A new fashion documentary, London’s answer to the Met Gala, and other style stories that made headlines this month.

• Canada is banning cosmetic testing on animals.
• After years of creating custom wedding looks for celebrities, Rodarte is officially launching its first bridal collection.
• Older female models are struggling for work as brands play it safe post-Covid.
• Thanks to TikTok, gen Z users are rediscovering the art of getting their colours done.
• New documentary Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field takes a deep dive into the life of the 82-year-old costume and fashion designer.
• Allure reports that ombré hair is back.
• After six years at the helm of British Vogue, editor-in-chief Edward Enninful is poised to take on a new global role at Condé Nast next year.
• Fear of sun damage has seen sales of new tanning products soar.
• Vogue editor Anna Wintour is planning London’s answer to the Met Gala to raise money for London’s struggling arts scene.

Gone are the days where wearing a traditionally seasonal palette is best. Wear brights, whites, and pastels in the Autumn and Winter, and earth tones, jewel tones, greys, dark blue, and black in the Spring and Summer. As long as the weights, fabrics and silhouettes of the items are seasonally appropriate, any colour at any time of year is fab. 

Burgundy is on the earthy and Autumn side of colour palettes, and some of my clients enjoy wearing it in the Summer. Some burgundies are on the deep red, wine and claret side of the spectrum, while others look more brown. Take your pick.

Here are some burgundy outfit ideas for Summer.

1. Patterned Top with Denim Bottoms

A summery patterned top that has burgundy in the palette is great to wear with denim bottoms like a pair of blue jeans, shorts or skirt. Here, a burgundy patterned off-the-shoulder top incorporates bright citrusy oranges. A toffee bag and wedged cinnamon espadrilles are the earthy finishing touch. If denim is too hot, opt for lightweight cotton bottoms.

A pair of light coloured jeans, shorts, or a skirt in white, cream, stone, or tan adds a summery touch to a burgundy patterned top. Cotton utility pants or chinos in similar light neutrals can work well too.

2. Column of Burgundy

Wearing very fluid or oversized easy, breezy separates in lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton is another way to wear burgundy in the Summer. Here, an on-trend matching set of pants and tunic creates a column of burgundy. Note how the shorter length of the wide soft pants does a great job of offsetting their volume, and preventing a tripping hazard. Sandals in a neutral like black, grey or brown, are a lovely finishing touch. Add a bag and sunhat to match. It’s a great way to feel ventilated and covered in hot weather.

3. Burgundy Dress

For those who bat for Team Summer Dress, wear a summery frock in a burgundy pattern or solid. A burgundy jumpsuit or romper works too. Add light, bright, or dark summer shoes, a bag to match, and Bob’s your uncle.

Here’s a variation of dressy and more casual dresses in solid and patterned burgundy for Summer:

4. Burgundy Skirt and Spice

Rich dark reds look fab with spice colours. Combine a burgundy skirt with a turmeric, cinnamon, saffron or mustard top that works with the silhouette. Repeat the spice tones in footwear and add a bag to match. Here the top is quite cropped. Feel free to choose a length that is more to your taste. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

I used to wear a dark blue volume mascara by YSL and loved it. But the gorgeous blue was discontinued, so I switched back to black volume mascara by Clinique. I’m fond of black mascara, but missed the blue. Dior’s Pump ‘N’ Volume Mascara in blue came highly recommended, so I gave it a try.

The blue is brighter than what I was accustomed to, but darkens quite a lot during the day. It’s almost as bright as the stock photo when it’s in bright light. When I first applied it, I laughed and was a little shocked. But by the time I added a bit of eyeliner and groomed my brows, it blended very nicely. Interestingly, blue mascara makes my green eyes look more green. It also works well with my light blue specs.

I’m wearing blue mascara almost daily right now. Just for fun, and to change things up. I am prone to facial rashes, eczema, and itchy eyes and so far this mascara has been great. No irritations or smudging either. It comes in black and maroon if blue is not your cup of tea.

Style is enhanced by confidence, and confidence comes more easily when you are comfortable with your body. Develop a healthy relationship with the way it looks and feels. If being body positive is too much of a stretch, strive to be body neutral. 

When clothing, footwear and accessories do not fit straight off the rack, something is wrong with the items, not your body. Search for pieces that are worthy of you and fit your figure. Alter items as needed and experience the joy of superb fit.

Be compassionate and kind to your body. Build body confidence by surrounding yourself with people who have a positive outlook and appreciate you for who you are. Embrace your unique shape and empower others to do the same.