We feel like we have missed the first drop of fashion for summer here in NZ, but now the rest of the world is opening up; street style inspiration is our new way to connect. Editor Trudi Brewer and style director Louise Hilsz share the current fashion trends and their thoughts on wearing them your way.
Pop Colour Checks
A pop of retro-inspired style and the cutest way to brighten up your regular ensemble. From a bright pair of pants with a matching t-shirt and sneakers, a plaid blouse with shorts or jeans or a full-on checked dress. There are many ways you can wear pop colour checks; what is guaranteed this look will instantly turn heads wherever you go.
Trudi Brewer (TB): It's fresh and summery; I will be wearing a colourful check blazer with a classic pair of jeans and a white T-shirt.
Louise Hilsz (LH): I have been wearing this look before it was a trend. So it should come as no surprise that I love it. For me, it's head-to-toe checks, in matching colour way.
Neutral Co-Ord Sets
Neutrals never go out of style, and this classic look is all about coordinating your nudes. There are plenty of ways you can rock this look – from slouchy sweatpants and a cardigan, or a nude pant suit. Our style director says matching your shoes and a bag in a metallic helps lift the look. When you find the right hue to suit, it’s a timeless style that always looks chic and sophisticated.
TB: You have to find the right hue to suit; otherwise, it can make you look tired or washed out. One girl's beige can be another girl's blah. When I wear a beige or cream I always wear a pretty coral lip gloss to make my face a lift.
LH: The Kardashians are massive advocates of this trend; perhaps it's the Yeezy influence? Not my jam, but I respect that some people who love wearing all black could segway into this vibe.
Pastel Colour blocking
Pastels are in the spotlight colour blocking trend. These soft, buttery colors looks fantastic when combined in a single outfit, and this season there are loads of shades on offer. From lemon to lavender, blush and baby blue this style of wearing pastels looks both chic and cute.
TB: One word gorgeous. Pale blue is my pastel shade of choice and I love the idea of wearing it head to toe in a casual way. A blazer and leggings with sneakers is how I will wear this trend.
LH: One of my all time favourite trends. I love this all year round, a rainbow of pastel shades will be my go-to summer look.
Tracksuit with Structured Coats
Sports luxe is one of our favourite trends and thankfully it’s going nowhere. It blends comfort and style effortlessly and we are mad about a tracksuit with a structured coat. When it comes to colour make sure you go tonal or choose shades that complement each other, topped off with sneakers or a set of chunky combat boots. This is the ideal on or off-duty aesthetic for any occasion.
TB: There was a time when I would not be seen dead in sportY attire unless I was sweating it out at the gym. Now it's my go-to look most days, with a touch of polish, lipstick, blow-dry, and sunglasses. I love the hoodie with a blazer over the top, sneakers and a cross-body bag.
LH: With recent lockdowns, I am living in tracksuits, and I love the idea of smartening up this casual look with a coat or blazer. Wearing heels is such a foreign idea right now, but I love the idea of getting that extra mile out of this fashion look.
Fluorescent Pops
Bright fluro colours in blocks of colour or in a standout print is a style statement. One thing is sure - this fashion look makes you stand out. We love a neon green blazer with a pair of staple jeans and T-shirt, or swap out your sports luxe look for a hot pink suit – these shades will have you feeling bright, bubbly, and ready to take on the day. Fashion is all about experimenting and feeling confident in what you wear; our style director says there's one rule with neon - have fun with it!
TB: This is not a look for me, unless I am wearing a nod to it with a multi-coloured fluro sneaker.
LH: It’s a yes from me. I love the idea of wearing just one pop of fluro or going head to toe.
Wide leg jeans
It's time for skinny jeans to take a back seat; get ready for a wide-leg jean revolution. This trend was a nod to the early 2000s when flares ruled for elongating your legs. They will give your fashion look a relaxed 70s feel while sitting high on the waist and flaring out past the knees. Styled with a singlet and blazer, or tuck in your favourite t-shirt and add a trench. While this look is all about jeans, you don't have to wear denim blue; go for a pretty pastel or chic white.
TB: I’m still on the fence, having worn this look before, it’s not tempting me yet, I think I will admire it from afar.
LH: This is a hard look to pull off. I do not have long lean legs so can risk looking very frumpy. I also find jeans so uncomfortable so am in no hurry to try this.
Time to bedazzle your favourite arm candy.