Earthy shades are a tonal alternative to all the colour blocking spring/summer has to offer.
Lisa Ho top, $479; Gary Bigeni skirt, $770, belt, $190, and heels, $440; Karen Walker sunglasses, $295; Gucci handbag, $1770.. Photography by Gilles Toucas
It was worn wide-legged in floral prints in the 60s. Then, in the 80s the one-piece was updated with glamorous plunging necklines and cinched-in waists. In 2011, popular past features are retained with the flared legs and deep necklines making a comeback, but modern touches such as leather edging, natural fabrics in linen or silk and a palette of nudes or bright jewelled colours take preference over psychedelic prints.
Zimmermann jumpsuit, $650; Prada sunglasses, $400; Louis Vuitton bag, $37. Photography by Gilles Toucas
Carving out another new shape for spring/summer is the cutaway necklines. It’s no longer a choice between strapless, one shoulder or spaghetti, the new symmetry, in an inverted V shape, is feminine and sculpted showing off more shoulder. Simple button-up styles are perfect for day, while jewel-encrusted versions make a stunning statement at night.
Alex Perry dress, $799; Anton Heunis necklace, $885.. Photography by Gilles Toucas
With the return of ladylike glamour and old world styling, skirt lengths have slowly made their way down. So how low can they go? Last season they went from mini to knee-length pencil skirts, but this summer they keep dropping with three-quarter-length, just below the knee, the acceptable staying place.
Josh Goot dress, $1245; Hermès green and pink cuffs, $955; Miu Miu heels, $1120.. Photography by Gilles Toucas
Who didn’t put a split in skirts this summer? Riding thigh-high, designers here, there and everywhere showed just where to feel the breeze. Celebrity sightings showed Miranda Kerr supporting splits at the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards, while Kate Beckinsale showed off some leg in Cannes.
Yeojin Bae blouse, $450, and skirt, $850; Louis Vuitton sunglasses, $640;
World belt, $179; Christian Louboutin heels, $1750.. Photography by Gilles Toucas
Flashing the flesh this summer isn’t about revealing all. Cover up, but make it see-through. Maxi skirts and long-sleeved blouses in black, white and neutral tones give sheer a sophisticated edge. Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior featured feminine and floaty sheer frocks for spring/summer with the trend making its way Down Under, appearing at Lover, Bianca Spender and Michael Lo Sordo. Just remember, your knickers can’t be so brief – opt for your full ones instead.
Michael Lo Sordo top, $17. Photography by Gilles Toucas
The new silhouette features cut-outs, cropped tops, asymmetric lines, full volume in skirts and dresses as well as exaggerated shoulders. Versace led the way, showcasing an array of dresses with cut-outs as did Kym Ellery whose futuristic fabrics and architectural contouring perfectly showcased this new form.
Ellery top, $690, belt piece, $552, and pants, $790; Gucci necklace, $2390, and bracelet, $1590; Louis Vuitton bag, $3700; Ellery heels, $880. Photography by Gilles Toucas
Bye-bye black; white is the wardrobe essential this spring/summer. Worn in all manner of styles, the must-have colour appeared on most of the international designers’ runways as well as on home ground. Pure white creates a polished look and can adorn everything from your basics to a ball gown. Don it day or night with black, metallic or natural accessories.
Bianca Spender dress, $599; Ellery heels, $880.. Photography by Gilles Toucas
Man, oh man, the androgynous trend is sticking around post-winter (when designers like Chanel let the girls wear the pants). Summer sees a more subtle version of the trend, with shirts buttoning all the way up, but in sexy, sheer, light fabrics in an array of colours.
Karla Spetic blouse, $284, and skirt, $436.. Photography by Gilles Toucas
