Renovate your wardrobe!

Renovate your wardrobe!

Summer is in full flight and as your open homes shine in the sun, it may also be time to have a look at your wardrobe. Trends for Summer 2011/2012 offer a plethora of patterns and colours to help lift your mood, your clients, and potentially your sales. 

If you work in Real Estate, your goal in getting dressed for work is to project a professional, competent image. The styles, colors, lengths, and fit of your fashion choices will speak volumes about who you are as a person. Some of the trends for the coming season are well aligned with this theme. For women, this seasons favourite looks include block colours, stripes, the woman’s tuxedos and bold accessories. Men need not miss out this season either, as the popular trends are army inspired fashion, suits with slim-line waists and double breasted jackets. Colour knows no gender so men and women should play with colour in and out of the office.

BLOCK COLOUR

It is going to be a colourful summer in 2012. Popular colours will be yellow, green, and orange citrus and coral tones. No matter the colour, you will be on trend if you keep it on the bright side. 

STRIPES

Stripes will appear this coming season on t-shirts, dresses, jumpers, and accessories. For a fresh look on a summer’s day, pair a classic black and white striped top with a navy jean and structured blazer to achieve an effortless weekend style.

WOMEN’S TUXEDOES

Do you ever feel that you are over the traditional nighttime glamour look? Well if you are, this trend will be perfect for you. Pair a tailored pair of pants with a sheer feminine shirt, jeweled or a lux bowtie, and a structured jacket to create the look. Add a strong feminine shoe to complete this look that leans toward the masculine.

Real estate is a customer facing industry and you are the representative of the brand. How you appear and dress is part of the image that represents that brand to the client

BOLD ACCESSORIES:

Jewelry trends for this summer are bold cuffs and chokers. These minimalist accessories will be a subtle accompaniment to the strong colour blocking fashion trends. (Be cautious when introducing a choker to your look, as they can tend to shorten the neck and make you appear shorter!)

Whether it be gold, silver or a bright pop of colour, this is a trend for the long term so invest in a quality piece.

SUITS

Suits will have slim waists and pants and structured shoulders. The single-breasted suit, which is always in style, is back with a vengeance. Double-breasted suits are also back in style but beware, as this style is best on slim, long frames. 

Pair your classic suit with a pop of bright, seasonal colour, and the easiest way to do this is through a shirt, pocket square, or tie to liven up your work or weekend looks. However, if you work in a strict corporate environment it is best to stick to a more subtle approach to colour and be brighter out of hours.

MEN’S COLOUR:

To introduce some of the colours coming through this year, the confident male dresser can wear a coloured shoe. A trend best reserved for after work hours, it is a great way to have some colour in your wardrobe.

ARMY INSPIRED FASHION:

Regimental fashion is popular for men this summer, which means lots of khaki, strict tailoring, strong lapels, and exaggerated buttons.

CORPORATE APPROPRIATENESS:

Yes, it is good to know what is in style in fashion but it is also very important to know what suits you and your corporate image. Real estate is a customer facing industry and you are the representative of the brand. How you appear and dress is part of the image that represents that brand to the client. The image that you create can really differentiate your organisation.

Jane Hayes is the owner of the Melbourne based fashion consultancy Jane Hayes Consulting. Jane works in the areas of corporate and personal styling, events for the fashion industry, retailers, and corporate branding. Jane also develops business initiatives for Australian fashion designers and is the co-founder of The Spirit of the Black Dress an event that is a feature on the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival calendar. For more information, visit www.janehayesconsulting.com.au.