Rather than scrolling through the pages of a million fashion websites or flicking through a pile of expensive magazines to try to determine this summer’s hottest trends, Amy Parsons-King asked an expert, Kathryn Kilgour, one of the womenswear buyers at H&J Smith, what she forsees as being sizzling hot in the wardrobe department this season.
Q What are some of the trends you're seeing this summer?
A • Dresses with short jackets and crop cardigans
• Mixed medium knitwear with knitted fronts and soft fabric backs
• Spots on dresses, T-shirts, cardigans jackets and pants. Rose gold and silver spots are particularly trendy
• Crop tops to wear with wider leg pants and culottes
• Navy is the new black
• More subdued prints in softer colours like blue, pink and khaki
• Denim/chiffon mix blouses
• Linen dresses, tops and pants in strong and natural colours
I have also purchased a jumper with a gathered chiffon back. I couldn't decide which colour to choose so bought the pink and the grey. They're 100% cotton knit and very easy to wear with no need to layer.
Q Are there any trends that aren't so suitable for older women?
A I feel every garment is ageless. No-one is too young or too old to wear current fashion. It's all about you feeling good.
Q If there was only one must-have item all women should have in their wardrobe this summer, what would it be?
A My must-haves for summer are a dress that you can use as a base to dress up or dress down, a linen or denim jacket, a cropped or roll-up jean, something navy and a metallic spot top.
Q What footwear do you foresee as being strong?
A Flat brogue shoes are trendy. There are lots of variations like toe-less, lace-up or sling-back.
Q In your opinion what is the must-have accessory this summer?
A My must-have accessories for summer are a good trendy pair of sunglasses and a compact shoulder metallic bag that doesn't drag you down. Also, rose gold earrings and necklace.
Q The racing season is upon us. What style dresses and accessories do you think will be particularly popular?
A Racing dresses are all about being seen. We will see metallic fabrics, feminine lace, bright reds and yellows, geometric back and white, nautical navy and white, spots and floaty, feminine pastel prints.
Every beautiful dress needs a fascinator, which are easier to wear than a hat. Top off the look with a small over-the-shoulder hand-bag or clutch purse.
Q What's your overall take on what summer fashion will be like for 2016-17?
A Overall this summer is about colour - from brights to pastels, soft prints and fabrics. It's is going to be a very feminine summer.
