GUEST EDIT: The Hottest Trends This Summer with Vanessa

Blue Maxi with White Jacket

"The colours of Santorini" is always what comes to mind when I see the classic summer combo of blue and white. Thankfully the Katies Summer range features these colours in ample measure, so I was spoilt for choice in putting this look together. I loved this maxi dress for it's flattering cut, its comfortability, and it's ability to be dressed up or down. Adding the tailored crisp white denim jacket really pulled the look together. I'm also a fan of the asymmetric hemline. Not only is this on-trend, it lightens the feel of the dress and allows you to show off a little more of your summer glow (I still need to master that part!)

Shop the Strip Wrap Dress   |   Shop the White Denim Jacket

Denim Skirt with Spotted T-Shirt

When the pencil skirt came back into fashion this season, I could not have been happier. For somebody who lives in denim, it is always great to find options that allow you to wear your favourite go-to's in new (and need I say, sexy!) ways.  For a slightly retro look, I teamed this denim skirt with a micro polka dotted t-shirt, and red accessories. The bright red heels and belt dress up the look and give the whole thing a little "POP". Red lipstick was also a must. I would wear this look to meetings or casual work events, this is a very versatile outfit that I feel ladylike and comfortable in.

Shop the Denim Skirt 

Monochrome

These black linen pants are giving my relationship with denim a run for it's money. I have LIVED in these pants since I got them! The relaxed casual fit is so flattering and right on-trend. I love the tapered leg (not too wide), and the drawstring waist provides a "sports luxe" vibe that is modern yet super-comfortable. Whilst these pants look great with any number of tops from the Katies collection, I decided to stay "monochrome" with this outfit, simply teaming the bottoms with a basic white singlet (tucked in is a MUST) and minimalistic leather slides. Whilst this simple outfit is made for running around in, it also feels quite sophisticated. You can't beat black and white.

Shop the Ruched Soft Pants   |   Shop the White Singlet

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Summer Trend Report

As the Spring/Summer 2015 international fashion calendar draws to a close, the time is nigh to cast our eye over the looks of the season, and to see what trends we can apply in the real-world! Whilst there is always an element of the wierd and wonderful on the runways, there were plenty of wearable themes to go around when you know where to look. And the best part? With summer on our doorstep, there’s no waiting until 2015 to hop on board – we can jump on these trends today.

1. Bright whites & paint box colours

Colour for Summer and beyond is exciting, with bright blue, green, orange and yellow making a splash on the runways. Bright whites were worn with slices of colour (such as beautiful bright blue) or teamed with other whites for a quintessential summery “white-on-white” look. The graphic combo of black and white is still a huge theme for the season, and it’s one of my favourites. This modern combination can be worn in so many ways - from weekends to workday (and it’s basically impossible to get it wrong!)

2. Wide Trousers and Cropped Pants

Not all of us want to bear their legs when the temperature rises, so thankfully, relaxed fit, wide-legged trousers and cropped pants were all over the runways.  This style was seen in plain and printed fabrics, and was generally cut wide from the hip (note to self: not bell-bottoms!) Teamed with minimalistic slides or sandals, or a heel for evening, wide trousers and cropped pants are an easy trend to hop onto this Summer.  These pieces make great trans-seasonal staples for when things cool off (an added bonus!)

3. Printed Fabrics

A perennial fashion favourite, stripes were rolled out across many runways at the recent shows. From traditional blue and white, through to multi-coloured, black and white or zig-zagged, anything goes with stripes and they are best teamed with denim or whites this season. Bold florals and geometric/abstract prints were another huge hit, and are easy to incorporate via skirts and maxi dresses.

4. Denim Jackets

If you don’t yet own a denim jacket now is the time to get one! With the 90’s look coming back into fashion, denim jackets are a great way to incorporate the era and maintain practicality. This season denim jackets are cropped or to the hip, (nothing oversized!) and can be worn over dresses, prints and basics. Roll up your sleeves for a look that is stylish, casual and comfortable.

5. Midi Skirts
A midi skirt is a full (or semi-full) skirt that falls between the knee and the ankle! Midi skirts were well-represented at the international collections, showing up in prints and block colours, with several featuring asymmetrical hemlines as well. A feminine and lady-like look that works for casual wear (add sandals or slides and tuck in a basic t-shirt) or for dress-ups (add heels or pumps and a clutch.)

6. Asymmetrical Hemlines

A major theme for Summer, asymmetric cuts were seen at every turn on the SS15 runways. Uneven hemlines, one-shouldered garments, unexpected layers and spliced fabrics, define this look. The easiest way to wear asymmetrical garments is via maxi dresses, flowing tops paired with slim-leg pants, and maxi skirts paired with basic tops. The key is to balance the hemline with something plain, double asymmetry is a hard one to pull off, and best left to the runways!

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