What’s hot this summer? Style tips to turn heads in the heat

What makes people stylish? What turns heads? Well, elegance comes from the inside. Style doesn’t lie; it’s a personal expression of our deep desire and taste.

A recurring question I’m often asked as a stylist is how feasible is it to have style without wearing brand names.

I always respond that style does not need brand names, it is instead comprised of three main ingredients: A honest look in the mirror, a basic knowledge of what works with what and a cheat sheet – courtesy of fashion bloggers!

Clothes allow us to reinvent ourselves. Every season, fashion brings an opportunity to re-invent one’s self. So, this summer, go crazy and buy a piece that will last only one season.

Here are some insights on this summer’s trends:

Jeans will always be essential to our wardrobe. Straight, skinny or flared are perennial choices but be aware of your body type when choosing your cut.

Don’t forget the denim jacket, it’s a practical trans-seasonal piece. Also check out shirts, dresses, jumpsuits and shorts in denim. While you’re at it, get rid of old pairs of jeans you’ve not worn in the last couple of years.

Prints are big and can add a spark to any dull wardrobe, but they are a challenge.
If you don’t think you can master the art of mixing and matching prints, stick to horizontal or vertical stripes or fresh floral prints.

For the overly cautious, let your accessories sing, with prints on bags or shoes.

For the “rock-star” fashionista, try a printed neck tie, a smart leather jacket and flashy ankle boots. Simply combine them with shorts, an A-line skirt or a shift dress, they’ll shake up your look.

A neat dress which falls around the knee in classic colors is an office must have. These casual dresses, like shift dresses, can effortlessly transition to after-work chic by adding the below:

A colorful belt, a statement brooch or necklace, or a pair of colorful stilettos. My favorite summer piece: a light printed summer coat.

Lace and traditional English embroidery, worn with gladiators or wedges, can update your style.

Suede is being reinvented this season. Buy a coat, shorts, a fringed jacket, dress or skirt to recreate the 1970s .

Khaki or military pieces combined with feminine details make for a stylish look, not war! A parka worn over a silk, strappy dress, is a prime example. Or you can try wide cropped pants, for the fearless, with heels and cropped top.

In a rush and need some quick tips? Fear not…

• Don’t wear mass market versions of copy/paste catwalk looks, it looks like you are trying too hard.

• Avoid cheap fabrics like elasthane, cotton mixed with nylon…They don’t fall properly and they don’t age well.

• Refresh the basic items in your closet every six months or so. It makes a difference.

• Always expect to alter store bought items for the perfect fit.

• Do not buy items in the wrong size.

Here’s to a fashion forward summer!