Summer Essentials

You may have only just started pulling on the winter warmers, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a bit of retail therapy and stay one step ahead of the fashion crowd by stocking up on next year’s summer essentials now. Read on to discover the hot catwalk trends that will be hitting the high street in 2013, and how to wear them.

Roaring Twenties
The glamorous 1920s look infiltrated the high street this summer, and next year with the release of the highly anticipated Baz Luhrmann film adaptation, Great Gatsby style is set to be even bigger. Make like our heroine Daisy and opt for a dress with a dropped waist and plenty of fringe detail, or pick out some chic accessories like a straw cloche style hat – next summer’s essential headwear.

Wraparound
Wraparound dresses are incredibly flattering for any body type, and this summer will see floral wraparounds take centre stage. If you prefer to give a gentle nod to the trend, look out for ballet cardigans – the ideal accessory to keep you warm on cool, summer evenings.

New Roman
From the 2013 spring/summer catwalks, it looks like gladiator sandals are here to stay for another year. Alexandra Wang and Gucci’s collections both featured platform gladiator sandals with thin straps, whilst Joseph Altuzarra showcased some edgy over the knee styles. To style your gladiator sandals, find linen trousers that will keep you cool in the summer heat.

Tie dye
Believe it or not, tie dye has made its way back into the fashion stakes once again! To make this look work for you, choose a single tie dye piece and team it with block colours and simple accessories. This look works well with tribal inspired jewellery – see our next tip.

Accessorize
Tribal inspired jewellery will be bigger than ever next summer. You can make a statement with an oversized bib necklace, ideal for glamming up any LBD, or for a daytime look add long strings of wooden beads and stack up your bangles.

Beach body
Panel dresses are a great way to contour the body and create the illusion of a slimmer frame, and this clever trick has now graduated into swimwear. Choose a costume with black side panels and good tummy and chest support to give the impression of fabulous curves.