Frocks are fabulous. They are the quintessential girly garment and make a statement on their own. But the statement needn’t be a dressy one. A dress can look as casual as a walk shorts and knit top ensemble. It’s all in the style, fabric and cut of the dress, and the items you pair it with.

I generally have a hard time getting clients to wear day dresses. Most of them feel the look is fussy, too dressed up, inappropriate, impractical and uncomfortable. Granted, you’ll get better coverage in a pair of pants if you spend your day rock climbing or playing on the floor with your children. But other than that, day dresses are a great casual alternative. They are perfect for a laid back brunch, a walk in the park, a stroll on the beach, relaxed social gatherings, informal site seeing and vacation pursuits, or any other day-to-day casual activity.

Here’s how to achieve the casual day dress look:

1. Select a comfortable A-line, knee-length silhouette that allows movement. Pass on styles that are tight and restrictive.
2. Opt for cotton rich fabrics and poly blends in knits and wovens. Stay away from shiny, luxurious fabrics and styles that give you a “naked feeling” (insufficient coverage).
3. Pair the dress with casual flats, espadrilles, casual wedges, thong sandals or gladiators. Stay away from dressy flats and heels unless you’re after a smart casual or business casual look.
4. Add a denim jacket, a string of casual beads or casual earrings.
5. A straw tote does wonders dressing down a day dress. Add this to the equation and you’re ready to picnic at Hyde Park.

Day dresses keep you cool and are perfect for hot weather. They are an easy option because it’s only one item of clothing to think about.

If you wear day dresses, help me to encourage others! Share your reasons for wearing them. If you’re still against the day dress look, share those feelings too. I hope to change your mind by the end of this season.

Cheeky, cropped cardigans are everywhere and were extremely popular on the streets of Paris. They make my must-have list this season as an indispensable, versatile, feminine layering piece. I get cold easily and having a few different styles and colours that I can pop over virtually anything has been a good investment.

But I’m onto something new (new for me – the look has been fringe fashion for a year now): the ‘80’s-inspired tubular tunic cardigan. In the ‘80’s we used to call them “grandpas” and shoved in shoulder pads for an extra boxy look (sad, but true). They’re called “boyfriend cardigans” this time around, sans les shoulder pads, and a little more fitted for shape.

I originally noticed the look in Barcelona and Paris, but it was a question of finding the right piece. Once I had, I was sold. I love the casual appeal of this garment. I wear my black version over a citron camisole with a (narrow or wide) waist–cinching belt and white or blue jeans. Keep the length of the cardigan a little shorter if you’re petite. It’s best to find a style that’s fairly fitted on the torso area and straight, rather than tapered in silhouette.

If you like a sleek profile, this look is definitely worth a bash.

I recently had a similar tubular tunic cardigan on a beautiful, ultra-stylish client who is in her late 60’s. The cardigan was black, with three-quarter sleeves and patch pockets. We completed the look with a broad safari-inspired belt, white jeans, black shoes and black patent handbag. She looked and felt perfect.

Wear your colourful Summer pieces while you can because we’re heading for a very grey and black Autumn collection. A neutral palette rules.

We’re going to see:

• Sculptured silhouettes and sleek profiles
• Loads of black lace
• Fiery crimson, orange and eggplant amidst the fog of grey
• Rich hippie styles
• Biker jackets, ruffles and skinny pants
• Tailored peplum jackets
• Bowed blouses
• Checkered tweeds and Winter florals
• Animal accents and feathered accessories
• Over-the-knee boots, calf-high boots, booties and spiked, soaring heel heights
• Waist-cinching skinny belts and statement scarves
• Necklace upon necklace upon necklace

You can count on patent and hopefully the demise of wide-legged pants. If I’m not mistaken the “it” shoe for Autumn is the black platform pump. Your thoughts?

Spring and Summer collections are drawing to a close and it’s your last chance to inject a bit of “now” into your wardrobe. We’ve spent six months sharing Spring 2008 trends and here is my must-have list that cuts across body types, age groups and budgets:

• White bottoms: Choose jeans, pants, clamdiggers, walk shorts, a skirt or dress in white. The fresh addition of a white bottom packs plenty of punch to a Summer ensemble. It’s an instant contemporary edge.
• A white accessory: Think white handbags, belts, shoes, chunky beads and watches. If optical white is not your thing, opt for off-white or cream instead.
• Colourful shoes: Get yourself out of the neutral shoe rut and incorporate a cheerful ped in yellow, green, turquoise, purple, orange, pink or blue. If the thought of a bright shoe scares you, go for red, metallic or animal print instead. It’s not quite the same, but I’ll settle for these alternatives.
• A colouful handbag: Get yourself out of the neutral handbag rut. I’ll accept red, metallic or animal print too (faux zebra, giraffe or pony get my vote).
• Clamdiggers or walk shorts: They are the answer to cropped pants.
• A day dress: Nothing keeps you as cool as an A-line, knee-length dress. If you live in hot weather, make this a staple. If frocks aren’t your fancy, try to keep at least one on the back burner to haul out on an extra girly day.
• A cardigan: The layering staple that looks good over just about anything.
• A voluminous item: A superb current trend that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Whether it’s in the form of wide-legged pants, lantern sleeves, trapeze jackets, roomy tunics, sack sheaths, baby dolls or billowing blouses, choose one that suits your body type and go with the flow.
• A wedge: It’s the modern-day heel. Add it in a metal or shade of white and you’ve got a go-to Summer shoe.
• A global accent: Add a tribal twist to your look with an exotic bangle, animal print item or safari inspired piece. Interpret this trend your way and make a statement.

Floral prints, gladiators, shirt dresses, cropped jackets and waist-cinching belts are great trends but not for everyone. You’re fine investing in patent, skinnies and straight leg jeans. These items have become basics and we’ll see them every season.

End-of-season sales have begun. Start ticking off your Summer shopping list and look fab.