21/08 2009
CAPSULE WARDROBE
Blog by Harvey Nichols Birminghan
For many of us, our holiday wardrobe is no where near as stylish as the one we turn to during the rest of the year. It’s when you spot the biggest fashion disasters – badly fitting shorts, skimpy vest tops on those who should know better and, dare I say it, sandals and socks (gasp!).
But there really is no excuse to leave you fashion sense back in Ol’ Blighty as you head off to warmer climes – in fact, a perfect capsule wardrobe is simple to achieve.
One of the key items has to be swimwear – be smart and opt for something that won’t just see the light of day on the beach. Clever kaftans combined with bikini tops work wonders for keeping the midday sun off your sensitive parts, but equally they can be easily dressed up with some smart city shorts or linen trousers for a night out in a local taverna. Ones from Donna Karan and Missoni really caught my eye this summer.
You can always count on Juicy Couture – the celebrity label de jour – for great leisurewear, and the summer collection this year is no exception. Easy to wear with cheeky detailing, this range always proves an absolute hit with It Girls everywhere.
If you’re looking for simple but sexy summer dresses, check out Diesel Black Gold – the tie-dye T-shirt dress is great on its own, teamed with denims or black rats – while Bruuns Bazaar has a great selection of sassy ones that can be teamed with cropped cardies and gladiators for a stylish look.
Finally, our absolute must-have is the wonderfully adaptable DKNY Cozy (£150). Known as a “sweater with multiple personalities” this essential offers a complete wardrobe, because each clever Cozy has 12 different ways to wear it. In 85 per cent silk and 15 per cent cashmere, you can dress it up or dress it down; knot it or tie it. By day, it’s a soft option to a jacket; at night, it keeps you warm. Best of all, it’s great for the flight – especially as a blanket-wrap to keep you comfy.
