With this spring summer holding a plethora of exciting new trends, varying from sugary sorbet shades, slouchy sports luxe, clean sharp tailoring, graphic brights and clashing florals as well as ladylike 50s shapes adorned with peplum and pencil shapes, it's not hard to be a little lost for where to start. Although it's reassuring to know there's something for everyone, when most of us are on a little bit of a budget, it's important to know what's worth investing in for coming seasons, and more so what will ooze the most versatility.
So with a bit of thought and some serious scouring, I have compiled my top picks for Spring/Summer 2012, along with some of the top high street picks- making it a little easier to make your wardrobe filled with this seasons most covetable looks. So without further ado my top 10 picks...
(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr)
One trend I've taken a certain shine to (see spots, swans, florals etc), an effortless piece that can be worn with everything giving an instant update to even the most basic pieces. Think tapered, silk and pyjama style- comfort comes first with this trend!

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr)
Okay, so this wasn't seen at Louis Vuitton's or Prada's catwalk show, but it's one item that will go with everything and any piece you buy this spring summer. Whether it be oversize, sheer, with a deep v, worn with prints, cropped, under dresses and what have you it's an essential that will never go out of fashion. Additionally most tee's can be snapped up for less than £20 (oh hello Primark!), steal!

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr & All The Pretty Birds Blog)
Also known as the 'umbrella' detail. Seen on pencil skirts, fitted and body con dresses and now tops, peplum is a somewhat regal ladylike 50's inspired shape, giving your wardrobe that extra 'Kate Middleton' feel to it. For any extra ladylike feel go for luxe silk like fabrics, or rich prints.

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr & The Style Voyager)
With Lana Del Rey and Rihanna being the cover girls for this trend, the bralet is a sassy take on the 'underwear as outerwear' trend and looks perfect under a sheer blouse or teamed with some high waisted shorts. Try top-to-bottom matching prints for the ultimate pin-up look or teamed with a bomber jacket for a real 'girl next door' feel.

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr)
Summer dresses in sugary shades are one for every girls wardrobe. With sorbet tones and pastel hues reappearing every Spring, a classic frock in pink, lilac, blue, lemon or mint is a certain spring must have. With icons such as Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn fronting this classic and womanly look, there's something timeless about a simple dress in a muted fresh colour. Look for additional floral embroidery, broderie anglaise and prom style shapes to add extra pizazz.

(Looks taken from Street Peeper, Vanessa Jackman & Almandita Tumblr)
Spotted at J.W Anderson and Stella McCartney (and worn by UK sweetheart Alexa Chung at House of Holland's AW12 show), this is one of this seasons biggest prints. A subtle nod to the 70s and combining the key casual pyjama trend, think statement pieces teamed with block colours.

(Looks taken from Be Frassy, Gem Fatale and Grazia Daily)
A trend for the braver of us, scarf print and baroque are certainly making a statement this year. For a look to challenge even the biggest Duran Duran fan girl, think printed bomber jackets and silky shorts with a block colour tee to keep the look chic.

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr)
With metallics and sparkles making a big bang this season (and continuing through to Autumn Winter) whether it's collared detail, embellished lace, a foiled jumper or a top to toe sequins- it's a look the high street has certainly taken a shine to; head to Topshop and All Saints for the most dazzling pieces.
x
So with a bit of thought and some serious scouring, I have compiled my top picks for Spring/Summer 2012, along with some of the top high street picks- making it a little easier to make your wardrobe filled with this seasons most covetable looks. So without further ado my top 10 picks...
(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr)
One trend I've taken a certain shine to (see spots, swans, florals etc), an effortless piece that can be worn with everything giving an instant update to even the most basic pieces. Think tapered, silk and pyjama style- comfort comes first with this trend!

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr)
Okay, so this wasn't seen at Louis Vuitton's or Prada's catwalk show, but it's one item that will go with everything and any piece you buy this spring summer. Whether it be oversize, sheer, with a deep v, worn with prints, cropped, under dresses and what have you it's an essential that will never go out of fashion. Additionally most tee's can be snapped up for less than £20 (oh hello Primark!), steal!

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr & All The Pretty Birds Blog)
Also known as the 'umbrella' detail. Seen on pencil skirts, fitted and body con dresses and now tops, peplum is a somewhat regal ladylike 50's inspired shape, giving your wardrobe that extra 'Kate Middleton' feel to it. For any extra ladylike feel go for luxe silk like fabrics, or rich prints.

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr & The Style Voyager)
With Lana Del Rey and Rihanna being the cover girls for this trend, the bralet is a sassy take on the 'underwear as outerwear' trend and looks perfect under a sheer blouse or teamed with some high waisted shorts. Try top-to-bottom matching prints for the ultimate pin-up look or teamed with a bomber jacket for a real 'girl next door' feel.

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr)
Summer dresses in sugary shades are one for every girls wardrobe. With sorbet tones and pastel hues reappearing every Spring, a classic frock in pink, lilac, blue, lemon or mint is a certain spring must have. With icons such as Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn fronting this classic and womanly look, there's something timeless about a simple dress in a muted fresh colour. Look for additional floral embroidery, broderie anglaise and prom style shapes to add extra pizazz.

(Looks taken from Street Peeper, Vanessa Jackman & Almandita Tumblr)
Spotted at J.W Anderson and Stella McCartney (and worn by UK sweetheart Alexa Chung at House of Holland's AW12 show), this is one of this seasons biggest prints. A subtle nod to the 70s and combining the key casual pyjama trend, think statement pieces teamed with block colours.

(Looks taken from Be Frassy, Gem Fatale and Grazia Daily)
A trend for the braver of us, scarf print and baroque are certainly making a statement this year. For a look to challenge even the biggest Duran Duran fan girl, think printed bomber jackets and silky shorts with a block colour tee to keep the look chic.

(Looks taken from Topshop Tumblr)
With metallics and sparkles making a big bang this season (and continuing through to Autumn Winter) whether it's collared detail, embellished lace, a foiled jumper or a top to toe sequins- it's a look the high street has certainly taken a shine to; head to Topshop and All Saints for the most dazzling pieces.
x




















Such a brilliantly put together post! I'm absolutely loving good quality basics at the moment like the plain white tee too! x
ReplyDeletethemusingsofflorence.blogspot.co.uk/
Aww there I am in the peplum photos!! So glad you liked it Olivia! :) I could not agree more with your picks either, especially printed trousers, I only wish I could pull them off as well as you! x
ReplyDeletelove this post, amazing picks, I'm inspired :)
ReplyDeleteMaaike
www.cigarettesinthetheater.blogspot.com
This is genuinely one of my favouite ever blog posts Liv. This is what blogging is all about. This post must have taken you so much time and effort and it really shows. The images and clothes you've selected are all stunning and you're picks for this season are fab, totally agree with them all. AND your writing is fab, I love how you've described each trend and given your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThis is why your blog has so many followers :)
Mel x
www.mediamarmalade.com
This is beautifully put together- it must have taken you ages to source all the images! Love the tone as well :) I love all the fondant frocks around at the moment, and have just got some printed trousers (although they will probably only see the light of day on holiday!)
ReplyDeletex
I seriously love all the peplum tops! I recently found a 50s lace peplum jacket which is sadly too small for me :( XO
ReplyDeletefab post which is beautifully put together :) snaps for you!
ReplyDeletemissluxurylifestyle.blogspot.co.uk
xx
Great post! I'm not liking a lot of the s/s trends :( I'm all about dresses and dark colours so pastels and floral trousers scare me! x
ReplyDeleteLove the printed trousers and the boroque/scarf print trend :)
ReplyDeleteDo you think the printed trousers could work for a curvy size 10-12, I might have to try some on :)
Josephine. xx
This is such an incredible post! SO beautifully written and such brilliant illustration. If you don't end up with a very very high flying career in fashion I'll be absolutely gobsmacked.
ReplyDeleteEmily Wears Things
xx
Great Post!!
ReplyDeletexx
love your floral picks!
ReplyDeletehttp://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/
Ohh, yes! I love the perplum trend - Jazz of Jazzabelles diary wore it so well! <3
ReplyDeletex
Lost in the Haze: Fashion Blog
Lovely post Olivia!! Enjoyed the way you presented the current trends!!! I love the floral pants with tailored jackets!!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Nina
http://trendsurvivor.com/
http://trendsurvivor.blogspot.com/
Great post! <3
ReplyDeleteGreat picks! Good overview of the key trends.
ReplyDeleteHave a fab Tuesday Hun xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
Love the paisley and pj trend. I have those paisley ASOS trousers and love them, though you get the occasional "forget to take your PJ's off this morning?" comment!
ReplyDeletehttp://plaidandlace.blogspot.co.uk/
You're making me want to go out and spend spend spend! Luckily I already have the white and blue Topshop bralet ;) xx
ReplyDeleteI love this post Liv. So good, and great to see how others wear it. I love the pieces you've picked.
ReplyDeletePenny x
Amazing post Olivia. This is exactly why I follow your blog. The effort you put in is second to none and your style is always spot on. I love every single one of your picks....let the shopping begin! oh and lets hope for the weather to match :)
ReplyDeleteJulie
Great post Olivia. I'll certainly be digging out my baroque print dress from a few years back. I'm tempted to try some floral trousers but a little hesitant due to my sizeable thighs (!) but at least I know what to try with them now thanks to you. X
ReplyDeleteFab post- it must have taken you ages! Love how you have explained each trend, the examples you've chosen are spot on and it's great to see you wearing some of them too :) although now I think I need to go shopping!! Rachel xx
ReplyDeletelove peplum! Miss S have a lush lilac top in http://www.missselfridge.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33055&storeId=12554&productId=5341409&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208023&parent_categoryId=208022&pageSize=40 xxx
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I'm still looking for the perfect printed trousers!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Laura
http://styleandsushi.blogspot.com
I love this post! So nice seeing everything styled together as well! Love the printed trousers so much! xx
ReplyDeletewhat a brilliant post, spot on with the printed trousers!
ReplyDeletehttp://anydaywilldofine.blogspot.co.uk
Such a great post, gonna keep it bookmarked for some inspiration! Printed trousers, peplum top and paisley print are firmly on my list!
ReplyDeletewishfulsinfulyou.blogspot.com
love the baroque and fondant frocks section! x
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment! :)Oh I really want to try the pyjama trend :) I think Alexa and Susy looks really cute in it :)
ReplyDeleteI'm all for the metallic trend!
ReplyDeletechimericalperfection.blogspot.com
What a great post Liv! My favourite - metallics! xx
ReplyDeleteaminorobsession.blogspot.com
This is such a great post, I want so much of it, kind of loving the metallics!
ReplyDeleteLucy Loves To Blog
Wow absolutely love this post it is so so so helpful!
ReplyDeletehttp://nowrongorright.blogspot.co.uk/
S xx
YES to absolutely everything.
ReplyDeleteI've never been more excited for prints than I have this season!
Besos,
Lela
Fashion Blog - Lela London
Fabulous blog post! One of my faves I've read recently. Really really interesting! xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad bralets are in and this time REALLY in. I remember Topshop had a couple 2 years ago, but they weren't that great. Now everyone has them! yey!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog hun
Kate x
http://memoirsofawardrobe.co.uk
I'd love to rock a bralet but am so nervous about getting strange looks!!!
ReplyDeletewww.theskinnyblondegirl.com/
Love this Post! Its fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLittle Miss Sunshine Style
This is such a fab post I love it, it's given me so much inspiration for when I go shopping! I'm desperate for some printed trousers :)
ReplyDelete<3 Holz oxo
Okay you're making me go on the Warehouse website to buy my own white peplum top now...desperately need it in my life pronto!
ReplyDeleteGemma x
http://www.gemmasatire.blogspot.co.uk
thats really so stunning!
ReplyDeleteIF U WANT TO VISIT MY BLOG STREET CHIC http://chicstreetchoc.blogspot.com/
U CAN ALSO FIND ME ON FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/pages/Street-Chic/126609910754628
This is beautifully put together- it must have taken you ages to source all the images! Thanks for taking the time to post this.
ReplyDelete