Bangles from Diva.
Look your best this summer! Brisbane's fabulous fashionista, Di Cant explains the season's fashion trends, shares helpful style tips and tells you how to update your wardrobe with accessories that won't break the bank. See our Summer Accessories image gallery.
Summer trends
Each new season there are the must-have looks but it doesn't always require a brand new wardrobe. Instead, find inspiration and a new look while adding a personal signature through the power of accessories.
This summer accessories still rule.
Summer is about florals, painterly prints, brights, neutrals, black and white, sheer, global nomad, the shorts story, the dress and the maxi but accessories still rule.
The fastest (and smartest) way to update your wardrobe is with new accessories - hot pieces add a dash to what you already own and any new outfits you are after right now. For those very wary of brights - what better way to add a bright piece to your wardrobe than to carry a shiny yellow or purple clutch.
Bags
The clutch is number one. They can be large and pouchy or a slender slim line envelope. The other new statement bag is the 'baby bag' so small, so cute - will only take a credit card, lip gloss and phone. Big bags (totes especially) still go out in the day time.
Shoes
The hottest shoe for the season is the gladiator sandal. Select with care what you wear it with - stunning with plain shapes, short dresses and shorts. Avoid that full roman look. Choose between ankle length or up to the knee. Other gorgeous options - high platforms, sky high heels, wedges and girlie little flats. Note with the long maxi dress this season the flat looks best.
Belts
With your new white high street JAG jeans or blue jeans add a designer belt. I love that R M Williams rhinestone cowboy belt and buckle. Belts may outline the high hip or define the waist. Check out the Cue corset belt and the Ginger and Smart belts.
Sunglasses
These can bring immediate wow factor to the look. A shape, a colour, an attitude for every woman. The choice is yours! Huge oversized, bright, round, retro 50's or the classic wayfarer. Remember the old rule of thumb, if your face is round look for an angle. Consider sunglasses as a functional fashion accessory.
If you find black over-powering for your face colouring, try tortoiseshell. If you find bold heavy frames too strong for your face shape, try medium or smaller frames to balance. Consider the metal trim with other buckles and jewellery you wear for the season.
Rings
The bigger, the better - rings make a statement this season. Look for enamel or pretty stones in a flower shape. Big is beautiful.
Bangles
Wear a wide cuff with inset stone or bangles made of wood, tortiseshell, bamboo and snake skin.
Neckpiece
These should be large and colourful and worn as a 'piece'. Do not match earrings and bangles to this one.
Scarves
Still the global nomad fringed shawl worn with jeans and jacket. Sometimes a jaunty bright coloured silk scarf tied onto the bag in the day time.
Hats
Big picture hats or large soft flowers worn on head (these can also be worn on the shoulder of a dress).
See our Summer Accessories image gallery.
