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According to world standards Zimbabwe has no winter. Blame it on our systems being spoiled by living in a place where we think seeing the sun every day is a divine right. But we do take the mild months from May to August seriously and grab any excuse to bundle up in coats and boots as though we are heading into a blizzard.
So we welcome the summer months with much relief as we look forward to long sultry nights where the fun never ends and days in which we can indulge our fashion sense, whatever that may mean to each of us as individuals.
As the temperatures creep up, the boots and the coats once again go into hibernation and wait to be dusted and straightened again next year. For now …
It has become the norm for us to follow the summer fashions of Paris, Milan, New York and other fashion capitals of the world. We are also guided by what Hollywood A listers favour. But perhaps the most important determining factor of what we wear is what the shops we patronise stock for the season. So what can we expect to be wearing over the next six or so months? We spoke to some local designers and trawled the local shops after ogling the runway models from the big houses.
Women
White jeans
If you buy just one item this summer, let it be a pair of white skinny jeans. Get them in cropped versions with tiny side slits at the ankle. The stressed and torn look is also hot on white jeans. Plain white skinnies can be worn everywhere from the office to the night out. Accesorise them with closed shoes (flats or heels) and a blazer and you are good for a serious day at work. Ditch the jacket, go for chunkier jewellery and sandals and it is party time.
The uneven hemline
The dresses with long tails and short front hems are still very much with us. But this year the hemline has moved up and the back is not quite so long. The dresses are also more form fitting. But the fabrics remain varied so you can still get away with last year’s dress if you have a good tailor. Get it shortened and streamlined and you are ready to face the summer.
Romantic blouses
If you have blouses with embroidery then launder them right now. Wide dropped necks on full gypsy blouses and streamlined plain tops with minimal embroidery are all in.
Polka dots and stripes
White on black polka dots accessorised with red are another classic making a comeback. A dotted top with matching plain skirt or slacks or a short dress seem to be the way to go. Whatever you do, do not mix different sets of polka dots.
Another classic is the stripes. Earth colours on flowing summer dresses and dramatic bolds on tops seem to be another hit. Please read the rule book on stripes and body types before investing in this trend.
Summer dresses
What would summer be without pretty dresses? Fortunately there is no limit as to style. The little black dress is still in as a short shift with embellishments at the neck or bust. Form fitting and flared, mini, midi and max, plain or multi coloured, bold prints or softer, there is really no definition of the ultimate summer dress for 2015. No call to lose individual preference in the name of following trends.
But worth noting is the rise of the neoprene fabric. Neoprene or polychloroprene is a family of synthetic rubbers that are produced by polymerisation of chloroprene. Neoprene exhibits good chemical stability, and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range. – Wikipedia
Designers are using the fabric for everything from bikinis to sweaters. But nowhere has it made its mark as on the summer dress. Coming in all sorts of styles and colours, there is no reason for any woman not to have at least one dress in this ultimate summer must have for 2015.
Brides
Summer is the time for weddings so we will end with a quick look at what brides should be planning for. The mermaid look is definitely history. This year fitted and intricately decorated bodices on top of full skirts are the way to go. Smooth shoulders and elaborate hairstyles are called for so brides should invest in their beauty care regimens prior to the big day.
Men
Men have had it easy in the past, but now must also keep up with the times. We look at what is likely to be happening on that front this summer
Monochrome
White or black, that is the question. Whichever you like, do it from top to toe and you are the last word in summer fashion. Both colours are elegant and black need not be made out into a Goth get up.
Key to both, though, is mixing up textures (try synthetics with cotton or suede with denim, for example) and also checking whether or not a full monochrome aesthetic is suited to your skin tone.
If you find yours isn’t really up to a single-colour ensemble, then try mixing in a piece or two in grey to help soften and pull your look together.
If you decide to mix black and white, choose one of the two as the dominant hue – for example, the colour of your suit or your jacket and trousers – and then add complementary surrounding pieces in the other colour, such as a vest, T-shirt, short-sleeved shirt or pair of shoes.
Printed Short-Sleeved Shirts
The short-sleeved shirt is now officially a summertime staple, according to local designers. From Primark to H&M, Polo, Burberry, Reiss to River Island, this once maligned separate is on its way to becoming a menswear mainstay. While plain colour versions are definitely popular, it’s printed styles that a lot of household names are pushing this summer. AllSaints put a characteristically muted spin on the classic Hawaiian silhouette, while Burton and H&M have produced especially wearable leaf print and micro print designs, respectively.
Not entirely confident you can pull one of these off? Then remember the two Fs: fit and framing. Nailing the printed short-sleeved shirt means finding one that fits perfectly (not too baggy or tight, but form-flattering with the sleeves ending a couple of centimetres above your elbow) and is framed by comparatively “quiet” pieces that won’t compete for attention – think plain colour staples in neutral hues.
Light Wash Jeans
With denim and the nineties key trends for 2015, it should come as no surprise that light wash jeans are back on the menswear agenda this summer. Perfectly suited to warm-weather dressing, jeans in mid to light blue shades or bleached out washes offer something different to traditional black or indigo styles, and can hugely expand your outfit possibilities – combining with all of those shirts, tees and jackets that just don’t work with a black or navy base.
It’s imperative you bring this retro style bang up to date by nailing the fit – stick to slim and skinny cuts with a minimal break, since a baggy leg or pooling at the ankle will only make it look like you’ve raided your dad’s wardrobe.Zara and Mango are two brands that have thrown themselves behind the trend this season, offering a wide range of shades and styles at prices that won’t break the bank.
Additional reporting from various online sources.
Online Reporter