As the days draw longer, with forecasts of bright blue skies and recurrent warm spells, your thick winter jumpers will no doubt be stowed away to allow for some lighter clothing choices to take prime spot in your wardrobe. Yes, it’s that time of year again when you unearth last year’s summer clothes, only to find that what you thought were perfectly fashion-forward garments actually wouldn’t even take pride of place in a run-down charity shop window. You start to question your sanity, staring at a luminous yellow Armani bandeau top with a repulsed expression. Did I really buy THIS? Bewildered, you let out a long sigh as recollections of past shopping experiences taunt your mind. And it’s then that you recall making the purchase three years ago, when the words of the sales assistant sealed the deal. But now you’re pretty adamant that this extortionate, flimsy piece of gaudy, neon material is definitely not a “re-wearable vibrant item of timeless fashion”!
So here’s a run-down of 5 must-have items for SS14 to save you from despair. These key seasonal essentials will have you on your way to achieving a revamped capsule summer wardrobe without breaking the bank.
1. Coordinates
Favoured among pop starlets like Rita Ora, Rihanna and Katy Perry, a two-piece printed or patterned set of coordinates are a go-to key trend for 2014. High Street big hitters like Topshop and River Island are selling them in abundance. Here’s a paisley-patterned set from Motel’s new collection that’s a nod towards festival boho chic. The off-shoulder crop top will show off your soon-to-be-sun-kissed shoulders, complimented with a pair of high-waisted, thigh-high shorts that do wonders for elongating legs. Retailing at £49 online, it’s a respectable price. Accessorise with gold jewellery and a pair of Chelsea boots to complete the casual, festival-inspired look.
2. Floral Tops
A must for spring and summer wear, the perfect statement floral blouse will rejuvenate even the dullest of wardrobes. A popular piece on the SS14 catwalks and championed by It-Girls Alexa Chung and Suki Waterhouse, there have been many duplicates populating the High Street. H&M, Zara and Topshop have been reinforcing the trend, but here’s one from online fashion retailer ASOS for a bargainous £22.50. Wear with matching lipstick to compliment the colours.
3. Sporty Sandals
Fashionable and practical; sandals are a popular summer footwear purchase. This year it’s the return of the sports-styled sling-backs, with notable varieties from Nicholas Kirkwood, Karl Lagerfeld and Dries Van Noten. For £30, this stylish leather pair from H&M is a perfect addition without the weighty designer price tag! To continue the sports trend, wear with an oversized jersey à la Miley Cyrus.
4. A Pastel Palette
Sugary shades of playful pastel are the colours of the season! SS14 shows from Christopher Kane, Burberry Prorsum and Carven were in pastel paradise, with models exhibiting head-to-toe pastel creations. Celebrities are also sporting the trend, with the powdered palette being favoured by the likes of Miranda Kerr, Emma Stone and even the Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate Middleton! Snap up some affordable replicas from River Island, where these powdered pink biker jeans may take your fancy at £30.
5. The Duffle Backpack
And lastly, this duffle backpack design is a sensible option to carry those heavy text books. Strong, lightweight, and with a vibrant colour, it could also double up as a beach bag! It’s from Topshop for a price of £32, who sells other variations of the kind.
Feeling inspired? Go ahead, treat yourself to a few purchases and have yourself a stylish summer!
By Laura Keene
Image sources:
http://www.motelrocks.com/products/Motel-Dana-Crop-and-Mizzy-Shorts-Pack-in-Blue-Paisley.html