Short is sweet

Given the steady rise in temperature the short cap sleeves as well as the slightly gathered puff, work really well. The latter adds a touch of femininity and interests the blouse/shirt/top and even summer dresses. The puff sleeve can vary in length, and one can even wear it slightly longer with a narrow cuff. This style works best for stylish work shirts.

Kimono Cool

The extended sleeve looks dressy and frothy in the summer. They especially look nice on tunics, blouses, dresses and tees. You can experiment with prints and make the ensemble a little flirty, by adding a satin sash to the waist or knotted loosely around the neck

Strings Attaches

Then there are the noodle traps, halter, sleeveless and in-cut dress silhouettes, which always work for summer. They look and feel relaxed and effortlessly stylish. These styles work very well with cotton Capri length pants, shorts or denims.

Wrap Around

Another summer style is the wrap, worn as a tunic or dress, which looks very chic yet relaxed. This style usually has extended/kimono sleeves. However, if worn as a very bold print, it looks best on the beach. For lounge/casual/every day wear, the extended sleeve and subtle prints/solids look best with the wrap

Bunch Up

Blouson/styled tops, with loose longer length sleeves, gathered into a narrow band or elasticized at the elbow or waist also look very elegant/feminine and work very well with narrow denims, shorts or skirts. However, the key to this look is to keep the bottom/accessories simple. Let the emphasis be on the style of the top/sleeves. These look good for a brunch/vacationing/relaxing day at the beach (worn with shorts). If the fabric is rich (georgettes/silk. Etc.) it can be teamed with well cut pants/pencil skirt and accessories for an evening ensemble as well.

Less is more

For ball gowns, cocktails dresses, etc., the halter/in-cut/off the shoulder with short gathered sleeves and the one shoulder bare silhouette look the best. If you want to experiment a little, you can also wear longer sleeves with a draped feel to add some drama the outfit.

When accessioning, concentrate on any one piece of jewellery either a cocktail ring, or a nice necklace/big earrings. Always make sure you are carrying the right kind or handbag and shoes to go with your look. This can make or break an ensemble.