It’s hard to find tops that are breezy, yet covered because the fashion industry assumes that we all want to wear skimpy sleeveless tops when temperatures soar. Although sleeveless tops are airy and excellent in hot weather, we also have the right to not bare our arms. Staying cool with arm coverage requires lightweight items breathable sleeves, some of which are best layered with a camisole or tank top. 

Cotton-rich pointelle knitwear in fine gauge yarns, like the examples here, can be a good way to go. Some styles are tailored while others are unstructured. The holes that are created by the knitting stitch are ventilating, providing zero warmth and insulation. And the larger the holes, the cooler the top. 

I remember having a white, boxy three quarter-sleeved pointelle sweater many years ago that I wore with white jeans. It had huge holes and felt like I was wearing nothing more than the tank top. 

Trouser suits in bright, mid-tone and pastel colours were big in the ’80s and early to mid ’90s. You can spot them at goodwill and thrift stores quite easily, complete with crazy shoulder pads, oversized buttons and huge lapels. 

I wore a mid tone apple green trouser suit in 1993 which evoked both positive and negative comments when worn to work (I was a fashion buyer at the time). Even Greg, who was not my husband yet, said that I looked like a lime milkshake in this suit. Greg loves lime milkshakes so I took it as a compliment. I adored that suit and was sad when we parted ways. 

Non-neutral trouser suits in all sorts of colours, from brights to pastels, have been trickling through to retail stores over the last six months. This trend is very fringe at the moment, and might just stay that way. 

Of course, you can purchase the suit and wear it as separates if you don’t like the idea of sporting the same colour and fabrication both on the top and bottom. Somehow though, I really like the idea of wearing the combination as a suit. There is something about this trend that looks fresh, fab and fun to my eye, probably because most suits have been neutrally toned forever. My wardrobe would definitely welcome a modern non-neutral trouser suit in a mid tone or bright if the right one came my way.

Would you wear a non-neutral trouser suit? If so, which colour would you choose? Or do you think they are awful no matter how you slice and dice it. Are non-neutral trouser suits office-appropriate, or are neutrals the only way to go? 

You are on Team Socks if you prefer to wear footwear with socks and/or hosiery. You are on Team No Socks if you prefer to wear footwear without socks. Note: if you “cheat” and wear invisible footies, “no show socks” or sock liners, you’re on Team No Socks. 

I like wearing ballet flats, loafers, low heeled pumps and flat oxfords without socks. I also wear a few pairs of booties sans socks. I never wear footies because they seem to slip off my feet no matter what. I do not like wearing sandals at all. They eventually start rubbing, my feet get cold in air conditioning, and wearing sandals with socks, although more comfortable, is not suited to my style persona.  

I LOVE wearing socks with closed shoes like boots and booties because my feet are instantly more happy with the extra coverage. No rubbing, instant warmth, protection from the elements, and cozy comfort. I even prefer to wear my house slippers with socks. I also like to wear hosiery, although I don’t find it as comfortable was wearing socks with footwear.

So although I do wear footwear sans socks some of the time, I’m more often in socks and I prefer their cozy comfort. I am on Team Socks.

Over to you. Are you on Team Socks or on Team No Socks. Tell us why and no batting for both teams.

Peplums seem to waft in and out of fashion every few decades. The last time they were big was in the ’80s, which is when I wore one most recently. I felt ever so grown up in a floor length red peplum gown that I’d worn to a high school dance with low black heels, big hair and copper jewelry. Peplums are back both for Spring and Autumn 2012, and at this stage it’s anyone’s guess as to how fringe or mainstream the trend will be. 

A peplum is a skirted flounce that is attached to the waistline of a dress, shirt, top or jacket. You’ll even find peplums on trousers. Peplums come in all shapes and sizes, some of which are ruffled and frilly, while others look more sculpted and architectural. Some peplums are subtle, while others make a huge statement. 

The right peplum silhouette balances out proportions quite effectively. It can add bulk to the bottom half of an inverted triangle. OR, surprisingly it can camouflage the broader lower half of a pear shaped body type. 

I like peplums on dresses, jackets and tops as long as they look more streamlined and less “frilly and full”. The long sleeved orange dress is a good example of the type of peplum that tickles my fancy. I like them less on skirts, but do not dislike the look either. I am a cautious yay vote for peplums. 

What’s your verdict?  Would you wear an item with peplum detailing?