Dresses don’t need to be “dressy”. While frocks are my first choice for formal occasions, there are plenty of casual, comfortable and practical dresses that can be worn to work and play every day.

Day dresses are best…

• in durable, casual fabrications like thick cottons, jersey knits and viscose blends
• in A-line silhouettes because they allow you to stride feely. Straighter styles restrict your movement. 
• when they cover up enough of your upper body that you don’t feel exposed.

The best thing about a dress is that you can slip it on with a pair of shoes and possibly one accessory and you’re done. You don’t need to worry about layering, mixing-and-matching or pulling clothing straight. If you can get your head around the fact that dresses needn’t be saved for special occasions, you’ll enjoy them as another practical daily ensemble (especially when it’s hot). Pretty pear body types look particularly good in A-line frocks and should make the most of our dress season this Summer.

An assortment of A-line day dresses in jersey and cotton from Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Colourful plastic or patent watches are in line with this seasons’ bright accessory trend. Fun and functional, sporty watches are great items for making a statement in a casual way. Price ranges vary from $49 to $400 depending on the brand. They’re ideal for Summer when forearms are bare and colours are cheerful. And don’t think that you need to match the colour of your watch to your outfit. You don’t. Like a pair of specs or sunglasses, watches are a statement piece all on their own.

Some favourites, ranging from sophisticated (Marc Jacobs, top left) to athletic (Adidas, bottom right).

Whether you wear a two-piece or one-piece bathing costume (swimsuit, or “cozzie”), a classy cover-up is essential. It’s stylish to conceal when you head out for a snack at a beach restaurant or poolside bar. There are plenty of slip-on coverage options that’ll have you looking both alluring and appropriate.

• Sarongs and Pareos are simple wraps that tie at the waist and cover the tummy and thigh area. It’s my favourite choice on a very hot day.
• Slip dresses are mini frocks that slip over the head. Empire, halter and strapless styles are most common.
• Tunics and Kaftans remind me of St. Tropez and the Bahamas. These collarless long sleeved tops are made of flimsy fabrics and are usually embellished or exotic in pattern.
• Tie front tops or robes are made of jersey knit, terry cloth or crinkle cotton and have some sort of front tie detail.
• Board shorts or cropped pants are much like surfing shorts and yoga pants. They’re probably the most practical option if you intend to do lots of walking.

A great cozzie can last for years and changing your cover-up is an excellent way of renewing it’s look.

Top row: kaftan, cropped knitted pants, tie-front top and halter slip dress.
Bottom row: sarong and tunics.

This exotic skin (real or faux) has slithered onto just about everything. Snakeskin bags, shoes, belts, headbands, wallets, bangles and watch straps are trending big time. Items such as these are a modern or retro classic and make my forever fashionable list. My favourite aspects of this trend are that it is season-less and makes a statement. Add a snakeskin accessory to a plain ensemble and you’ve kicked it up a notch. In both neutral and colourful tones, it is sure to give your outfit bite.

Snakeskin accessories from Kenneth Cole and Lydell NYC (available at Nordstrom).

Finding a pair of fashionable, affordable and comfortable shoes remains a challenge. It’s especially problematic in Summer when shoes are strappy, unsupportive and generally less soothing on the soles. Closed shoes tend to be more comfy (at least when we pad them up with insoles they can be).

I like to grade a shoe by the amount of time that you can walk in them. “8-hour shoes” are shoes that you can walk around in comfortably the whole day. 8-hour shoes do not pass the grade if you wear them the whole day sitting at your desk. In order to qualify, you need to put a pair of shoes through their paces, which means running errands,  shopping, commuting on foot, watching children and running around at work. Below are styles that have been tried and tested the full 8 hours (either by myself or by my clients) and pass with flying colours. I hope that you derive as much joy from these painless shoe options as I have. Who says that you can’t rush around in style when you have fussy feet!

Onex wedge mules (these shoes are as soft as butter), Clarks espadrilles and Franco Sarto metallic sandals.

Converse All Stars (my favourite shoe to run around in), Converse Mary Janes and Me Too peep toe flats (especially good for wide feet).

I’m writing about pant lengths again (my pet peeve). Unless you’re a skinny teenager, in your twenties or Kate Moss, refrain from wearing short shorts. Do not believe what fashion magazines tell you about this item being the hottest look for Summer. No matter how firm and fabulous your legs are, you need youth on your side to pull off this look.

Walk shorts that finish at the knee (either just above, on, or just below) remains the most flattering length for any woman because your legs look their longest and slimmest at this point. Raise that hemline to reveal a significant portion of your bare thighs and you’re dressing inappropriately for your age. You’ll get away with wearing short shorts for running and cycling when you’re older because it’s important to wear the correct gear when engaging in a sporting activity. But this is where I draw the line. Mutton dressed like lamb is unstylish. Keep it chic, classy and knee-length.

Walk shorts at the perfect length and short shorts for younger ladies with slim, shapely legs.

There is no such thing as “one-bag-fits-all”. A heavy black satchel looks wrong with flirty summer attire;  while a whimsical straw tote is odd with a heavy winter coat. If bags aren’t your thing, you can limit your handbag inventory down to a complement of three, one of which is the a Spring/Summer bag.

You have options when it comes to warm weather bags:

• Printed canvas – perfect for a summer vacation in any array of appealing patterns, shapes and cotton-rich fabrications.
• Bright colours – add a colourful dimension to your ensemble in either plain or patent.
• White – freshen up any Spring/Summer outfit with white accessories.
• Sporty stripe – a punchy, crisp and sophisticated alternative for the “neutral gals” among us.
• Straw – the beach-inspired style has a distinctive urban edge (but remember that some straw bags can be scratchy).
• Metallic – silver, bronze and gold bags remain a versatile choice. Sport them futuristically or in rustic woven weaves.

Sunshine and hot temperatures are about adding a fun element to your wardrobe. Consider a cheerful handbag to match the mood.

Printed canvas (Fossil), straw (Monsac), sporty stripe (DKNY).

Red patent and metallic (Kate Spade) and white Satchel (Kenneth Cole Reaction).

Buying a swimsuit doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. Skimpy bikinis that look fabulous on hangers and mannequins but make you feel fat and self conscious are not the answer.

My opinion has not changed since I set out the bare facts in last year’s blog postings on swimwear (part 1 and part 2). Everybody looks great in the right one-piece. Add a dainty wrap to the ensemble and you’ll feel confident and comfortable, and look stylish and alluring.

“Miraclesuit” is a brand of swimwear that’s designed to flatter. Their suits are lined and made of thick, drapey fabric that gives your body the control and support that you need. Their V-shaped necklines elongate your frame; while their ruching details camouflage the midsection. Their backs are scooped for an extra bit of sass.

If you’re self conscious about body realities like stretch marks, “back fat” , dormant tummy muscles, or a large bust, then this is the cozzie for you. A beautiful one-piece with a wrap is flop-proof for the beach.

Flattering one-piece Miraclesuits are available at department stores for about $140. That’s expensive, but feeling confident in your cozzie is worth the investment. 

Not at all. By adding the appropriate layer on top,  you can wear those little dresses and still feel warm. Here are some useful “cover-up” options: 

• Shrugs need to be cropped and snug.
• Cardigans are best cropped at the waist. Longer styles can look frumpy.
• Bolero jackets can be fitted or trapeze (A-line) in silhouette depending on the style of the dress. A-line dress styles look best with short fitted bolero jackets; while straighter sheath dress styles can be matched with either. 
• Denim jackets are a casual and urban choice (especially when the wash is dark). Proportions are most flattering when the jacket is short and fitted.

Thanks to my trusty cardigans and denim jacket, I’m out of my jeans and into a dress. The extra layer also works wonders if you tend to feel exposed showing so much skin. A flirty femimine frock is always fab.

Shrug (Ann Taylor), cropped cardigan (Banana Republic) and cropped bolero (Nordstrom).

Bold and bright colors aside, nothing shouts Spring and Summer quite like the colour white. It’s clean crisp quality makes us feel cool, refreshed and ready for warm weather. A few well chosen white items and accessories can update your Autumn outfits for the new season. Here’s how to use white to reinvent your wardrobe for Spring:

• White jacket – make this a Spring staple and create a contrast by matching it up with the black, red and grey tops that you wore in Autumn.
• White pants – replace your black slacks with a white pair and refresh the look of dark jackets or tops.
• White tops – substitute white tops for dark colours underneath jackets and knitwear.
• White shoes, bags and belts – transform a cold weather outfit into a warm weather one by adding modern white accessories like patent white peep-toe shoes (which contrast beautifully against dark blue jeans), a skinny white belt or white tote.

Everyone can wear white when it’s matched up in the correct way, so don’t let your fair skin prevent you from doing so. Investing in basic white items will increase the ROI of your wardrobe and have you looking spic and span for Spring.

White jacket (Bebe), white shoes (BCBG at Nordstrom) and white tote (Michael Kors at Nordstrom).