As an update to last season’s gladiator footwear look, the opulent thong sandal continues to trend for Summer. This year they’re less warrior-like, a little more lady-like and perfect with just about any summer ensemble. Wear these shiny strappy flats with dresses, skirts, jeans, cotton-rich pants, leggings, shorts and swimwear. From bejeweled beauties to patent, colourful or metallic options, there’s something for all thong sandal wearers. While they don’t make my essential “must have” list, they’re certainly a nice to have. Versatile, timeless and ageless, a lavish thong sandal is the ultimate answer to casual chic.

A selection of smart flat thong sandals from Zappos.com. I bought the “Me Too” (middle row on the right) metallic pair last Summer and they’re still going strong. They’re comfortable and make my “4-hour” mark.

If you’ve been here before, you probably know how I feel about perfect pant lengths. In most cases you’ll be buying pants that are longer than you need and having them shortened, but it is also possible to go the other way: taking down the hems of pants is a solution that we often forget.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to do with jeans, where there is no real hem. But it does work well with other types of pants if you alter them correctly:

• You’ll need enough of a hem before you start: an inch or more will do the trick. A good tailor can utilize an entire hem if they use bias binding. Bias binding is sewn onto the edge of the hem and acts as an additional piece of fabric. This allows the tailor to take down the hem without having to borrow from the fabric to sew another hem back in. You’ll be surprised how effective this method can be, and an inch can make all the difference.
• Have pant hems altered before wearing them because hem creases can be steamed out successfully before the dry-cleaning or washing process. Crease lines tend to become permanent after laundering.

I’ve lengthened quite a few pairs of slacks this way and it really works. You can also apply the same lengthening method to unlined jacket sleeves and skirts. So the next time an item falls a wee bit short in the length, remember to check whether you can take down the hem.

An example of bias binding.

Absolutely. Finding a fab pair of jeans can be challenging, so when you come across a pair that you love because they’re comfortable and fit well; it’s worth every penny. You will feel glorious in them and will wear them constantly, thereby whittling down the cost-per-wear to nothing.

I have an assortment of denim price points in my wardrobe (from $49 to $170). And while all my jeans fit well, my $170 AG “Angels” are definitely a cut above the rest. I’ve had them for years and they’ve retained their colour and shape a lot better than my cheaper versions. They also don’t seem to grow after I’ve worn them for a couple of days. My Abercrombie & Fitch jeans ($89) faded badly after a few months, while my Arden B denims ($118) look brand new after having them for a year.

I’m not brand conscious but enjoy good quality and expensive jeans generally seem to look newer for longer. Enjoy a pricier pair of jeans if that’s what works best for your body type. You are worth it.

Voluminous, blousy swing or trapeze tops are everywhere this season. Styles in heavier draping fabrics without overt empire seams are particularly forgiving for those of us with a little extra around the mid-section (say goodbye to that muffin top). Ensuring that these tops fit snugly across the shoulders is essential as a strong shoulder line is always flattering. Swing tops are best paired with slimmer bottoms like skinnies, straight legs, boot cuts, pencil skirts and walk shorts (because volume on volume doesn’t work). They’re a youthful, flirty and airy element to add to  your Summer wardrobe for hot, hot days.

Casual (on the left) and smarter (on the right) swing tops from Banana Republic and Nordstrom.