Believe it or not, summer is almost upon us – and boy are we ready for it.
In a year hasn’t been shy of a few, um, twists and turns, you could say we’re ready for a little refresh.
Oh, and when we say refresh, we mean in our wardrobes.
Of course, it would be fair to claim that the certified train wreck of 2020 has left us feeling a little confused about our clothes.
Given we’ve spent the better part of the year in trackies, pjs and various forms of loungewear as we parked up in our homes to work and play, it’s natural that the year’s trends are a little off-piste by comparison.
But with restrictions looking to ease in the coming weeks and months, and as we stare down a summer that might have a slightly higher chance of social interactions, we thought it pertinent to suss out exactly what we should be wearing for the season ahead.
And to do that, who better to ask than the stylist behind leading Australasian online shopping platform The Iconic?
Nicole Adolphe chats to Now To Love about the five key styles you definitely should consider part of your regular street style rotation this summer.
The smock dress
“This season the smock dress nudges its way into pole position for Spring/ Summer style, nailing the zero-effort fashion brief we’ve all been calling for, during the COVID-19 lockdown,” Nicole tells us.
“The all-purpose style solution for Spring/Summer looks, the smock dress has you covered for all social events. Pair with ankle boots for spring and switch-up with a chunky sandal when temperatures inch north of 30 degrees.”
Nicole adds that a bucket hat for the beach or a cross body bag for a BBQ with friends is the perfect accessory to set it off.
Check out our favourite Smock Dress style below:
TOPSHOP’s poplin smock mini dress is a huge summer vibe in our humble opinions. $59,95 buy it online via The Iconic here.
(The Iconic)
Accessorize’s mini smock beach dress is also perfect for those lazy seaside days leading into a dusk BBQ. $80, buy it online via ASOS here.
(ASOS)Summer ribs and knits
Yes, it might be summer, but that doesn’t mean your favourite knits should park up at the back of your wardrobe.
“One of the biggest trends this season are summer ribbed knits, driven by customers searching for comfort with a fashion edge,” Nicole explains.
“Go-to options include a stretchy/sleek rib or knit dress, or a stretchy crop top set with either a skirt or shorts combo in a gelato pastel or neutral palette. Throw in a sculptural heel for a luxe look or a stacked sneaker for a cool chill vibe.”
Check out our favourite summer knit styles below:
IDS’s sage knit dress is light on the skin and easy on the eyes. $79.95, buy it online via The Iconic here.
(The Iconic)
Glassons’ collared knit dress featuring flattering rib detailing is also a staple you’ll be wearing non-stop. $49.99, buy it online here.
(Glassons)Cut-out styles
Nicole reckons keyholes and cutaways are the way to go for the warmer months.
“Either on the waist, back or shoulder are everywhere this Summer. This trend celebrates every body shape. Showcase your best features this season with a cheeky cutaway and a hint of skin in the areas you feel most confident,” she says.
“High on our list is the Midi-dress style with a graphic waist-cutaway. Bold, flattering and polished, all you need to add is the shoe of the season – the kitten heel – for a fierce finish.”
Check out our favourite cut out styles below:
Dazie’s linen blend cut out mini dress is sixties-esque with a modern edge. $89.99. Buy it online via The Iconic here.
(The Iconic)
Nasty Gal’s maxi with a peek of skin at the back is a perfect day to night option. $26, buy it online here.
(Nasty Gal)Pastels and soft florals
Florals aren’t only groundbreaking for spring – they’ve got summer written all over them too.
“I’m loving the gelato summer-colour palette that’s so tasty you could eat it. Fairy-floss pink, pastel blue, mint, yellow and peach. Go all-in for a matching set for drinks with friends or mix it up with crisp-white separates for an elevated work look,” Nicole says.
“With neutral looks like this, chunky coloured sandals or lifestyle sneakers are the only things you should be putting on your feet.”
Go pastel and floral in this dreamy Forever New sundress. $125.99 (on sale), buy it online here.
(Forever New)
Aere’s soft lilac peplum top is a winner. $53.40 (on sale), buy it online here.
(The Iconic)Natural fabrics in organic cotton and linen
“Nothing feels better against the skin than natural fibres like linen and organic cotton,” Nicole says – and we can’t help but agree.
Given the shift in customers seeking sustainably made fashion, these kinds of fabrics, provided they’re breathable, are perfect for hot Summer days.
“And they’re highly versatile meaning you don’t have to sacrifice on style,” Nicole says, before adding that The Iconic’s Considered Edit for Summer 2021 is a great place to start.
Check out our favourite natural and sustainable style below:
ATMOS&HERE’s linen shirts are easy on the eyes, and the earth. $79.99, buy it online via The Iconic here.
(The Iconic)
The Iconic’s considered range has a bunch of sustainably friendly options – like this Callie halter neck summer dress. $77.97 (on sale), buy it online here.
(The Iconic)
