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Summer Picks
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2016.07.18

By Divia Harilela

As the temperatures rise, looking stylish in the sweltering heat becomes more of a challenge. Here are five summer trends that are guaranteed to keep you looking and feeling cool this July.

All White/White Hot
It may sound obvious, but there’s something about white that feels so cool and fresh in the summer. A must-have this season is the shirt dress or button down shirt as proposed by designers like Phillip Lim. Another popular silhouette is the mini dress. Berayah’s versions are particularly chic and are updated with a contrasting block of colour. Remember the shorter you go the more you should cover up top.

Berayah’s SS2016 collection, titled “Stations”, is inspired by a series of paintings from American artist Barnett Newman, named “The Stations of the Cross: Lema Sabachtani”.

Cropped Tops/Bare Exposure
This 1990s favourite makes a comeback on the catwalks of brands such as Dior and Dolce & Gabanna. Popular styles for the summer include shoulder cut-outs or colorful prints as spotted at local brand Cynthia & Xiao. While the idea is to show off some skin, too much flesh can look tacky. Be sure to pair your top with a high waisted bottom such as a pencil skirt or a flowy pleated style for a look that’s summery (and bang on trend).

Shorts/Get Shorty
Shorts are a perennial summer favourite, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Spice up this wardrobe classic by opting for styles covered in prints or embellishments such as embroidery or fringing which fit in with the summer’s Boho trend. There are also plenty of silhouettes to choose from. MODEMENT offers various cuts from cuffed styles to wide legged culottes.


Denim/Got the Blues
The idea of wearing jeans in the summer heat isn’t exactly appealing. The good news, however, is that denim is more lightweight and comfortable than ever before thanks to fabrics such as chambray. Designers, including Stella McCartney, Chloe and HANG, are cutting the fabric into weather-appropriate styles such as mini dresses, vests and shorts.

Transparency/Peekaboo
Sheer fabrics are ideal for the summer because they are easy to layer. While mesh is great for a sporty look, lace is both feminine and chic. A lightweight lace dress by Lapeewee fits in with the Victoriana trend and is great for a summer part. In terms of colours, neutrals are best but feel free to experiment with printed layers including florals as seen at Marc Jacobs. Sheer inserts on tops and dresses are another interesting way to play with the trend.

HANG’s denim and silk organza two tone panel bomber jacket

About this author
To bring our readers insightful and relevant content about local fashion, FASHIONALLY invites Divia Harilela as our contributor. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Divia Harilela is the founder of The D’Vine and known as a leading authority on fashion in Asia. She also contributes for SCMP, Vogue ChinaBusiness of Fashion and Howtospendit.com, among many other publications.

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