Are there some gaps in your wardrobe this season? I hope so, because with the number of incredibly exciting trends hitting the catwalks, you have some catching up to do. From sheer-panelled dresses prompting a bit of a ‘side bum’ craze, to eyebrow-raising cut-out numbers, the stars are daring to bare almost all in the name of fashion with some of the most exciting trends we’ve seen for some time.

You’ll be glad to hear that Summer 2013 is not entirely about naked flesh though. In fact, unless you’re particularly body confident and have spent some hardcore hours at the gym this winter, I would advise against going too far down this route. Thankfully, there are also some very exciting and super-wearable trends around too, which you can embrace wholeheartedly with just a few essential pieces.

1. A jazzy jacket - My, my - this season brings us such a wealth of choice in the jacket department! From bold biker jackets to colourful stripes, this season you just need a smart, well-fitting jacket in your wardrobe to finish off any outfit. Lightweight jackets are perfect for the British summer, and if you make a good quality purchase, it will be your best friend over the coming months.

2. A teeny tiny bag - In a swift U-turn from the bucket bags and satchels of recent years, this season’s must-have accessory is the mini bag - a teeny-tiny slip of a bag, barely big enough for your iPhone. Naturally, it’s not the last word in practicality, but if you want to stay on-trend you’ll no doubt get used to carrying less and less junk around with you – who needs excess baggage anyway?

From the post Blue Jay Way

3. A stripy dress - Stripes are here, and they are chunky. No pinstripes for us, thank you very much. The stripes of 2013 are big, bold and colourful. Opt for a nautical air with stripes in navy/white or red/white, or go for something altogether more tropical with a mixture of chunky pastel stripes. The cut of the dress doesn’t matter as there’s something for everyone this season. So whether you prefer maxi elegance or bold bodycon, get it with stripes & you’ll be bang on trend.

4. A lacy top  - Feminine fabrics are so hot right now, and the resurgence in popularity of lace garments is a very welcome one for the girly girls. Add one really gorgeous lace top to your wardrobe this summer, and you’ll be wearing it at both work and play all season. Dress it up with a midi-skirt and ballet flats for the office, or wear it out with super-short Denim Shorts and pumps for a chilled-out beach babe look.

5. A pair of flatforms - Normally our feet are often put through several sorts of pain in order to keep up with the trends, but this year the stylists have given our poor tootsies a break with the introduction of the ‘flatform’. These chunky, funky shoes are a godsend for women who are sick of ridiculously high heels but who can’t bear the lack of height given by flats. Flatforms marry the comfort of flats with the height of platforms and encourage better posture, too. Style with extra comfort - what more could you want?

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