We are nearing the end of Spring and Summer retail season in the northern hemisphere. There is lots on sale, and not much more coming in. Transitional and autumn collections are in the pipeline, and before you know it, we’ll be talking holiday attire. But first, a hot Summer lies ahead for most of us. And for some, it’s a long Summer. Stock up now, and make sure you have what you need.

Onto top picks that are winners on clients, and have good reviews. Browse the colour and size options.

1. DKNY Puff Sleeve Mixed Media Henley Top

The bodice of this top is made of gorgeous knitted fabric that feels lovely against the skin. The woven puff sleeves have an architectural vibe and hold their shape. The V-neck isn’t too low, and stays put when you bend down because the top is fitted on the midsection. I was tempted to get the citron, and I don’t wear V-necks. It’s a very neat and tidy neckline with a shallow V-opening. By the time my pearls filled the gap, I saw a flattering effect.

2. Nic + Zoe Tops

Nic + Zoe tops are frequently offered across petite, regular, and plus sizes. The patterns are fairly unique, the fibres natural, and the quality consistently good. These sweaters and tops were winners. Most of the Summer sweaters are very lightweight, gauzy, and not much different to wearing a tee. The tanks are thick, substantial, and effectively cover bra straps. Notably, the white tops aren’t see-through so no need to wear a camisole. I like that the tops are covered yet breezy, thereby offering sun protection.

3. Halogen Sweatheart Tank and Cardigan

Here’s a lovely version of a twinset because the sweatheart neck sweater tanks have gauzy long cardigans to match. The tanks fit well, and aren’t revealing in front or on the sides. Easy bra strap coverage too. They are fitted and forgiving. The cardigans are loose and fluid. There are extra colours in the cardigan. It’s a great idea when you need to cover up a little with a cardigan (e.g. in air conditioning), but can peel off to a sleeveless top too.

4. NYDJ Major Wide Leg Capri Jeans

These are different and super cute despite their bad review. They look just like the stock photo, and are not wider. The fabric is great, and the length is particularly suited to petites. Their waist is wide, so if you tend to prefer a fit with a wide waist – try these. Otherwise, you’ll need to alter the waist.

5. Boden Catriona Cotton Crew Jumper

These cotton-rich sweaters feel AMAZING against the skin and I have the stripe. A cotton, polyamide and elastane fibre cotton makes for the coziest sweater I’ve worn. A gently fluid fit. This type of Summer sweater comes in handy when it’s cooler by the water, at the beach at night, on a chilly morning, or when it’s freezing at the office because of indoor air-conditioning. Or buy ahead for cold weather because these lightweight sweaters are yummy.

Pilcro is an Anthropologie house brand. Pilcro jeans are particularly popular with my clients because of good fits, on trend silhouettes, reasonable quality, and a fairly inclusive size range which includes petites. The brand is priced similarly to jeans from Everlane and Banana Republic.

The Austyn High-Rise Cuffed Wide-Leg Jeans and the Scotty Cuffed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans are the winning cuffed jeans of the season.

The Austyn is gently wide, and far from overwhelming. It has worked on both curvier and straighter body types. The substantial denim glides over the contour of your body and adheres to the shape of your figure. Versatile, forgiving, and very comfy. The rise is described as high, but isn’t in person because I’m short in the rise, and these work well on me. The cuffs are sewn in place, and cannot be easily hemmed.

I’m modeling them for the forum here. I’ve worn and laundered them. They drape like a dream. They wash and air dry well too. The cuff holds its shape.

The Scotty is slimmer and shorter by comparison, and an equally good and forgiving fit. It’s lighter in colour and weight, and more summery. The cuffs are sewn down. The edges of the cuffs are raw so if frayed edges bother you, pass on the style. If slim jeans tend to get stuck on your muscular calves, these won’t thanks to extra room. Comes in a dark wash too.

Neither style bags out much post a day’s wear, and have rave reviews for good season. If these don’t tickle your fancy, check out the rest of the Pilcro collection. Always worth a look.

This is for Team Marbled Patterns, which are neither mainstream nor easy to find. To my eye, marbled patterns look particularly effective in blues, teals, greens, and earth tones. They are abstract, swirly, and watercolour-esque. They can be quite subtle, but bold versions are fabulous too. 

I think of an ombré pattern as a form of “marble pattern light”. Not nearly as intricate, but related. Onto outfits with marbled patterns and an ombré at the end.

1. Marbled with Black

A fluid teal, yellow, and grey marbled blouse is worn out over tailored black pants for a relaxed vibe. Although black is absent from the pattern, the black hair of the model pulls the look together by matching the pants. Shimmery dangly earrings are a glam finishing touch. I see a silver bag and shoes complete the look.

2. Marbled Frock

A navy and earth toned, with a hint of teal, column midaxi dress is worn on its own. The gorgeous pattern does the talking. Brown flat slides match the brown in the pattern and the model’s hair. An earthy straw bag is the beachy finishing touch.

3. Crisply Marbled

The marbled pattern on these straight white jeans is subtle, thereby emphasizing the crisp integrity of the jeans. The turquoise satin blouse picks up the same colour in the pattern, and is tucked for a dressier vibe. Casual brown platform sandals with white soles pick up similar hues in the pattern. A mismatched yellow bag, although impractically small, adds a fun touch. Massive hoop earrings add a disco touch.

4. Ombré and Jeans

I’m struck by how elegant and ethereal this look is on the model. A soft and flowing asymmetrical teal ombré tunic is combined with a subtle pair of cropped blue barrel jeans. The necktie of the blouse amps up the vertical integrity of the silhouette. Strappy black sandals are the dressy finishing touch, which complement the silver and black clutch. The look would work as well with dressy low heels, sandals, or flats. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Shiny fabrics like satins, silks, sequins, taffeta, lurex, patent leather, and metallic leather add luster to your look. Metal, pearl, gemstone and rhinestone jewellery, handbag hardware, sparkly hair clips, and belt buckles add the bling. 

Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and cocktail rings are an easy way to add shine to your look. Jewellery pieces can be dainty and can be layered to maximize shine. Choose lipstick, lip gloss, and nail polish to add loud or quiet glimmer.

Wear sparkle any time of day to shine as brightly as you do from within. Make the shine a statement or make it subtle. If shiny wardrobe items aren’t your thing, express radiance in your own way through your eyes and your smile.