There has been an amazing assortment of colours to choose from this season, and I’m not complaining. You can count on retail to supply us with neutrals, but non-neutrals are the luck of the draw. Sometimes you like the colours on offer, and sometimes you don’t. That’s why having a diverse range is best. There’s something for everyone.
The items here have been winners on my clients. I’m rooting for the colourful options, but you’ll find neutrals too. Pay careful attention to sizing because it’s inconsistent. Read the rave reviews online.
1. Dansko Maci Mule Sandal
These are extremely comfortable and work well for wider, higher volume feet. They can work for lower volume feet if you size down. The raspberry was surprisingly versatile in an outfit creation session with a client. The shoes are casual but polished, supportive and well made.
2. Boden Tie Waist Shirt Dress
A stunningly elegant casual dress that makes you look pulled together on a hot Summer’s day. It’s a very well made, quality item that drapes with heft and chic. It works well on a hourglass and pear-shaped body type with a larger bust, but the silhouette works equally well on a straighter figure with a smaller bust and a narrower lower half — the cut is that good. The frock can work without the tie, and is available in longer lengths. My 5ft 8 size US10 client bought it in a long in green. I gasped after she tried it on. She looked stunning and elegant. It’s breezy, covered and comfortable too. If I wasn’t sorted with Summer dresses, the red would be mine. Looks fabulous with flats, sandals, slides and mules. Not for petites.
3. Loft Pastel Denim Jacket
The best non-neutral denim jacket of the season. Extremely good fit, great fabric, and very comfortable. Tailored and flattering. Available in petites, plus and tall. Size down a size because it runs big. Not as polished, but available in blue denim if that’s your preference.
4. Loft Pointelle Blouson Sleeve Sweater
Exuberant sleeves can be very annoying when they’re long, but the cuff on this style gives it ample structure and stays put. I bought it in citron and I LOVE it. The fabric is gorgeously slubbly and drapey. It’s ever so pretty and looks quite elegant. A fab warm-weather pullover that makes me feel a lot more pulled together than wearing a T-shirt. The welt is wide and doesn’t taper back to the body so I don’t think it looks polished unless you give it a semi-tuck. I wear it with a cami, but it’s sufficiently opaque to wear without one. Must size down a size.
5. WHBM High-Low Dresses
Forum member Janet modelled the first floral dress for us, and took my breath away. It’s sublime on her curvy body type with larger bust, shorter waist, and long legs. It fits like a dream, moves beautifully in motion, has plenty of length, is sufficiently breezy, covered and tailored in all the right places, comfortable, and machine washable. Elegant and pulled together on a hot day. Looks fabulous with flats, sandals, slides and mules. The second solid dress is very romantic and drapes like a dream (comes in black and white polka dots). Size down a size in both dresses.
6. 1901 Crew Neck Sweater
A very simple yet refined and delicate fine gauge pullover that works on a range of body types. Feels gorgeous against the skin, and is dressier than a T-shirt. Great to layer under jackets or wear on its own with a scarf or statement necklace. It’s long so not good on short torsos or petites. The yellow earned a place in my wardrobe and works well with my lemon jeans.
7. Sanctuary Tiered Linen Tees
A popular Summery style of top because it’s cool, covered, comfortable, and better than a basic tee. Works well on a larger bust and/or shorter neck. The fluid fit is forgiving on the midsection. The V-neck is not too low. The darker colours are not see-through. The lighter colours might need a camisole. The sleeve ties are not as fussy as they look.
8. Loft Plus Tops
Three cheers for the Loft for extending their size curves this season. They have an excellent assortment of tops across sizes US16 to US26 that are well worth a look. A good variety of silhouettes, fabrics and colours. Affordable prices, especially on discount day. The quality has greatly improved too.
