La Métamorphe presents their newest haute couture collection for the season Autumn/Winter 2022/23 and tells a secret: "Le Secret d’Empédocle".

The old revisited makes the new for the everyday. Barcelona-based We are Spastor just launched their newest sustainable and limited-edition capsule collection: ED.01.

Colour blocking is the sartorial art of blocking colours together in a stylish way without being unappealing to the eye. The latest spring summer collections were beaming with colour blocking outfits during fashion week. Soft colour blocking seems to be the most desirable look but not so obvious in how to achieve it.

We reveal how inspiration plays a role in the art of colour blocking and where you can draw ideas.

Check out the different ways colour blocking can look both soft and endearing this season, without travelling too far to feel inspired.
Pick colours that are not too contrasting

To make colour blocking “soft”, you simply pair neutral and pastel colours rather than bright colours. In other words, make sure that the hues that you’re blocking reside in the same camp: in this case pastels with pastels.

Pick Elements Of The Colour Wheel

For colour blocking, it’s often useful to pick certain areas of the colour wheel and pair these colours together. For example oranges and reds will pair well together as they lie next to each other on the colour wheel.
Add colour through accessories

If colour isn’t your go-to when selecting your outfit, but you feel like you want to start including it in your style, then adding colourful accessories is the best way. It fully embraces the soft colour blocking trend as well as broadening your outfits.

Try Tonal Colour Blocking

One of the most effective looks of colour blocking is tonal focusing on one specific colour. If pink is your favourite colour, then try not pairing vibrant pink jeans with a pastel pink top for the perfect summer look. It's dramatic and combines the coveted “soft” element.

Jo McLaren, Head of E-Commerce at N.Peal a luxury cashmere brand commented “...This summer it’s time to dial it down a bit and opt for soft colour blocking with pastel and neutral tones. Our tips can help you nail this latest fashion trend, without worrying that you’ve overdone it.

If you don't feel inclined to consult the colour wheel, look to nature. Particularly flowers such as tulips for pastels and vivid tones inspiring you this season.

N.Peal have recently launched a range of colourful clothing with Pantone, in celebration of all things colour. Find their pastel palettes to romance the soft colour blocking trend this season on the N.Peal website.

We think you'll love pairing pastels with knitwear brands this season, right this way for other brands to dazzle the eyes.

We are embracing the shine and glow of yellow this summer. Reflecting the optimism of the Queen’s Jubilee, showing its versatility, the colour yellow has made its comeback in the fashion world.

As summer is slowly approaching, we’re ready to pull out our favourite summer outfits and enjoy days of fun under the sun. Since summer outfits are easy and breezy, we should also use simple accessories to complement our look. From jewellery to summer hats and sunglasses, there are plenty of options.

Ph. Julia Kicova (Unsplash)

Simple combos usually feel like something’s missing, so we suggest you add a few simple accessories to spice up your look.

You can always turn to Instagram to draw some inspiration and see what’s trendy this summer season. You can also follow our guide to give you a few cool ideas on how to accessorise this summer.

Pick Out Your Favourite Jewellery Pieces

Ph. LUM3N (Unsplash)

Summer outfits are all about adding a little spark with necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Jewellery is usually one aspect of our appearance that makes a style statement. You can say a lot about a person by looking at their choice of jewellery, whether they prefer glamour or minimalism, and how they make use of their favourite colours.

For example, fine pearl earrings can be a great accessory for your office outfits as well as a casual outing with friends. They can add a timeless touch of luxury and look perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for an elegant pair or classic ones. The point of accessorising is adding a little something to your outfit but be careful to not overdo it.

Summer Hats

Ph. Debby Hudson (Unsplash)

Summer hats are an ideal accessory for a summer brunch or an afternoon get-together with family and friends. They also protect you from the sun and are a saviour on a bad hair day. Choose one that complements your face as well as your outfit choice. Summer hats often go perfectly with a summer dress, as they’re stylish and eye-catching.

You can even use them as a single accessory piece if you don’t prefer wearing jewellery, for example. A small fedora can be appropriate for a slightly dressy or smart casual look, while a floppy hat adds a pretty touch to an outfit with an elegant vibe. Mid-size straw hats are usually casual and versatile, which makes them ideal for most summer outfits.

It’s All About The Shoes

Ph. Karim Elmissiry (Unsplash)

Summer shoes, especially sandals can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of choices including basic flats, embellished sandals, flip-flops, heeled sandals, espadrilles, casual sneakers, and many more. You can choose one depending on your outfit for the day. Don’t be afraid to mix your style with shoes as they bring out a different vibe, more than any other accessory.

You can deliver an adventurous style or an elegant one, and it will solely depend on what shoes you choose to wear. For example, you can combine a maxi dress with sneakers or casual denim shorts and a summer shirt with heeled sandals, and you’ll have a unique style that is anything but boring. You can even see celebrities promoting unusual combinations with different summer outfits and shoes, so why not try them yourself?

Summer Bags, Scarves, And Sunglasses

Ph. Artem Beliaikin (Unsplash)

If you were wondering how to accessorise your favourite summer outfit and be able to carry around tubes of sunscreen, lip-gloss, and other essentials, you can never go wrong with a tote bag. They’re perfect for an afternoon with your friends or even a casual day at the office. With so many different designs and styles, it’s the perfect bag for an effortless outfit addition. If you want to elevate your style, you can always go for a small or big straw bag, as it is perfect for the beach as well as casual evenings with friends.

What’s summer without cool sunglasses and unique scarves? Lightweight summer scarves are designed as a style accent to add a subtle splash to your summer outfits. Tie it around your summer bag or your neck with a cute knot, and even wear it in your hair as a hair accessory. Stylish sunglasses are a staple not just for summer but any other season. They protect your eyes from harmful rays and look great on anything you wear whether sporty or classy. From statement-making oversized to aviator’s sunglasses, your summer style can be set off perfectly with any pair you choose.

Final Thoughts

You may not think of styling your outfits as much in the summer, however, with a little creativity you can get a great summer look that will elevate not only your style but your mood as well. From simple summer hats to trendy sunglasses, there are plenty of choices to experiment with and find what best suits your style and preferences. Enjoy your summer being a little more trendy than usual.

Personal stylist Dress Decanted makes a guest editorial with Fashion Finest on the emotional benefits of buying second hand and how it enhances the fashion industry to do much better.

The emotional process of selecting a piece should be deliberate, not accidental. Ph. Noemie Roussel (unsplash). 

One sustainable personal stylist covers the impact of thrift retail that can’t be replicated online.

“Think About Dressing For Your Soul”

Many underestimate the emotional lift when putting some time into your appearance carefully and consciously. Retail cuts that process out whilst thrifting allows you to pause, slow down and awaken the senses. The clothes don’t smell of a warehouse. They hold a story and if it fits your mood, you take home a memory for yourself.

Time and time again, self expression has proven to be the antidote to a dampened spirit. Quenching your soul’s creative thirst can help a passion that’s gone un-nurtured to flourish into action.

“Retail Therapy” Is Therapy. But Not As You Know It"

Scanning through pages of high street or designer clothes waiting for something to grab you by the collar is one way of doing this, however I opt for a more hands on approach that tickles the brain a little more intimately.

Vintage clothes/charity shops and eBay-like merchants give a visceral experience that you can tailor to yourself like a custom suit.

“Engaging true sense of style should be touch, smell and how it sounds when you wear it”. Ph. Tessa Simpson (unsplash).

For example, the sensation of feeling a rugged denim or corduroy when running your hands through a rack of pre-worn trousers and jeans.

The smell of steamed hanging leather jackets is something that can’t be replicated online. However, online doesn’t have to feel cumbersome.

Getting an eBay delivery you almost forgot about and finding out your due diligence of size checking and patience has paid off can be just as rewarding. Carefully curating some of your outfits around second hand clothes allows you to see first hand the themes that defined eras in fashion all over the world, I really like that.

Nothing will give you more ideas than seeing a statement piece of a forgotten time. All these things make my brain marvellously happy. Of course these are only the immediate rewards to changing your creative trajectory.

“Fast fashion” and “sustainability” have been unavoidable terms echoed through every runway and office in the industry. The consumer shouldn’t be obligated or beholden to cure something they had no hand in creating, however the ripple effect of the everyday consumer buying used cannot be understated.

So…if you’re interested in sparking your imagination, and gaining access to a broad array of unique designers, and an endless spectrum of inimitable materials and looks only now being dredged up from the stubborn clutches of time, then here’s how you might do it.

First and most importantly, have all your measurements ready. If you don’t have them, get them. Fit is everything.

If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home; eBay, Vinted, Etsy and Gumtree are all sofa shopping game changers but come with their own merits. Personally for the user base and range of options/filters I’m an eBay loyalist but Vinted appears to have no shortage of praise.

If small excursions to quiet shops you didn’t know existed missed your radar, then searching “used Vintage clothes shops near me” in your browser of choice will yield results that may surprise you. My experience is little weekend escapades to see what catches your gaze may quickly mutate into group trips that spark creative competition.

But the beauty of it all is that it’s all your choice.

More about this guest featured stylist: -Dress Decanted

Want more sustainable style advice? Sign up to our newsletter here and check out who is attending our pop up event on the 19th June in London, don’t miss your chance to network and enjoy fashion collections from limited lines.

Whilst the population is in fear of a Third World War, it’s a sobering time to think about how military formation has shaped who we are now. It is no coincidence what we wear right now carries with it a weight of a time we may have forgotten temporarily but holds a past chapter of what we faced before.

Summer is right around the corner, and as conscious fashion lovers we all know it’s time to restyle our clothes from the previous season.

Ph. Artem Beliaikin (unsplash)

Instead of buying new, why not upcycle some of your winter favourites, into beloved summer pieces.

Here’s what to expect walking into summer and how to rework your winter staples for the season.

Cargo Pants- How Trousers Can Be Your Staple

Ph. Nathan Van De Graaf (Unsplash)

Cargos have been the staple of winter wardrobes. Men and women have been obsessed with the relaxed style, which has been significant since mom and flare jeans overtook skinny jeans. Many different retailers hopped straight on the trend and now shops are filled with the beloved cargo pants. The pants have been such a staple due to the low-rise silhouette, turning your body into an hourglass shape. But individuals seem puzzled of how they can still incorporate cargos on a warm sunny day. Don’t worry, because the rise of cargo pants will still be the hype of this summer. Trade your roll necks and boots, for crop or vest tops and sandals at the flick of a switch, from warm winter trends to hot summer styles.

Make Low Rise Mini Skirts Your Essential

Ph.  Paul Szewczyk (Unsplash)

Low rise mini skirts are a craze for women right now. We have seen them fitted on celebrities like Camila Mendes, Kendall Jenner and Olivia Rodrigo. Micro skirts with a low waistline and a chain belt are so popular, and really do accentuate your body. Show off your inner Britney Spears and Beyonce, when rocking their iconic noughties fashion. It is clearer than ever that women are feeling more empowered. AAnd especially confident and sexy in these little skirts. What better time to get your legs out in the warm summer breeze?  No need to buy more, you can keep your classic black and white skirts from the winter as an essential for your summer looks. Instead of styling them with tights and a long sleeve crop top, trade them in for a sustainable organic cotton tank top.

Goth to Chic In Winter To Summer Style

Ph. Naeim Jafari (Unsplash)

The cliché of the gothic era predominantly consisting of girls wearing dramatic makeup, green hair and fishnets tights is over. You can be just like your beloved A listers; Kourtney Kardashian and Megan Fox who have grabbed gothic style and twisted it into this romantic tailor. They have incorporated the classic colours like black and red and layered it with lace and corsets, creating a sexy piece. Our two gothic idols established their change in fashion after beginning to date gothic rock stars, Travis Barker and Machine Gun Kelly. The old conventions of goth have been changed once and for all, by our beautiful celebrity icons. You can incorporate this into your summer wardrobe by styling black leather shorts with corsets, and carry a leather jacket over the shoulders; simple.

How Colour Clashing Will Brighten Your Wardrobe

Ph. Katsiaryna Endeuszkiewicz (Unsplash)

It's not for everyone, but if you want to turn heads then this style will keep you occupied in the summer. Mix reds with pinks and blues with orange, creating a vibrant summery look. Colour clashing is the ideal statement to make on an everyday occurrence, or when arriving at a party. And what’s more perfect than using colours in the sun. Be the showstopper at every event, and continue to be the ray of sunshine, even if the suns not out. For someone who is more on the girlie side yellows and pinks would be the perfect mix. Team a yellow shift dress with pink sunglasses and open toe sandals, creating a girlie aesthetic. On the other hand, combining blue and orange produces a cool toned, ‘it girl’ vibe. Wear blue camos with an orange tube top and pair with an orange bandana.

It's undeniable that 2000’s trends will continue through this year. So, keep an eye out on the fashion two decades ago, to keep up with the trends.

Trends like these make it easier to rework your winter clothes into solid summer looks that reflect the attitude of what’s hot right now. With a healthy dose of imagination and inspiration, your ensemble can look sassy whilst slowing down consumption, with the added bonus of getting your money's worth from the previous season. 

For more inspiration on sustainable style, why not check your schedule and visit us in London on the 18th June for our first sustainable pop up event showcasing boutiques and suppliers of conscious creations. Head this way to look and book!

Far Afield showcases their latest collection a contemporary menswear-meets-unisex range featuring a whimsical tropical safari theme.

We love how Sabine has captured the soft and vivid hues inviting spring back into our lives once again. Winter can feel heavy and never ending but Sabine Arias’ debut collection uplifts the mood reminding us of fresher days ahead.