Darlene's Blog

It is 2 o'clock in the afternoon and I am sitting in my flat with all the lights on. Two of my coats are hung on a door drip-drying. My cat is looking solemnly through her flap and thinking better of venturing outside. It is, to be perfectly honest, bloody horrible. A platter of grey with a side of spitting rain. Nevertheless, we are entering summer. I know this because I double-checked my calendar. So it must be time to start thinking about T-shirts.

My favourite is the plain white tee. While wearing one I fancy myself to have a hint of the brooding Marlon Brando about me (I obviously don't, but indulge my pathetic fantasy, please). Unfortunately there is an ethical conundrum with this wardrobe staple. As soon as I pull a white tee on, something happens to my co-ordination. If I'm wearing a dark top, I never spill food. Or dribble orange juice down my front. Put me in a white tee, though, and I develop the food and drink-wrangling skills of a newborn. It's embarrassing. And no matter what these washing-powder makers say, it is never easy to get stains out of white clothes. There will always remain, in my experience, a faint ghost of where I dropped a bit of chilli con carne or pea soup or whatever on to my chest. And that won't do.

(Image: homecoming dress )

Consequently I tend to buy cheap white T-shirts – I favour Uniqlo crewnecks – and then get new ones every time I ruin them. And that's the ethical worry. Of course I'd much rather buy one or two lovely high-quality tees which would last for ages. APC and Alexander Wang do some beautifully soft, well-fitting ones. But I don't trust myself. Perhaps the thing to do is invest in a bib. Does anyone make adult bibs? And if not, why not? There's a clear gap in the market. Note to self: start business producing Trendy Adult Bibs. TABs. Potential angel investors feel free to get in touch.

Beyond the pale, there is a multitude of options. Stripes seem to be "in", although to be fair, stripes have been in for, and this is not an exaggeration, all of living memory. I wouldn't be surprised if Neolithic cave-dwellers went nutty for a bit of furry Breton. Floral patterns are also blooming (thank you) everywhere. If you must wear a floral-print tee, at least have the decency to team it with plain everything else. Clashing prints give me a headache.

A quick word on fit and style: never wear tight T-shirts. Never wear plunging V-neck T-shirts. If you obey those two simple rules, you will look fine. If you do not, you will look like a berk. A berk from Towie.

Also Read: http://www.queeniedress.com/red-homecoming-dresses

I love the summer time. Wearing casual, loose cotton T-shirts and shorts are staples of mine.

As my fashion sense continues to evolve, summer should be included as part of my journey to becoming a fashionista. Well, OK, not quite a fashionista. I would be happy to be dressing a little on trend and feeling comfortable.

To guide me on my way to becoming a snazzier dresser is Terry Rosen, Sales Director for Sandstyle Canada Group of sandwich_ clothing, from Holland.

Terry shared with me the top trends for summer and how to put together an attractive, comfortable summer outfit. She said it is quite simple to be on trend this season with a few essential pieces, which will make the world of difference to any summer wardrobe.

(Image: red homecoming dresses under 100)

Top Trends For Summer

Colours - On trend for summer, brighter bloom tones like fuchsias, oranges and sea bright aqua... (love this!).

Fabrics - Natural fibres like cotton and linen blends are strong. Adding a fluid fabric like tencel provides many options for updating any wardrobe. The big trend are knits mixed with woven fabrics in the same garment.

Blazers and Cardigans - The essential piece this season is a versatile blazer in any style. Best investment is a solid colour, this can be worn with many different looks. Heavy jersey knit blazers or woven jackets with knit inserts, are easy to wear.

Accessories - Very big this season is adding a piece of jewelry or bling to your summer outfit. Great scarves, colourful necklaces, multicolour bracelets and fanciful printed shoes are great ways to spice up your wardrobe this summer.

We are all lucky to have different body types. How boring the world would be if we were all the same shape. Terry shared with me her top tips on how to dress for your shape, to feel the most beautiful you can be.

Different Body Shapes

Curvier On Top (that's me!) - Monochrome dressing will flatter the upper part of the body. Dark tops, open necklines and fitted waists will flatter. Wrap tops or dresses will look fabulous with a fitted jacket (not boxy).

Curvier On Bottom - Monochrome or dark coloured pants or skirts, with light colours on the top work best. Wide leg trousers and a-line shaped skirts or dresses will look lovely on you. Small, discreet shoulder pads in the top or blazer, can provide a nice silhouette.

Few Curves - You will look beautiful in low rise flared or boot leg pants with big back pockets, pleated trousers and coloured skinny jeans that are still hot this season. Shapely tops with draping or waist detail and a fitted jacket, with gathering around the waist will suit your frame best. A wide belt over a simple dress, flowy tops, full skirts with a wide waistband and horizontal striped tops will look fabulous on you!

I will be stepping outside of my comfort zone of T-shirts and shorts this summer and trying some of these tips so I can feel comfortable and beautiful.

Also Read: black homecoming dresses