Alex Perry on Summer's Most Glamorous Must-Haves

5th OF December 2011

What pieces should we invest in to keep us looking fabulously gorgeous this season? What are the rules of engagement this party season? What's hot, what's not and what will make us sparkle like a diamond in a sea of cubic zirconias?

I love the craziness of December. As the heat intensifies, the festive season hits full tilt and the giddy mix goes to our heads like a crisp cold glass of French champagne. It’s the time of year to party, play and preen to the enth degree. But don’t let the bubbles and heat effect your glamour factor! As we make the frenzied dash to years’ end, no one wants to look like a sweaty washed up wreck, wearing Snookie’s cast offs. There are some key fashion essentials guaranteed to have you looking hotter than the Bondi sun in December, and sparkling like a diamond in a sea of cubic zirconias.

Read on for my list of the most glamorous Summer must-haves this party season, guaranteed to have YOU wardrobe-ready for fabulous fun in and out of the sun ...

1. Espradille Platform Wedges

There are all manner of styles available this Summer in every conceivable colour and price point. Find one that you love [or three] and wear them with every outfit, day and night, for maximum glamour impact. Check out these ones from Nine West and Jimmy Choo.

2. Bright Coloured Party Dress

Again there are lots out there so get shopping! Load up on colour blocked dresses, or anything fun and short in your favourite lollipop shade of sunshine, tangerine, red, purple, cobalt or fuchsia. Here is my favourite from my Summer 2011 collection.

3. Wildly Patterned Maxi Dress

A girl’s best friend this Summer. Sheer, mesh or chiffon are best. Look for big bold prints. Wear them poolside or relaxed party-side, to their best effect. I love Camilla’s kaftan inspired maxi’s.

4. White Out

White should always be a Summer wardrobe staple in my books [blame it on George Michael’s WHAM! days when he rocked a now legendary head-to-toe white look]. This season however, head-to-toe White happens to be super hot. Look for chunky laces, cotton embroideries and highly textured fabrics. A word of caution though – an all over white outfit MUST be accessorised with a tan [fake it, spray it or bake it]. No white on white pasty limbs please!

5. Maillot Swimsuit

Go from Beach to Bar with this season’s hottest item. Look for a well structured, figure flattering one piece swimsuit that looks great beachside. When the cocktails beckon on dry land, simply add a heel, a little bling and great mini skirt or wide leg slouch pants. Make sure the neckline is well supported and super flattering to your bust. Megan Gale’s Isola range has some perfect options.

So ditch those has beens from last season and give yourself the gift of glamour this Summer. Look fabulous, be gorgeous and celebrate in style. No excuses [and definitely no Snookies]!

Alex