Wide-legged pants and jeans are trendy this season, but you need to coordinate them with the right tops and shoes for the most flattering effect.

• Voluminous tops need to be soft and cinched in at the waist because “volume on top of volume” makes for a shapeless silhouette.
• Form-fitting tops automatically balance out roomier bottom proportions and are the best choice.

When it comes to shoes, heels look best with wide-legged pants even if it’s just an inch of lift. Flattering, leg-lengthening height balances out the width of the pants. Remember to sport the right pant length with whatever shoe you choose.

The shapeless bubble top (left) is trendy, but not as flattering over wide-legged pants as the form-fitting option of a tailored shirt and jacket (right).

Dermatologists will tell you that there is no such thing as a safe tan: any hint of colour is a sign of sun damage. This in turn causes freckles, moles, wrinkles and, potentially, skin cancer. Foundations and facial powders generally contain low doses of SPF (between 4 and 15), but whether this is sufficient protection for your skin type is something only your dermatologiest will know for sure.

But being fair-skinned, I know that I’m particularly prone to harmful UV rays which is why I top up with a strong sunscreen every day. It took a while to find a couple of options that aren’t sticky. They are expensive, but I’ve been thrilled with them for years. Both products are smooth, odourless, long lasting and oil free (you won’t notice that you have them on).

• Clarins: UV Plus protective sun screen with SPF 40
• Shiseido: Ultimate sun protection lotion with SPF 55

I can’t think of a better cosmetic invesment than effective sunscreen. Remember to also apply liberally to your neck and the back of your hands, because other than your face, this is where aging is most visible.

Shiseido Sun Protection Lotion ($37) and Clarins UV Plus ($38) are available at Sephora and most department stores.

Alongside yellow, cobalt and coral this season, we’ve got green. Rich shades of emerald, avocado, lime, bottle, apple, chartreuse, neon and shamrock bring a fresh flavour to any outfit. When the weather is warm, I like green best with other greens, white, blue or yellow. It’s also a nice nautical statement with a hint of red. Most shades of green are fabulous with denim and you don’t need to be Irish or a redhead to wear them. If green clothing isn’t for you, sport a green accessory instead. I’m extra happy when I wear something bright green (that’s probably why it’s my favourite colour).

This seasons “it” shoe is the wedge. The ‘70’s shoe trend has been modernized, but ethnic versions remain a good choice if there is a hippy chic aspect to your style. With heels soaring to new highs, the slick aesthetic of the wedge is virtually sculptural. The choice of looks and materials is endless. You’ll see anything from cork, raffia and wood, to Lucite, patent, metallic and woven fabrications. Heel heights are either high or low, and platforms are particularly “of the moment”.

Stability is the catch. A high, narrow wedge can feel as wobbly as a spiky stiletto and the platform detail prevents my toes from bending naturally when I walk. The trick is to find a pair with a lower and wider heel base. I’ve found that a two and a half inch heel (or lower) without the platform is the most stable option. 

Give your Spring and Summer wardrobe a trendy update if you can stroll comfortably in hip and flattering wedges. If, like me, you prefer to stay grounded, be a little less trendy, but just as stylish with a lower, wider and less dramatic looking pair.

Dramatic, sculptured, fashion forward wedges.

Less dramatic, stable wedges.