Glorious summer, we await you in a riot of colours. This really is the season to pay attention to your own colouring and boost your wardrobe with either strong or subtle pastel shades.
A major trend is tribal wear, inspired by deepest Africa or by countries such as Morocco and Tunisia. Prints are perfect camouflage for those days when you feel bloated or lumpy; they confuse the eye, and they are fun for holidays. Find a print that doesn’t overpower you, so you are wearing it, rather than it wearing you. The bigger you are the larger print you can take. If you are small, opt for smaller prints but don’t be tempted by itsy, bitsy patterns which could look too timid. Accessorise with gladiator sandals or clogs, and take a look at your make-up. You may need more colour if you are wearing a strong print. Lipsticks don’t necessarily have to be an exact match; a mango or tangerine coloured gloss on the mouth is very sophisticated.
If tribal patterns don’t suit your mood, there is a lot of white, washed grey or soft green denim around. I suggest you team these with either sheer or ribbed tee shirts, which are great for layering. Among my current favourites are the American Vintage, Acne, Raquel Allegra and Splendid ranges which you will find in those treasure troves of great fashion, Harvey Nicholls, Harrods, Liberty’s, Selfridges and Fenwicks.
For a pulled together look, consider this ensemble I devised when I was in Belstaff’s. There was a stone coloured New Skylark , a belted jacked in light mercerized cotton(approximately £395.00) and perfect to wear over a ribbed tee shirt or tank top, with a white, slim Horse Pants trouser (approximately £195.00), and soft leather New Agnes ankle boots in a camel shade (approximately £350.00). This is what I would consider very classic look.
Recently, a professional in his late 30s approached me seeking a smart but casual look. He was small and slim, with medium brown hair and blue eyes. I therefore put him in a pair of grey Nudie jeans, and a small Liberty print shirt, adding a tie with little bumblebees. Over it, we put a Marc Jacobs fine navy striped cropped blazer (at £385.00) and finished with a pair of Tod’s suede penny-loafer style moccasins in taupe brown. He was delighted with his fresh new look. As an alternative, I also directed him to a plaid shirt, which is ideal if you have a bit of a tummy. You can also opt for chinos if you are tired of wearing denim. Slim cut, the colours to look for are white or washed grey. By the way, Canali, the Italian menswear group, is opening a flagship store in Bond Street soon.
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