Basic T-shirts are often a staple in my clients’ wardrobes because they’re terrific layering pieces and easy to launder. But we also venture out and purchase not so basic tees because the silhouette generally looks better when worn on its own. Here’s a roundup of tees with a little or a lot more detail. Look through all the colour options. 

• Gap Drapey Fluid Tee: It’s soft but not clingy, and long enough for Team Long Torso. The diagonal sleeves are flattering, and the front looks great partially tucked. The curved hemline adds a little structure. The neckline might be a little wide for narrow shoulders and a slight frame. Also available in an assortment of stripes. Read the rave reviews. 
• Unit-Y New Girl Rib V-Neck Tee: A longer V-neck tee with a welt looks fresh. The welt adds a  bit of structure. Great for Team Untucked. 
• Painted Threads Drape Front Tee (Juniors): It’s not the best quality, but it’s super soft and the oversized fit is unique with its front crossover detail and high-low hemline. Might run a little large. 
• Vince Long Sleeve Linen Tee: Stylishly chic and drapes like a dream sans the cling. Luxurious quality. 
• J.Crew Prima Jersey Drop Shoulder Tee: A modal-rayon blend with an on trend high-low hemline. 
• J.Crew Saint James Slouchy Tee: Another trendy tee with dropped shoulders. 
• Loft Shadow Striped Linen Cotton Tunic: A little extra styling on the shoulder and neckline. Fun shadow stripe. Great on broad shoulders and a larger bust. Read the rave reviews.
• Loft Raw Edge Shirred Neck Tee: A prettier style, and more rave reviews. 
• Free People Weekend Layering Tee: A girly tee with a bohemian edge. Fun asymmetrical hemline. Cute over relaxed skinnes and a nice change for casual Mums on the go. 
• INC Plus Size Three Quarter Sleeve Tie Dye Top: An interesting tie-dye pattern for Team Boho. Love the black and white. 
• Elementz Plus Size Three Quarter Sleeve Printed Henley Top: Fluid, non-cling and no need to wear a camisole because the V-shape of the henley provides ample coverage. 

Bonus Bootie

• Latitude Open Toe Bootie: I’m also throwing in a Summer bootie because I was amazed at the comfort of this ped despite the higher heel, caged leather style, and peep-toe. Buttery soft and gorgeously modern.

Do you like to wear tees that are a little more than basic?

Jackets that are gathered or pleated on the crown of the sleeve at the shoulder point are a fringe trend. This style of jacket was popular almost a decade ago, in long and short sleeve versions. The short sleeved styles looked extra puffy because of the rounder shape of the sleeve. Versions with gathers on the crown of the sleeve were also quite popular in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. 

Puff sleeve jackets look especially good on narrow shoulders and pear shaped ladies because the volume of the puff extends the line of the shoulder, thereby creating visual balance between the top and bottom parts of the body. If the shoulder seams are set in closer towards the neck, then the style can work for broader shoulders because the shoulder merely fills out the puff section of the sleeve. 

Most styles of puff sleeve are thought of as stereotypically girly and pretty. They can also be perceived as more playful and less strict than a regular modern classic blazer with sleek set-in sleeves. To some this adds up to a style that is overly juvenile, twee, precious and frilly. 

My clients run the gamut on the puff sleeve blazer. Some love the silhouette because it looks more creative, arty, interesting, feminine and whimsical than a plain, masculine blazer. Some love how the style extends their narrow shoulder line. And others stay away from the style because they don’t think of it as a chic and sophisticated look for a grown-up. Too childlike and the absolute opposite of tough. 

I’m a yay for this trend but have strong opinions about the versions I think look best and would fit into my style. I much prefer the visual effect of the pleated crown as opposed to the gathered crown because the former is more architectural, subtle and less frilly. The length of the sleeves must be long so that they don’t create a “ball on your bicep”. Furthermore, the lapels must be narrow and the stance low for a modern effect. I love the light blue Zara and red J.Crew versions below and would absolutely wear them. They appeal to my narrow shoulders and activate my pretty gene (I bat for Team Pretty and not Team Tough). What’s your verdict on the puff sleeve jacket?

Here’s an assortment of bags, sandals, casual bottoms and tees, many of which are winners on my clients. Check out all the colour options. 

1. Brahmin Mini Tote: A dressy and crisp wardrobe pet to celebrate Spring and Summer. Structured and beautifully made. 
2. Dotted Zip Back Cotton Sweater: Soft, cozy, 100% cotton and machine washable. All four colours are fun. 
3. Via Spiga Delsy: Trendy, well made and soft leather. The peep toe is a nice size and the wedge not too high. Covered yet ventilated. Also available at Nordstrom. Read the rave reviews.  
4. Easy Spirit Corales: A comfort shoe with arch support in a versatile metallic that is available in wide widths. Might work with bunions. 
5. Clarks Orlena Chutney: Here’s a slightly more refined version than the Easy Spirit Corales and also super comfortable. 
6. Printed Combined T-shirt: A fun fluid silhouette with dropped shoulder seam. Great over a pencil skirt or partially tucked with boyfriend jeans. Great layered under a moto or blazer. Runs small. 
7. Leather pouch: Subtly embossed with “Stressed” on one side, and “But Well Dressed” on the other side. Use as a clutch or iPad cover. 
8. Flexx Band Together Sandal: Soft and very forgiving as you stride. Could be a good walking sandal. 
9. Eileen Fisher Sport Platform Sandal: Chunky and simple. Trendy, buttery soft and cushioning. There’s quite a lot of toe exposure, so personally I like the style best on feet with short toes. 
10. Vince Camuto Eliana Bootie: A repeat style cage sandal that needs little introduction. Read the rave reviews. 
11. VC Signature Salette Pump: Comfy soft suede in a d’Orsay style that stays securely on the foot. The heel is lower than three inches although the website information says otherwise. Runs half a size large. 
12. R13 Crossover Jeans: A fashion forward slouchy style that is an acquired taste. 
13. Alice & Olivia Smocked Crop Cargo Pants: A flattering length in a roomier fit on the thighs. Pantaloon-esque and distressed. 
14. Leith Oversized V-Neck Tee: Cotton-rich and best worn partially tucked, just like the model. 

I hope that the weather warms up chop-chop so that we can enjoy our Spring and Summer clothes as soon as possible.

Time for the seasonal must haves list now that Spring collections are in full swing and Summer is on the horizon. This is the best Spring season I’ve seen since moving to the US a decade ago. The assortment is large, the items are quite practical, and we have more freedom than ever to interpret the trends our way. 

As far as colours go, remember that shades that flatter your complexion and make you happy never date and are always in style. Pastels are trending at the moment, but wear brights, muted tones, earth tones, jewel tones and neutrals if that’s more your thing. It’s all good.  

With a nod to the look for 2014 here is the list of must haves that work for all body types, lifestyles, budgets and ages. It’s a question of finding the version that works for you. 

1. Fluid and Oversized Fits: If there is one way to make your look more current, it’s wearing your clothes a little looser all over, and I can’t stress this point enough. Fluid fits, which are a little more structured than oversized fits, are an easy fit to wear and extra forgiving. Oversized fits are trickier but very doable when worn with just enough structure. And tailored fits are always in style, but do not confuse them with tighter body con fits. 
2. Knitwear: Knitwear (or sweaters), are the top to pair with bottoms both as a layering piece or standalone item. As the weather warms up, think pullovers in cotton, silk and linen blends in both chunky and fine gauges. There is enormous knitwear variety this season and truly, the silhouette and fabric options seem endless. 
3. Pastels: We’ve talked about pastels at great length. They are a lot more versatile than you might expect.  Choose your pastels and wear them with neutrals, brights, earth tones or with tones of the same colour. If a pastel clothing item is too much of a commitment, wear a pastel bag, belt, scarf or pair of shoes. 
4. Boyfriend Jeans: They are the trending mainstream denim silhouette. Choose one in a slim-fit silhouette, or opt for relaxed skinnies if baggy and slouchy styles are not your thing. Size up in straight leg jeans to get the same effect if you’re particularly narrow on the hips and thighs. Cropped versions are great for Summer. Here’s a guide on how to pair boyfriend jeans with footwear. 
5. Midi Skirts and Dresses: If you like to wear skirts and dresses, wear them at midi length. Midis can just cover the knee, cover part of the calf, or cover the entire calf. They can be pencil, flared, high-low, trumpet or avant-garde in silhouette. Skirts with lots of movement look particularly fresh. 
6. Non-Black Moto Jackets: The moto jacket is a classic that can be paired with just about anything these days. Remember that motos are totally work appropriate if you choose a more refined style. And think beyond leather and beyond black. Think knits, Spring tweeds, twills, quilted cottons, pleather and mixed media fabrications. 
7. Cropped Pants: This is one of the biggest trends of the season – AGAIN. Here are two ways to wear cropped ankle pants in flattering ways. 
8. Wide Pant Legs: There is life beyond skinny and straight leg silhouettes. Wear jeans and trousers that are tailored on the thigh but flare out from the knee down, like bootcuts and bell bottoms. Wear trousers and jeans that are wider on the thighs but taper back at the hem, like silky track pants, harem pants and boyfriend jeans. Or wear trousers that are loose and wide from thigh to hem. 
9. On Trend Footwear: Pairing new style footwear with items that are several seasons old is an effective way of refreshing their look. Pointy toes, which includes almond toes, in both heeled and flat styles are top of the list. But there are plenty of options if pointy toes aren’t your thing. On trend Spring and Summer footwear styles include loafers, d’Orsays, slipper flats, flat oxfords, slip-on sneakers, booties, shooties, cut-out booties, peep-toe booties, ankle strap pumps, and high-vamped sandals. 
10. White: Lighten, brighten and soften your outfits by incorporating wardrobe items in all shades of white into your outfits. Think white jeans, cropped pants, skirts, dresses, tops, knitwear, jackets, footwear, bags, belts and sunglasses in shades of white. 
11. Dark Blue: Dark blue, from light navy to deep ink, is a softer alternative to black, and looks great paired with black and shades of white. I’ll go so far as to say that ink blue is the new black, and for some, a better black. Modern and refreshing. 
12. Cropped Boxy Jacket: A roomy moto jacket is one way of interpreting this trend, but so are extra short pea coats, Chanel-esque jackets, trapeze jackets, roomy tuxedo jackets and bomber jackets. 
13. Clutches, Bowling Bags or Satchels: Choose one of these styles and you’ve instantly refreshed your look for the season. 
14. Wild Card: Add to your wardrobe an item that is atypical for your style persona, but that speaks to you in some way. Just for fun. 

Further trends that might tickle your fancy include mules, garments with sheer panels, Birkenstocks, shift blouses, overalls, jumpsuits, Spring tweed, crop tops, sporty luxe (like upscale sweatshirts and haute baseball caps), tuxedo striping, new short sleeve styles, round shoulders, pattern mixing, upscale backpacks, bucket bags, short shorts, mixed media, utility jackets, Spring coats, culottes, slouchy trousers, patterned pants, florals, neon, fit-and-flare dresses, avant-garde pieces, sleeveless jackets (gilets), two-piece dresses and front vented pencil skirts. 

If you’re concerned about how to create flattering proportions for your shape and height, refer back to the updated inverted triangle, apple, pear, rectangle and hourglass body type posts.

How does the list look? Which trends and items resonate the most, and how are you going to update your wardrobe for Spring and Summer?