These Gap Horseshoe Jeans are worth a look for several reasons. They are dramatic, sculptural, and roomy if you like wearing those types of bottoms. Remarkably, the denim is extremely lightweight, which is why I’m making them a fab find as we head into Summer. They feel like a pair of breezy chinos, and are super soft and comfortable. They are 100% cotton, and do not bag out at all. Although they are soft and drape well, they hold their horseshoe shape perfectly throughout the day. They come in petite, regular and tall sizes across US24 to US35, and in nine colours. You might need to size down. They are a hit with a number of my clients and some forum members.

I got the pastel rose pink mist, and have worn them several times already. Love them! They are described as high rise, but aren’t high rise in person. I have a relatively short rise and they work well on me. No need to wear them with mid-riff baring tops either. I modeled them for the forum, and happily wear them with my classic tops. You’ll probably find them on sale.

If you have a boxy button down shirt, try styling it the way Desigual styled this shirt in the product image on their website. No need to leave the neckline as low they did here. Feel free to button up more of that part of the shirt. To create the fold, simply undo the last two buttons of the shirt, and button the last button hole onto the third button from the bottom. The fold creates the effect of an asymmetrical hem, which tempers the volume of the boxy shirt, and looks interesting.

I tried this with some of my boxy cotton shirts, and wore the look the whole day. I scrunched my sleeves on one occasion, and kept them down on the other. For those who prefer to wear shirts un-tucked, but don’t like the visual effect of the long straight hem, this styling technique is one way to go.

I prefer to fully tuck and semi-tuck my big shirts because I like a little waist definition and the visual addition of a belt. Alternatively, this is a great way to keep a shirt look extra breezy on hot days when you want the coverage of cotton clothing with a little extra pizzaz. The styling technique doesn’t work as well with slippery fabric. The friction of cotton works best.

Pendants, beads, rosettes, and gem stones that are strung onto black cord and worn around the neck are an iconic classic. The pendants, beads and stones can be any metal or colour. Black cord necklaces can make a simple and small addition to your look, or make a big and bold statement. Like most necklaces, they can be worn on bare skin or over a piece of clothing depending on the length of the cord and shape of the pendant.

This collection shows a range of examples.

The black cord necklace complements a look by repeating the black in the outfit. This comes in handy when you want to wear black on the bottom, but not near your face as a top or topper. The cord can be “just enough black” to balance the palette of an outfit. For example, black skirts, shorts, pants, belts and footwear worn on the bottom half of an outfit can be visually pulled together with a black cord necklace that’s worn up top. The same goes for wearing patterned tops and bottoms that have black in the pattern.

Furthermore, the black cord dresses down the necklace, making it an effective option for Team Casual. It downplays the amount of shine, and amps up a relaxed vibe. It also effectively repeats the black of black hair and black eyewear. Super causal versions have a carefree beachy feel to them too.

If you’re on Team Skirt and enjoy wearing black natural fibre cotton and linen-rich skirts in Summer. this post is for you. Combine casual black skirts with casual patterned tops that have black in the pattern, or stick to solids. Wearing a solid black top with a black skirt is another way to go. 

The outfit needs a summery integrity to offset the heaviness of wearing black in hot weather. This means lightweight fabrics and showcasing skin to combat the heat.

Neutral solids are a slam dunk match with summery black skirts, and here are some examples.

1. Earthy

A pretty, black flared eyelet midaxi skirt is combined with an earthy brown knitted waistcoat that’s buttoned through. The bottom button is left un-buttoned to create an interesting V-shape at the waist. Black thong sandals and bag match the skirt, and a burnt orange necklace completes the look.

2. Blue Denim

A casual black, form fitting knitted crochet midi skirt with fringe is combined with a light weight denim fluid and embroidered puffed sleeve blouse. The blouse is short with mini side slits, creating super duper outfit proportions when worn over the skirt. Black heeled thong sandals add a dressier touch, and match the model’s hair and skirt. Dainty gold jewellery adds shine and glam. Add a bag that works with the palette.

3. Layered

A knee-length black pencil skirt with side vents is combined with a tucked mustard shell top for waist definition. A mustard cardigan is layered over the top to create a monochromatic twinset-effect. White sneakers add sporty to the luxe. An off-white and cinnamon bag add a crisp earthy touch. A gold pendant on a black cord adds a relaxed jewellery touch, and matches the black in the outfit.

4. Sporty

Last, a black midaxi cargo skirt is combined with an oversized high contrast white sporty tee. It’s tucked to showcase the waist and hip area of the skirt, and create some structure. White sneakers with black stripes that match the skirt are the sporty shoes of choice. A bag in white, black or blue can work well here. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.