Summer Fashion
New Zealand Summer Fashion
Summer fashion is bright and breezy! Finding the right fashion look for summer will be a breeze, too, with our guide to summer fashions, style trends and tips for summer clothing success.
The warmth of summer days brings out the best in light, breezy and comfortable fashion. If you're not sure where to begin, take a look at some of the top fashion trends for the summer - and find something to suit your own style!
Summer fashion trends for women
Fashion this summer isn’t afraid to let you know it’s here! Big, bright and bold are the keys to clothes for summer this year. Summer fashions in 2007 pay homage to the 1980's and bygone eras, creating a fresh, new take on older, classic styles. Browse New Zealand clothing stores online to find the best of summer fashion trends.
- Bright colours - A 1980’s palate is all the rage again, with striking colour combinations and unmissable colours like cobalt blue, emerald green, hot pink, canary yellow and electric blue, teamed with black and white basics.
- Shimmering metallics - Just when you thought they’d never come back, gold and silver are back in vogue to make you shimmer in the sun. Metallics have touched every fashion item this summer, from dresses and tops to shoes, belts, jewellery and bags.
- Fun patterns - Retro, mod and busy textiles and patterned materials are everywhere this summer. You'll find cute summer dresses, flowing tops and accessories that use patterns: polka dots, stripes, floral patterns, exotic designs and repeated images.
- Big handbags - The bigger the better, handbags for summer come in neutral tones, bright hues or exotic patterns. They're handy for carrying summer essentials too - from sunscreen and sunnies to a book, shrug cardie, phone and water bottle. Shop online for New Zealand handbags to complete your summer 'look'..
- High-waists - Gone are the low-riding hipsters of a few seasons ago. High-waisted shorts, skirts and trousers with big belts are in this summer. If you don't feel this style suits you, try adding a wide belt to emphasize your waist.
- Light colours- The clean, crisp look of white, lemon yellow and other lighter hues is a must this summer, so try a cute pale yellow summer dress, a pair of white shorts with a bright tee, or a classic striped cream shirt with collar and loosely rolled sleeves.
- Peep-toes shoes - Towering peep-toe heels are in vogue this summer, from vintage style to sparkling, patent leather and white. Chunkier heels and wedge heels are starting to reappear, but if three-inch heels aren't you, try some of the cute ballet flats and canvas shoes in fun patterns and colours. For a more formal style, try one of the latest strappy sandal styles in silver; the trend for metallics covers shoes too! A huge range of New Zealand shoe stores sell their shoes online.
- Trench coats - On cooler evenings, the stylish trench coat is a handy staple in anyone’s wardrobe. Go for a neutral cream or black that will go with anything, or stand out with a bright number in red or cobalt blue. These summer fashion items can cross over to spring and autumn, and they're flattering on many body shapes, accentuating the waist.
- Feminine style - Summer dresses are the item of the moment in fashion, with summer sun dresses in bright colours and beautiful patterned materials for a day at the beach or a laidback cafe lunch. For evenings and nights on the town, chic evening dresses are available to suit every size and shape. The little black dress has been replaced by the little white dress for the summer season. In peasant, fitted or vintage style, there are many fresh, white summer dresses in fashion clothing stores this season.
- Sultry swimwear - Colours of the season are bright again, with some sophisticated swimsuits in rose pink, chocolate brown, and black and white. Vintage one-pieces are also making a comeback for those not wanting to bare their midriff in a bikini. Find New Zealand swimwear online and choose from bikini, onepiece, retro, halterneck and classic styles.
- Over-size sunglasses - The bigger the better is still the rule with sunnies this summer, so find some in black, brown, bright colours or retro white to protect your eyes from the summer sun. Whether you go for bargain sunglasses or designer sunglasses, make sure the New Zealand sunglasses you choose offer excellent UV protection, as well as looking good!
Men's summer fashion trends
Summer clothing for men is just as daring as summer clothing for women, with summer fashions from vintage to punk, and everything in between. Shop online for men's summer fashion items.
- Vintage style - The 1970's are back for men this summer, so get some retro styling with a tailored, fitting suit with slightly flaired trousers. Matching waistcoats and vests are also 'in' for the summer.
- The punk look - For a slightly scruffier version of the vintage style, try channeling your inner punk with cuffed trousers, pirate-style shirts (white with loose sleeves) and funky punk-inspired hair styles.
- Natural tones - If vintage and punk are too loud for your taste, try a classic men's fashion style: natural tones and fabrics. You'll enjoy comfort and a clean, crisp look that follows the fashion trend for white summer wear for women this season.
- Shorts - Don't be afraid to show your legs in a pair of baggy, knee-length cuffed shorts. Dress them 'down' with a casual tee or 'up' with a cuffed shirt. Khaki and white make classic choices.
- Bright prints - Hawaiian style bright prints and funky bright t-shirts are a summer staple for all men's wardrobes. There are many 1980's inspired tees around, as well as clothing with bold prints and solid colours.
Top ten summer fashion tips
To look and feel your best in summer, follow these rules for cool summer fashion, comfort and style:
1. Stay cool
Wear clothing that is light and breezy: staying comfortable in the summer heat should be a top priority. If the weather is hot, stick to natural fibres that will let your body breathe.
2. Be sun safe
Remember to cover up with sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses - and minimise exposure to the sun during the middle of the day (10:00am until 2:00pm) when the sun is at its hottest. Wear a quality moisturiser or foundation which contains a sunscreen; they're available from all good New Zealand beauty shops.
3. Stick to your own style
Don't follow every summer fashion trend; mix and match styles to create your own unique look. You're an individual, so make your summer wardrobe show it! For one-offs, try factory seconds stores and vintage shops.
4. Go light on make-up
During the heat, too much make-up can make you sweat and shine, cause your skin to become greasy or melt and smudge in the heat. The makeup solution? Go light, with a lightweight foundation (SPF 15 or more), mascara, eyeshadow and lip gloss. This will give you a natural, summery look too! Find quality New Zealand beauty products online.
5. Accentuate your best features
Dress to feel confident and beautiful; there are styles to suit each and every body shape. Try on a variety of styles until you find the one that suits you best.
6. Take care of your hair
With increased exposure to the sun and salt water over the summer holidays, your hair may feel dry, brittle and in need of some TLC. Care for your hair all summer long with a moisturising, nourishing hair care treatment, applied two to three times weekly. There are many quality hair care products available; be sure to choose one that suits your hair type.
7. Pamper your skin
Your skin, too, will feel different during the hot summer months. Pamper your skin weekly with a nourishing face mask treatment. Don't think of it as a chore, but as an excuse to lie down for ten minutes with your eyes closed (and yes, slices of cucumber will soothe the delicate skin around your eyes!).
8. Go short
Don't be afraid to show your legs in summertime! There are shorts to suit every body type; short shorts, golf shorts, denim shorts and patterned shorts. For a more feminine version, try one of the many short summer dresses or above-the-knee skirts in fashion clothing shops throughout New Zealand.
9. Mix and match
A cool summer wardrobe need not mean a whole new wardrobe. For summer fashion, mix and match with existing items in your collection of summery clothes. Some items will look dated, but others will always be timeless classics.
10. Get a short hairdo
The arrival of summer is the perfect excuse to get a shorter haircut, giving you a lighter look and feel during the warm summer months. A mod-style bob, super-short pixie style or simply a layered longer hairstyle will make for a cool summer style. If you're not sure which 'do will suit you, ask a professional New Zealand hairdresser.
Looking for more summer fashion information? Find New Zealand summer fashion in the NZS.com directory.
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Seasons and Celebrations images from Flickr: Dyed Eggs, Chickees and Chocolate Bunnies.
