This weekend Macy’s is knocking an additional 25% of the prices of clearance items. I know people find Macy’s overwhelming, but I take all my clients there because the prices are good and they have a better selection of dresses than any other department store in the United States. If someone needs a dress, it’s the first place we go.

Of course, you can just shop online to avoid the crowds.

This post is earlier than usual because sale fever is ahead of time this year (I attribute that to our tough economic climate). You know the drill, below is a list of must-have items that cuts across all body types, age groups and budgets. It’s a question of finding the right style at the right price, AND, wearing it an appropriate and flattering way that works for you. So no “but”s or “I can’t”s unless you’re vehemently opposed to the aesthetic of the trend. Here we go:

• White bottoms: As the most logical and cost effective Summer bridging piece, white jeans, pants, walk shorts, clamdiggers, skirts or frocks are a no-brainer. If bright optical white is not your thing, try a variation like off-white or cream.
• White items: Think white or cream for tops, jackets, cardigans, camisoles, accessories, footwear, spectacles, sunglasses and watches. It screams “Summer is here”.
• An assortment of cardigans: Tailored V-necks with elbow length sleeves are especially flattering, but unstructured cascading cardigans have their place too. They work well over sleeveless tops, add coverage when needed and are super comfy, versatile, relaxed and practical.
• Day dresses: If you stick to pants and shorts most of the time, challenge yourself to mix it up and wear frocks. It’s the best solution in hot weather.
• Walk shorts and clamdiggers: These are your “go to” Summer jeans or pants.
• Leggings: I’ve tried to encourage adoption of this look and it’s been well received on our forum. I hope you give it a bash.
• Denim jacket: Great in either white, faded or dark denim blue, it’s the perfectly timeless casual cover-up for dress and skirt ensembles.
• Gladiators, or thong sandals: If I can wear this item, anyone can. Gladiators are my edgy preference, but pretty thong sandals are just as fab.
• Metallic shoes: The ideal Summery neutral. Whether it’s wedges, ballet flats or sandals, a metallic ped is flop proof in warm weather.
• Banded tops: Time to give the defined waistline a break and go for something unexpected. The right banded top has worked on all my clients so far. Stretch yourselves if there isn’t one hanging in your closet.

This list is deliberately more daring than last year’s list because it’s good to keep our wardrobes evolving. I’ve left off non-neutral shoes, handbags and accessories, assuming that you already have these covered. Summer is here – let’s get those wardrobes in shape.

I love the look and feel of voluminous Summer cardigans. They are loose, cotton-rich, lightweight and extremely comfortable. They are a great little cover-up to have on hand in air-conditioned settings or when it gets chilly at night.

I was sold a few seasons ago when I purchased one in dove grey. It’s become the most used cardigan in my wardrobe because it adds the perfect level of interesting textural interest to an outfit.

Cascading cardigans look super over form fitting AND voluminous tops. They also look fab over structured sheath dresses. The key to wearing this silhouette is to keep your bottoms fitted and structured. Clamdiggers, walk shorts, pencil skirts, skinnies, straight-legs and boot cut pants or jeans work beautifully. But A-line skirts and wide-legged pants won’t work as well. Too much volume in one outfit just isn’t flattering. If you’re petite, keep the length a little shorter to elongate your look. If you’re tall, go as long as just above the knee.

This style of cardigan makes a nice change to the classic fitted cropped variety. It does wonders to camouflage extra bits that we carry around the midsection. It’s also the perfect item to grab on days when you don’t want to define your waistline (a look I’m gravitating towards more frequently just because it’s different). Don’t be afraid of volume – give the cascading cardigan a try if you see one in stores.

Some cascading cardigans are more structured than others. A style with slack waistline gathering (like the cobalt and fuchsia examples in the middle) are instantly flattering. Styles that are cut a little narrower but sans gathering on the waist (like the emerald and purple examples on the right) are also good. Completely unstructured styles (like the coral and periwinkle blue on the left) also have their place. Start experimenting and let forum member Laura inspire you with her killer cascading cardigan ensemble, complete with white jeans and gladiators.

The Lucky Brand Jeans affiliate team just let us know that they will be offering 20% off (online only) all day long on 28 May. There will also be free ground shipping for purchases of $125.

I have found that the fit of Lucky Jeans is particularly great for pear shapes and curvier bottoms. They also have a good selection of accessories. Not exactly my own fashion persona, but a nice bohemian casual look nonetheless.

And for those of you who were inspired to stock up on shorts after the vigorous debate last week, all women’s shorts are $49.50 (also May 28 only).

Accessories are still the fastest, cheapest and most effective way to accomplish a stylish and current appearance. Choose them wisely and your style quotient sky rockets. Leave them out and you’re not realizing your true stylish potential. I often spend time in accessory departments, discovering new ways to update my style and the styles of my clients. It’s always a fun and interesting process.

Some accessories are closer to my heart than others. So here are my top five accessory categories, a list that has been constant for the last ten years:

1. Handbags
2. Chunky pearl necklaces
3. Scarves
4. Spectacles
5. Watches

I also love belts, barrettes and brooches but there was only room for five on my list. I used to love cocktail rings, but lost interest after finding the perfect pearl ring that became the only ring I want to wear other than my wedding band. I do not wear earrings or sunglasses and hardly wear bracelets (I do admire them on others though). Hair accessories and hats are fun, but my short crop does not do the look justice.

Over to you. Rank your favourite accessories one through five. I’m very interested to see the range of your responses.

If my previous posts weren’t enough to convince you that leggings are fab, here are some more reasons to give them a chance:

• They give short frocks and skirts new life: Leggings rescue items that are a tad too short, making them wearable and current.
• They can go casual or smart: Leggings are generally casual and look superb with flats. But they look just as good with heels and a fancy frock or skirt, thereby adding an interesting and arty dimension to an outfit.
• They are an alternative to jeans and clamdiggers: Choose leggings as an alternative to the casual bottoms that you normally wear.
• They flatter all calf shapes: Surprisingly, leggings add shape to unshapely calves like mine. They also accentuate and streamline a curvier calf. It’s a win.
• They cross all boundaries: They are suitable for all body types when worn correctly. Plenty of ladies in their 40’s, 50’s and 60s are rocking this look with sophistication and sass.

If basic leggings weren’t your cup of tea, perhaps some of the new trends will get you on board. From extra-long, over the heel styling and stirrup detailing, to zipper trims, lace insets, button snaps and self-coloured textured designs. There’s loads of variety in stores at the moment so take your pick.

Be sure to look in both hosiery and clothing sections because you’ll find leggings in both store areas. You will find them in both cotton and nylon. I’m happy with either fabrication, as long as the leggings are thick and offer sufficient coverage.

Some examples of the new detailing. I have recently added a pair with zipper trims to my basic assortment and I’m excited to try the stirrup variety next.

Although we in the Northern hemisphere still have a good few months of hot weather in store for us, it won’t be long before the first Autumn collections hit stores. We’ll start getting glimpses of the new season mid July.

Here’s a preview of what you can expect to see:

• Rocker influenced designs: Biker and bomber jackets, zipper detailing, studs, fingerless gloves, lots and lots of leather and leatherette accessories and clothing. I love this trend, especially since the look and quality of faux leather improves each season. Faux leather is vegan, less expensive, easier to maintain, fairly weather resistant and lightweight. It’s a win.
• Shoulder-padded silhouettes: The 80’s inspirations continue with exaggerated shoulder lines. I am going to give this trend another go if the right piece tickles my fancy.
• Daytime shine: This look has been trending for years but I just don’t see it becoming mainstream. Other than patent shoes and bags, I perceive an overall resistance to wearing daytime sparkle. Subtle lurex threads that run through natural fibers are popular, but that’s about it.
• Bright Pink: The colour of the season.
• Golden hues: From sour citron to green chartreuse. Brilliant. These are amongst my favourite colours of all time and I’ll be stocking up.
• Voluminous banded tops: One of the few silhouettes that excited me this year and I’m happy to see that more is on the way. I’d love to see knitwear in banded top styling.
• Leg-o-mutton sleeves: As the name implies, this type of sleeve is very full and puffy at the crown, but gathers in and tapers at the forearm with a cuff. Could be fun.
• Peplum jackets: Nice.
• Ankle-length super skinny pants: They work when you’re very slim, long in the leg AND wear four inch heels.
• Leggings: A great look for us all.
• Monotone ensembles: This trend lends itself to colder weather because warm handle fabrics are rich in texture, which is key to making a monochromatic outfit look fab.
• Mini and knee-length skirts: Glad to see that flop-proof knee-length silhouettes will be a trendy option.
• Opaque legs: I’m not a fan of the look as I prefer to have fun with self-colour textured sheer hose with pumps and boots. I’d rather wear a pair of leggings, or black-black skinny jeans to get a similar effect.
• Blanket coats: Doesn’t sound so fab, but I’ll reserve judgment until I see a prototype.
• Cocoon coats: An 80’s inspired look that is voluminous and sack-like over the body, but with the volume reined back in with a welt at the hem. The look can be cute and I look forward to seeing the new season’s examples.
• Velvet: In the right item and quality, velvet and velveteen is lovely.
• Booties, booties and more booties: Fabulous.
• Bondage boots: Thigh-high boots worn over skinnies, leggings and tights.
• Massive necklaces: This competes with my cold weather scarf wearing obsession, so no massive necklaces for me.
• Fur stoles: I might like this trend if the look is retro and the fur is faux.

I’m always excited to see how the new season unfolds, but I particularly enjoy thinking about how I’m going to refresh, evolve and update my style for Autumn and Winter. Here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, these are my dominant seasons. Autumn and Winter clothing form the bulk of my wardrobe.

It’s a big sale weekend. Here are some great bargains from our affiliates:

• Macy’s: Memorial Day Sale, Free Shipping with $99 Purchase (until May 25)
• Nordstrom: 33% Off during the Half-Yearly Sale
• Boden: 15% Off Plus Free Shipping and Returns (until July 2)
• Saks Fifth Avenue: Free Shipping with code SHIPSPR9 (until May 27)
• Lucky Brand: Swimsuits 30% Off
• Piperlime: 30% Off Select Items, Free Shipping and Returns (until May 31)
• Esprit: 10% Off
• Armani Exchange: Additional 20% off Women’s Sale Items
• Bebe: Up to 30% Off Sale Merchandise

Note that many retailers now maintain a permanent range of clearance sale items in their online stores. Boden, for example, has items for up to 70% off in their clearance area.

I really like the look of short shorts on young gals with gorgeous gams. I’ve seen inseam lengths of three to seven inches work beautifully on teens and lasses in their twenties and thirties. The vibe is cool, alluring and totally adorable for both beach and urban settings.

I’ve also seen plenty of women in their forties, fifties and sixties sport short shorts when they’re at the poolside, BBQ’s, children’s parties and picnics, or in city centers, restaurants, parks and shopping malls. It’s possible for women over the age of 40 to have a killer pair of flawlessly toned legs and look hot in short shorts, but is it appropriate in non-recreational situations?

Short shorts make practical sporting sense on the beach, or when you’re hiking, boating, power walking, cycling, camping or playing tennis. But in any other context, I say stick to something longer. There is a difference between looking “young” and looking “youthful”. Make no mistake, these are society’s norms at play here, but I think you’re more likely to get the respect you deserve if you dress in a more ageless way.

Kendall Farr puts it well in her new book: “Style Evolution: How to Create Ageless Personal Style in Your 40s and Beyond” (emphasis mine):

“And while youthful infuses a look with an ageless and timeless charm, verve and a dose of nerve, young is where most middle-aged women run off the rails. And let’s be frank ladies, our culture assesses women – especially mid-life women – by a brutal set of standards every day. While “mutton-dressed-as- lamb” is commonly lobbed at the women faking it in a blouse dress from Forever 21, when was the last time you heard of a 50-ish man dressed in cargo shorts and a wallet chain from Abercrombie described as “beef-jerky –dressed-as- a calf”? Exactly”.

Do you think we’re too harsh or prudish in suggesting a little more leg coverage as one gets older?

Short shorts (like the two pictures on the left), are best left to those who have youth on their side. Opt for an inseam length that finishes around the knee if you’ve still got a great set of legs (like the two examples on the right). Up to three inches above the knee can also work. Shorts at this length look ageless, sophisticated and always appropriate.

I love vibrant, saturated colours, but neutrals hold an equally special place in my heart. They often freshen up or tone down an outfit, adding the crucial element that makes it all work together. Their versatility makes them a very hard working component of a wardrobe. Clothing can also look its best in a neutral colour, especially if you’re after an ageless and timeless sense of sophistication.

Over the years my preferences for specific neutrals has changed. In my teens, white was my favourite neutral. That changed to black in my twenties with white and cream coming in second. In my thirties my preferences changed again and this is how I rank my neutrals today:

1. White and cream
2. Black
3. Blue denim
4. Red
5. Silver grey

Red is a bright, but acts as a neutral in my book. Blue denim is a fabric, and a colour at that, but its ubiquity has made it a neutral in the modern wardrobe. Silver grey is a new neutral in my wardrobe and I’m enjoying its soft and pretty possibilities for Spring and Summer.

My wardrobe would not function without neutrally toned clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. They provide a strong foundation that works with every fashion trend and retail season. Simply brilliant. Your turn. How would you rank your favourite neutrals and have your preferences changed over the years?