Stylish Dressing For Late Summer

Numerous Knits

Knits in all shapes and sizes are appearing on the high street for the coming seasons, so buy your cover-up now and you will have a head start on your wardrobe for the autumn. Make sure you choose your knit carefully though, consider the scale and style as well as the pattern and, of course, the colour. If you are not sure where to begin a Colour Analysis or Style Consultation will show you.

Cosy Cardigans

The classic cardigan is a great wardrobe staple and available in varying styles with short, long or three-quarter length sleeves, v-neck, round neck or crew neck. If you often find standard sleeves are too long for your arms, dont worry, you have options! Fashion is becoming even more feminine and you will see this in details such as frilled edges or bows or full or puff sleeves. Full sleeves are great for triangle shapes who want to make their shoulders appear broader and the frill detail can work well on rectangle body shapes who need to emphasise the bust line (to make the waist appear more defined).

The oversize cardigan is coming back in a range of lengths and styles. These are always popular because they look elegant and can double up as a coat. They work well for rounder figures as soft wools complement bigger curves by draping nicely down the bodyline, rather than the constructed fabrics which look stiff and unflattering on these body shapes. Petites should stick to plain colours and avoid large patterns as they will swamp you. The belted option should be avoided by rounded and rectangle figures - if you dont have a defined waist, you will gain pounds by adding a belt!

Pretty Pashminas

As an alternative to all the above, the pashmina is still a favourite. It can be a daytime cosy wrap or a perfect evening accessory. The cape is also a lovely option for both day and evening wear and looks feminine and stylish. They are particularly useful if you are wearing an outfit with puff sleeves as you will not crease them by squeezing them into a jacket!

Parka Perfection

The nylon parka is still a great outerwear investment as it is practical yet stylish.

The metallic trend continues and a parka in a metal shade will carry you through from daytime to evening and still looks smart. Cropped and swing jackets with varying sleeve lengths are perfect for late summer, just be sure to choose one that suits your body shape. Triangles shapes should avoid swing jackets, (the A-line will emphasise the triangle shape) and opt for straighter cuts with padded shoulders or a puffed sleeve. Rounder figures should choose a jacket in a softer, deconstructed fabric and boyish figures with no defined curves should opt for a crisper material with some detail around the bust, such as pockets, to give the illusion of a waist.

Make sure you get the best cover-ups to suit your body shape by having a Style Consultation from an Image Consultant near you.
Chris Scarles is a director at colourmebeautiful.co.uk