The Sunday 10: Summer must haves 2012/13

I wanted to write this one sooner but I also wanted to suss out what was on trend at the grand opening of Myer Townsville this week! I went to the VIP night Wednesday and braved Stockland again yesterday to catch a glimpse of Jennifer Hawkins - oh and to double check my notes! I am so over the moon to see Peter Alexander, Veronika Maine, Collette, and of course Myer finally in Townsville! Maybe now we finally can shake our status as the town where fashion goes to die!

Brace yourself, summer is coming! There are SO many trends happening this summer, and so I thought I would post the absolute must haves. Not all of them are for everyone though, so make sure you pick and chose what is right for you!

10) Pastels. I want to start out by saying pastels are not for everyone, and most people will not suit all pastel colours. I have seen these in lovely floaty chiffon tops and other light ethereal fabrics. Ice-cream colours like lavender, mint, powder blue, and baby pink are all over the place, everywhere from Myer to Cue, and Rockmans to Ice. 

9) Capris. Once again, this style is not for everyone - particularly the short of stature or leg. But for our average height ladies or those with legs up to their arm pits, these tight fitting, leg slimming beauties are for you! The great thing is that capris are suitable for all ages in the right cut, so get out there and try them on. Pair them with espadrills and a nautical striped blouse for a seaside look, or pumps, a sheer collar shirt, and statement necklace for something with a bit more edge.  

8) Tribal Prints. Tribal prints seem to be making a come back in all sorts of colours and styles. Don't get this confused with animal print! Find a fab tribal maxi and you'll be bang on trend. The great thing about tribal prints is they are often flattering on all shapes and sizes, so get in touch with your wild side! There are also some funky bold feather accessories out there to really add more texture and pop to tribal looks. 

7) Sleeveless collared shirts. These are everywhere! Be careful, if you have an ample bust stay away unless you are willing to add a waist belt. If you are also particularly short in the kneck or broad shouldered, this style may also swamp you in fabric and make you look broader/shorter than necessary. Small breasted girls have at this one and don't be afraid to button right up to the top and add a heavy, bold statement necklace tucked in under the collar like a sexy, blinging, tie.

6) Sheer. Sheer is hot, hot, hot this summer. Many people freak out at the thought of sheer but it really is very easy and a lot less scandalous than you might think! I picked up a sheer asymmetrical hem skirt from The Iconic, it has a shorter black lining skirt underneath with the main structure and flow of the skirt in black chiffon over the top. The aforementioned pastels and collar shirts are also coming out in these flowy sheer fabrics, so try teaming it with a tank underneath if you're not ready to go the fully Miley Cyrus and just go for the bra and sheer top. 

5) Maxi skirts and dresses. A summer favourite for decades. If you can find an awesome sheer fabric maxi you will be smokin'. The 'mullet' hemline is also still around for us shorties who have to take a foot off the hem of every maxi we buy. Don't be afraid to twist a mullet skirt around a little to create an asymmetrical hemline and create a whole new look in the process.

4) The Clash. Colour clashing is big again this season. Smashing your pinks, oranges, and blues all together might sound horrendous but if you do it right then it gives a fresh twist to old favourites. If you're just starting out, or are not sure where to start, I find clashing with the small things like accessories is a great way to test the waters.

3) Bold colours. It's all about the pop of colour! Oranges, pinks, lime green, it is a rainbow of colour in the fashion world this summer! Not everyone might be comfortable with stepping out in head to toe tangerine, but you can get your pop with a bold lip. While the smokey eye can be hard for us less adept in makeup application, bold lips are all about colouring in the lines with a quality lipstick and liner. Particularly hot are bold out there colours, bright red, orange, and hot pink. With all these colours is it important to make sure you find the right shade for your skin tone. 

2) Lace. Lace is a wonderful way to add a touch of femininity and charm to any outfit - of course it can also add a pinch of sex and seduction too, and that is what is so hot about it! Lace detailing is very prominent this summer, from lace shorts, to lace collars, and it is perfect to go from day to night, or from work to play.

1) Neon. I love it and I hate it, but above all I have to have it this summer! The stores are awash with neon! It is very hard to do right, and also takes a lot of confidence to pull off. While there are lots of neon dresses emerging, if you are new to neon I strongly urge you to start small with accessories - nails, shoes, earrings, and bags - and work your way up from there. My favourite thing at the moment is my China Glaze Shocking Pink nail polish, it's just the right amount of neon for me, though I would DIE for a pair of neon Louboutin's! 

There you have it, the trends to watch out for this summer! What I really love about this year's trends is that they really are all about colour and that means that being trendy won't cost you the earth. You can find great coloured shorts and tees cheap as chips from Target, Kmart and Big W, and Equip, Diva, and  Famous Footwear all have us girls on a budget covered. Also, don't be afraid to hit your local habby and customise basic pieces. Add a little lace detail to your favourite shirt or shorts from seasons past and breathe new life into your existing wardrobe.

xx