1 LET YOUR CARDIGAN STEAL THE LIMELIGHT
Dinah Van Tulleken shared her advice for embracing this season’s biggest trends. Pictured: Cardigan, £45, whistles.com
It used to be something you brought along in case it got chilly, but times have changed — this summer, your cardigan should be a talking point. From oversized and long to fitted and cropped, anything goes. Wear yours as a top, or buttoned up over high-waisted jeans or a skirt. If you want something new, Whistles has a cardigan for every occasion.
Cardigan, £45, whistles.com
2 SMARTEN UP YOUR SHORTS
Dinah recommends teaming shorts with a smart shirt. Pictured: Blazer, £36, cardigan, £29.50, and shorts, £23.60, all marksandspencer.com
That pair of shorts that you only wear on holiday? Now is the time to dig them out and team them with a smart shirt a la Saint Laurent. Designer shopping site Moda Operandi has already seen a 30 per cent spike in short sales. Oh, and they’re very Zoom meeting-friendly.
3 TRY A TRULY TIMELESS TRENCH
Dinah suggests wearing a trench coat open during warmer weather. Pictured: Trench coat, £49.50, marksandspencer.com
Fashion’s love affair with trench coats shows no sign of waning, so find yours and wear it open for warmer weather over anything and everything. It’s one piece that manages to be timeless and on trend. Look to the catwalks of JW Anderson, Fendi and Louis Vuitton for your styling tips.
Trench coat, £49.50, marksandspencer.com
4 UPDATE ANY OLD BAG
What you want this spring is a leather cross-body bag with a wide satchel strap, but you don’t need to blow the budget on a new one. Simply buy a removable bag strap and you can transform any existing design you own into this season’s must-have arm candy.
5 RE-HEEL YOUR FAVOURITE PAIR OF WINTER BOOTS
Before you pack away those western-style ankle or knee boots, think again. They were big news on the catwalks for Spring/Summer, just wear yours with floral dresses and tiered skirts, instead of with jeans.
6 CUT A MAXI INTO A MIDI
Dinah suggests taking 6in off the bottom of an old maxi frock to transform it into a midi. Pictured: Pink dress, £29.99, topshop.com
Yes, take 6in off the bottom of that old maxi frock to transform it into this season’s must-have style — which should fall somewhere below the knee and above the ankle. It’s easily done, simply pin in place, mark, cut (both layers at once) and hem! If that sounds like too much effort, you can turn to affordable High Street favourites Topshop and H&M, which have a multitude of styles to choose from.
Pink dress, £29.99, topshop.com
7 STEAL HIS SHIRT
It’s an easy-to-wear staple and oversized Oxford shirts are going to be everywhere next season. If you have access to a man’s wardrobe, steal one of his in a brilliant white, baby blue or stripe and wear it tucked into tailored trousers, shorts or loose over a summer dress. If you’re seeking inspiration on the catwalk, look no further than The Row, which layered its design over a lightweight roll-neck.
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8 TAKE THE SCISSORS TO YOUR DENIM
No, not cut-offs — ankle-grazing jeans are what you’re after this summer. Whether you prefer skinny, flared or wide, simply take your scissors to the bottom of an existing pair and leave a fashionable frayed edge above the ankle. If you’d rather invest in a new pair, Whistles has what you’re looking for.