Summer style Guide: How to be fashionable without following trends

In this colourful season, you don't need to chase every trend or buy the latest fashion to look stylish.

Self-love is accompanied by neatness, confidence, and choosing clothes that flatter your body shape.

Never attempt to imitate others. Instead, concentrate on these suggestions to boost your style:

Understanding your personal style

First, try to discover your own style by considering your body size, shape, and skin colour. Not every trending piece of clothing can suit you.

Look up to other people of your size and body shape, and you can take it from there and add your own flavour.

Identify elements that genuinely appeal to you and consider how they might be integrated into your own unique expression, rather than simply copying what you see.

During hot weather, opt for loose, breathable clothing.

However, since temperatures can fluctuate, baggy or loose clothes are ideal as they allow for adaptability, even if it gets chilly.

These styles are also easy to fashion, especially with solid colors, which can create a chic look.

While showing some skin is an option, prioritize outfits that make you feel good. Summer is perfect for shorter clothes if that's your preference. If comfortable with revealing, show off fashionably, consider options like mini skirts and off-the-shoulder tops.

Complete your look with a few pieces of jewelry for added appeal. Avoid wearing clothes that you prefer certain people not to see you in.

Mixing and Matching Basics

Feeling like you have nothing to wear with the changing seasons? The answer isn't always new clothes! This Spring-Summer, explore combinations and play a little with the items already in your closet.

Don't dismiss clothes just because a trend has passed; they can still be styled in novel ways.

Try mixing colors like black and white, blue and white, or chic light blue and black. Choose the family colours, and of course, the light ones since it’s summer, for example, Brown, match the same shades of brown in one outfit: desert sand, burnt amber, beige, tan, camel, ash brown, khaki, and light taupe.

You must consider the three-color rule by coordinating your shoes, shades, and bag, or your pants, bag, and shoes, or simply your top with your shoes and shades.

Avoid Dark Colours

This season calls for a colourful wardrobe! While dark colors have their place, step away from them and embrace the lightness of the warmer months.

If you do choose to incorporate darker colours, ensure they are balanced and complemented by brighter, more cheerful tones.

Layering lighter pieces over darker ones, or accessorizing bright colours, can effortlessly achieve this desired aesthetic. If you’re a dark colour girl, you can still wear them, but add a little bit of light to ignite a spark.

Avoid purchasing once-off clothes. When selecting an outfit for an event, prioritize separable pieces that can be re-worn and can easily be combined with different colours. Opt for timeless options to ensure a sustained wardrobe.

Instead of a one-off dress, consider separates for greater flexibility. Choose colors that easily complement other shades. Avoid repeating the same shoes, hair, and jewelry with an outfit to refresh your look. Always ensure your hairstyle complements your chosen outfit.

Accessories That Express Individuality

Accessories are crucial for completing any outfit, embracing your style and preventing a dull appearance. Get used to including a necklace, watch, and earrings for a touch of lavishness. Further enhance your look with a mini bag or any bag that complements your outfit and hairpins for a neat finish.

Consider adding sunglasses or glasses in general. In South Africa, glasses, often referred to as "Izaza" or "zazazel," which is a timeless fashion statement. Always remember to wear your glasses when you step out; they're the best option to boost your confidence. With your glasses on, you'll feel empowered, focusing on your own perspective rather than how others perceive you, as if seeing them through a dark shade.

Ultimately, true style comes from within. Build an exterior style by having confidence, self-love, and self-belief as the foundations.

IOL