion and hair colour) they are almost always very very versatile. Fleshy shades of nude pinks, palest tans and peach are my favourite shades for nude. From flowy dresses to cute tops, from simple trousers to bold lingerie inspired separates, from lace to sheer, nudes look especially chic in summers.
Penelope Cruz in nude dress, Mango nude skirt, Jennifer Aniston’s Prada nude bag.
Brights
Yes bright coloured clothes are always cool for summers. But this year it is more of pastel brights and not neons. These fruity, happy and peppy colours are bound to make you stand out in a crowd. Bold pieces with neutrals such as white, black and beige are fine, but if you are at it, you might as well chuck safety and go in for bold combinations of bright colours.
Lea Michele, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Rachel Bilson, Camilla Belle in bright colours.
Maxi Dresses
Four words- maximum comfort and extreme femininity. A maxi dress is an epitome of effortless sophistication and elegance. You cannot look more summery than this. Put on a maxi dress and you will feel as glamorous as a super model. Breezy, colourful, floral maxi dresses have made a big comeback this season.
Flared pants
The comeback of the seventies silhouettes is undeniable. Among other things, seventies flared pants have made a huge return. This spells nothing but good news for Indian women as they are known to be pear shaped. How flared you want your pants to be depends on where will you be wearing them. For work you can opt for slightly paired pants and team them with nice strappy wedges. Experimental women can go more ‘flared’ for a casual look.
Sunglasses
With a range of stylish choices for a pair of sunglasses from all kinds of brands, don’t let the summer sun bother your eyes. They dont just protect your eyes and the sensitive skin under the eyes, but they also take your look to another level. Choose from a wide range of sunglasses that suit the shape of your face and your budget. This is an absolute must have for summers.
Denims
Last but not the least, its the most essential fabric in any closet and we cant get enough of it! Elie Tahari, Derek Lam, Just Cavalli, Moschino, Dries Van Noten, D&G, Stella McCartney, Rebecca Taylor show us that denims doesn’t mean only jeans. The humble pair of jeans, however, is the most preferred way of wearing denims. Denims reinvents itself season after season to bring you myriad of colours and styles. Denim skirts, jackets or the head-to-toe denim looks are eternal.
