Summer Bloom — The Wardrobe

I don't know about you, but every time a new season rolls around it's like I can't get enough of the new styles - or even just the refreshing change of switching to lighter fabrics versus snuggling up in layers. Eventually I will undoubtedly complain of the hotter weather, and wish for winter again but for now it is gloriously summer and this outfit is everything I love about the new season.

Dress from Portmans, Bag + accessories from Colette by Colette Hayman, Hat from Kmart + Hairflower from Shop the Wardrobe on Etsy.

Amongst all the trends popping up this summer season, and on the note of trends I must emphasise I'm not always a big follower for them - but there are some that owe their popularity due to their flattering nature. The off shoulder style is one of them, and for many girls this look is both easy to wear and style. If you have narrow shoulders, and particularly us more well endowed ladies - you'll find most of the options in this style to be very easy to wear. If you have wider shoulders and a petite bust, opt for an off the shoulder style with less frill, and either chunkier stripes or a bolder pattern. Portmans has a range of tops and dresses with the off-shoulder look. If you're not a fan of dresses you can easily match a top with a pair of jeans too, the options are pretty endless. The other great thing is that you have so much real estate around the neckline to decorate! Chokers, elaborate necklaces, cute pendants, whatever is your favourite generally will look fab too.

Dress from Portmans, Bag + accessories from Colette by Colette Hayman, Hat from Kmart + Hairflower from Shop the Wardrobe on Etsy. Shoes from Hannahs.

I decided to accessorise this look with pink highlights, taken from the accents of pink within the dress. When putting together my outfits I start with one piece - usually the main thing. In this outfit it's my dress, and especially with the pattern being very intense I don't want to have my accessories competing with it. I picked soft hues in the bag and choker, and a mixture of pinks in my custom made hat flower.

Dress from Portmans, Accessories from Colette by Colette Hayman, Hat from Kmart + Hairflower from Shop the Wardrobe on Etsy.

These earrings from Colette really solidified this look for me, I love details and beautiful patterns and the delicate drops within them echo the petals in my hair flower, and the flowers in my dress! I'm a bit of a matchy-matchy gal, and like my outfits to be cohesive and vibrant. The choker from Colette is actually a soft velvet, and has a lovely feel. Velvet chokers can be a lot more sophisticated looking than ribbon ones, and add contrasting texture to your look.

These heels from Hannahs you may have spotted in some of my other #OOTD posts on my instagram and they are very flattering for us gals with thinner legs. On that note - here is my advice about what shoes are right for you. If you have thicker legs - opt for thicker straps. Thinner legs and narrow feet - opt for styles with thinner straps. It is actually as simple as that. Contrast is the master of illusion in styling, and by drawing the eye to what you choose you can completely transform your look.

Oh my, pom poms. My latest obsession. If you saw my recent outfit 'Starry Eyed' you'll know I have a love for them. Along with all things cute and pretty. Colette stocks so many different colours and variety, and you can pop one of these babies on your handbag, iPhone, keys, notebooks, you name it. I'm going for the classy look here - just one pom pom and resisting the urge to start layering them...

Vibrant blues and soft pinks make the most beautiful summer colour palette. These holidays I'll be dreaming of blue skies and warm sunsets in this look. For now I'll be taking this look out to dinner and I wish you all the best exciting new year ahead!