Hottest summer fashion trends

Your top-ten guide to the must-have looks for summer 2017 and the celebrities who love them

The summer months are upon us and once again we open our wardrobes and realise we don’t have a stitch to wear. Or worse – it’s just so last season. But fear not, here’s your guide to the hottest looks of 2017 along with ideas on how to wear them and who to watch. Counting down…

10 – Sliders.

Thanks to Rihanna, last season’s big shoe trend was fur sliders. For the uninitiated, sliders are a flat sandal with a large strap across the foot. Update your look for the summer by going for a sophisticated look with embellishments like pearls or fringe. Tip: Mules and espadrilles are also hot right now.

9 – Mix ‘n Match

OK, this might sound like a bit of a cop out. You just take anything out of your wardrobe and throw it together, right? Not so fast. Take a look at powerhouse designers like Dolce and Gabbana and Gucci for inspiration. Find a statement piece and accessorise to the max around it. Try layering different textures or patterns, but if you get stuck a strict colour palette will help. Fan of old jeans? Great, pair them with your fanciest stilettos and a statement shirt.

8 – Bralettes

Kendall Jenner is a fan of this look, it’s essentially the lovechild of the bra and crop top, with delicate thin straps but generally slightly more coverage than a bra. The great thing is there’s so much choice in terms of fabric and pattern that you can make it work with almost any outfit. You could go for a single, block colour but with an interesting fabric like a crocheted look, or a feminine, floral pattern. If you’re confident to rock the bralette alone, without a jacket or layering then go ahead for a fun, casual look. But for a more discreet or slightly more casual feel, layer it under a sheer top or kaftan or have it peeking out from beneath a blouse or jacket.

7 – Cowboy boots

Yes, the old favourites are back. Cowboy boots always look great with a floaty, feminine dress but they work with almost anything. Singer Miranda Lambert rocks the look in dresses, jeans and hot pants and Lady Gaga isn’t averse to donning a pair either.

6 – The 80’s

Fashion comes full circle and gives you a chance to watch all of your favourite 80’s movies as inspiration. Ruffles are back this season with a bang, along with nipped-waists, huge belts and big shoulders. For a daytime look try a softer colour and pattern, perhaps a ruffled shirt-dress with a statement belt. In the evening bring in the bold colours and go crazy with high-shine fabrics. Check out geometric prints, flouncy blouses and stiletto boots. Go big or go home.

5 – Brights

The brighter the better, this look is about layering eye-popping blocks of colour. Either go for one shade to really turn heads or contrast two against each other. A dress and tights or conflicting shirt and trousers. Pink is the shade to be seen in right now. If people need to wear sunglasses to look at you, you’re doing something right.

4 – Statement stripes

Think big, bold patterns and lots of them. The jury’s still out on whether horizontal or vertical stripes make you look slimmer, but actually, it doesn’t matter! With this trend you can mix the two looks quite happily. Try thick striped pieces against pinstripes. Mulberry showcased their latest looks contrasting striped trousers with striped boots for a powerful statement look.

3 – Florals

Did the boho look ever leave? Bold floral looks are in, as well as layering more than one pattern with multiple pieces. The great thing about this look is you can find almost any piece to suit the occasion or your body type with a floral twist to it. Floral dress? Of course, but what about a floral power suit? Check out what accessories you can get your hands on to really make this look stand out from the crowd.

2 – Gingham

Daisy Lowe is a huge fan of gingham, it’s not just for tablecloths! The word gingham may conjure up images of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz but the possibilities are incredible. Gingham just got sexy. We’re thinking cropped shirts, wiggle dresses, cropped trousers and split skirts.

1 – Polka dots

One of the celebrities flying the flag for polka dots is Holly Willoughby, who was recently snapped in a fabulous navy dress by L.K. Bennett. It’s a fab, flirty print that oozes old-school femininity and works with almost anything. You could go for a fantastic 50’s retro look with a classic A-line dress or skirt teamed with polka dot accessories (handbag, shoes, cardigan). Or why not bring the look up to date to suit your own style, with a polka dot hipster shirt or mini dress? Happy shopping!