Pick a trendy theme to match your personality and style this summer
Aren’t you loving summer and long days with entertaining, activities and endless fun? Even if it is back to school and work, it’s still too early to say goodbye to barbeques in the backyard, picnics in the park and light ‘n’ airy summer outfits to dress up for these occasions.
I did something exciting this summer holiday, and that is where inspiration struck me to write about outdoor fashion ideas. I went camping! I had reservations about this adventure, but spending the night at Cockatoo Island with a fancy 360 degree illuminated city view was a bit too hard to refuse. And the result was some fabulous outdoor fashion ideas with a hint of chic and sophistication.
Some fashion themes work really well with outdoor fun, so pick any that blends with your activity, personality or simply be adventurous…
Bohemian
Whether you are a gypsy at heart or not, this trend is about embracing ethnic prints and flowing forms. Printed pants are kind of a part of this theme. These are the soft flowing cotton ones or the harem pants style with Aztec prints or even Indian block prints and ikat. Pair them with a solid-coloured top and a long neck-piece with a tassel pendant for a fun look. If you are a lover of dresses, team up a maxi dress in cool colours with flat bling sandals and a messenger bag. While prints are principally the heart of this look, you can even wear plain bright coloured dresses with a bandhani print or banjara mirror-work bag and lots of layered bracelets too!
Androgyny
Now whatever is this? Is it really a trend? Believe me it is, not necessarily one I advocate, but I like to step out of my comfort zone from time to time and challenge a completely feminine style! Yes, the androgyny trend is kind of a ‘dressing like a male’ one. It’s not quite as revolting as one would tend to picture it, because my idea is to balance a sharp look delicately with one or two soft accessories. For example, pair a tee and boyfriend jeans with ultra-feminine heels or pointy toe flats. The shape of the pieces can be masculine, but the colour can be genuinely feminine like a petal pink shirt over military green pants with an oversized tote bag and brogues. Would you dare to try that?
Chic safari
This is perfectly synonymous with crisp white linen and khaki, isn’t it? Wear a linen dress with a forest green vest and leopard print belt, or a white tank top with khaki pants and animal print ballet flats. Try and choose cool, breezy fabrics and shapes that skim your body, rather than a body-hugging fit, for a relaxed look. Adding that fun animal print accessory will always make this look quite appropriate. So let your imagination run wild (pun intended)!
Timeless chic
For me, nothing is more timeless than stripes. Contrary to some beliefs that horizontal stripes make you look bigger, I find them really chic. It all depends on the colour and pattern of the stripes. I can assure you that there is no limit to styling stripes into a sophisticated outfit. Stripes with red accessories makes me think of a European holiday, for some reason! I have made the most of my boxy shaped striped tee and black and white striped dress this season. Pair stripes with black and white, brights and even neons, and you will never be disappointed with these hard-working pieces from your wardrobe!
Cheery brights
What is summer without some brilliant bright pieces to flaunt? I personally love to combine cheery bright tops with my crisp white jeans and they just work perfectly, especially when a contrasting accessory is thrown into the mix. Like a lemon yellow top, white jeans and a fuchsia bead necklace, or a tangerine shift dress with a mint bauble necklace. The key lies in balancing the dose of colour. I would neither have too much ‘matchy’ nor ‘clashy’. An injection of neon can be good too, go for an accessory if you are too worried about picking clothing in these colours.
I hope you enjoy these summer nights and days to the fullest by being inspired to try out one or more of these themes, adding more fun to your outdoor attire!
