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.