The last gasp for this Summer's fashions?

Hi there!

Well the weather has turned very autumnal all of a sudden, but in the hope we might have a few more nice sunny days before we have to start thinking about winter woollies, my feature for this month is on 2 key looks to make the most of the sunshine:

• That perennial favourite for Summer wear – White



• Making a splash with bold Bright colour
  

GET YOUR WHITES RIGHT!
In cool linens and cottons, white can be crisp and fresh on a warm day. In delicate broderie anglaise, lace, silk and soft jerseys, white is also the essence of femininity and romance.
But whether you prefer the Romantic look of ruffles and embroidery, or a sharper, more pared down style, it’s essential that you choose a shade of white which will flatter your seasonal colouring!
Much of the white clothing on sale in Summer time is the pure white which belongs to the Winter lady alone. It is a cool bright white well suited to Winter’s strong and vivid palette, but it can look harsh against the warmer-toned skins of the Spring and Autumn lady, and its stark clarity will overpower the softer Summer complexion.
It’s true that having some suntan to the skin will help these seasonal types to look better in pure white than they otherwise would, but nonetheless there are much better shades of white for you non-Winter ladies to choose!

Winters should stick firmly to the dazzling bright white of the washing powder commercial :

This Linen Rich White Dress is from the Limited Collection Per Una range at Marks & Spencer






A classic white shirt - White Pintuck Shirt from New Look

Summer women will look best in a softer, slightly off-white, often known (confusingly) as Winter White. This shade is also frequently described as Ecru.

Ecru Crochet Trim Blouse from New Look

The Autumn toned lady will be most flattered by white with a touch of pinkish brown in it – an Oyster White. The very light brown often described as Stone, or Oatmeal, will be perfect for an Autumn lady.
Pointelle Dress in Stone from New Look

The Spring lady will look fantastic in Ivory or very pale shades of Cream :
Cream stitch crop cardigan from Dorothy Perkins

VIVID BRIGHTS
If a whiter shade of pale doesn’t appeal to you, then why not go for this season’s other big trend - bold prints in eye-catching colours! You could choose a brightly patterned dress in your best colours, or get the best of both worlds and match a colourful top worn with skinny trousers in your best lightest neutral colour.
Winter ladies need have no fear of going “too bright” – they can carry very vivid colours off perfectly. Bright Springs and deep or warm Autumn ladies too, will be on safe ground with their strongest accent colours.
Muted Autumn and Summer ladies, and fair Springs, be careful though – your best bright colours are a little softer than much of what you will find in the shops just now, so use your fabric swatches wisely to make sure the colours in any new purchases are not too strong!

Monsoon is always great for gorgeous patterned dresses and tunic style tops – all items below are from http://www.monsoon.co.uk/ :

Spring Autumn Summer
Red Sara Tunic Crystal Print Dress Jaipur Print Dress


Winter
Seventies Print Dress


Enjoy what sunshine we have over the next few weeks!
In my next issue, I'll be considering one of the key colours for the Autumn/Winter season 2009 - Blueberry. How will you wear it?
If you'd like more information on Colour or Style topics, please contact me at info@cascadeimage.co.uk

Best wishes

Cass Edwards