I love summer! Especially the warmer weather, which means spending more time outdoors and more importantly changing over to your summer wardrobe!

There is always that transition time between seasons, when you are not quite sure whether you should pack your winter woolies away but once summer is here in earnest there is nothing better than swopping your winter boots for strappy sandals and a pair of jeans and a jumper for a gorgeous summer dress.

With the help of Dominique Luck I did a spring/summer wardrobe sort a few weeks back. Once we had sorted all my existing clothing and decided which items would make the donation pile, we made a list of the summer fashion essentials, which I need to  add to my wardrobe.

These are a few of the Summer Fashion Essentials, which were on the list:

• Trousers: Pleated, printed,tapered or wide leg its all good! I find that I tend to live in jeans but often I need something a bit smarter for evening wear or I simply want to achieve a different look. Dominique’s advice is no matter what style you choose ensure they fit well and make a statement! A few great trends for this season are preppy cotton trousers or statement printed wide leg or tapered trousers. To find similar style printed trousers click here. I managed to find the pair below, from Trenery at Woolworths, which are perfect for an evening out or an event and you can wear them with heels or flats.

• The ballet pump: Pumps are essential for spring/summer, especially during the transitional weather when it is still too cold for flip flops or sandals but too warm for boots. There are so many styles and colours to choose from in the shops at the moment, we are spoilt for choice but it is also so good to have at least one neutral pair. I especially love handmade pumps like the pair above from Luli Pulani. On my search for a new pair for everyday wear, I found the pair below at Old Khaki, they are part of their Rare Earth range – they are super comfy and look great with just about any outfit!

• Strappy sandals: The best part of summer is getting your tootsies out! Donning a pair of strappy sandals or wedges, with a bright and summery colour painted on your toes – perfect! My sandal collection is a bit sad at the moment, so I opted for a very versatile silver pair from Aldo to start off my summer sandal collection. I am still on the hunt for a sexy pair of high wedges for summer!

• Dresses! I think I love the idea of dresses more, than dressed themselves but I think my apprehension lies in finding the “right” dress – one that makes me feel and look sexy and feminine! Last summer I found two pretty pastels lace dresses, which I loved wearing, they are both shorter in length and make me feel super sexy. If you prefer something longer then opt for a statement maxi dress, there are so many gorgeous prints available – a few new maxi dresses are definitely on my shopping list! To find summer dresses click here and here.

• Scarves!!! I love scarves, much like shoes and bags, if I walk into a shop I HAVE to look at the scarves they have on display, whether I need one or not! Florals, pastels, geometric brights it does not really matter!! Mix match and or clash – just have a bit of fun 🙂 I found the gorgeous scarf above at Old Khaki and have had so many compliments when I wear it. {I had to go back and buy the cardi, which is also from Old Khaki. I did not buy it first time around as I have quite a collection of cardi’s but coral is one of favourite colours, so I had to have it :)}

A few fashion tips to remember:

~ If you find a classic clothing item, which fits you well, then buy more than one!

~When buying a T shirt ensure that you remember the secret formula – 95% Cotton and 5%Lycra or Spandex, this will help it hold its shape and last longer.

~When buying denim, especially stretch denim, buy a size smaller because it will stretch and lets face it there is nothing worse than a saggy-butt!

~Keep a scarf in your bag or car – it will perk up any outfit and take your look from ordinary to fabulous!

There are many other items which are essential to complete your summer wardrobe but these are a few of the basics.

Items Featured: Black Trousers R599 Trenery at Woolworths, Nude Rare Earth Pumps R599 Old Khaki, Silver Thong Sandals R499 Aldo, Coral & Pink Scarf R160 Old Khaki, Coral Cardigan R350 Old Khaki, Floral Dresses bought on holiday in Thailand.