The 5 summer trends you need to know about

Sleeves

Statement sleeves are back. This was my favourite trend last year and 2017 has just made the statement bigger and better! From puff sleeves, bardot design sleeves, ruffle detail, layered fabric, wide sleeves - you name it, it's in. The variety of sleeves on trend make any basic top a statement and it's definitely a trend I'll be following this year.

  

Gingham

Gingham is the latest trend for S/S 2017 and whether you like a statement print or subtle checks, there's a gingham print for everyone. Subtle print, coloured gingham, gingham accessories or gingham detail allow even the most hesitant of people a chance to rock one of this year's top trends. Another 90's statement that's rolling back around...

  

Ruffles

Yes I know, we've already discussed sleeves but ruffles are a trend that are all over everything! Ruffled sleeves are a favourite trend, killing two birds with one stone, but ruffled tops, skirts, dresses and ruffled detailing on tailored pieces are all over the high-street and high-end rails. A lot of material is better for the spring and those cooler summer days but simple ruffled tees would look perfect with a denim skirt and classic flapbag for that ideal summer look.

  

Embellishment

One of my favourite trends this summer is embellishment. Just that little bit of extra detail adds a touch of glam to any outfit. Embellishment on trainers, denim, tops and accessories are just some of the way to pick up this trend and it's definitely one for a holiday or festival! My favourite way to add embellishment on holiday is through accessories; this River Island bag is giving me life at the moment! And for a festival - embellished mesh tops are perfect.

  

Slogans

The easiest trend of the year. If you're like me and love throwing on a basic tee or sweater for uni, day's off or just running to the supermarket, this is the trend for you. Funny slogans, song lyrics, cute emojis or calligraphy styled text are just some of the slogan detailing you can grab on the high street. My personal faves are the emoji tees at Forever 21, just like the one below.

  

20 summer pieces for under £20

Image from Pixabay

I always find that I end up buying more clothes in the summer. Whether it's wanting to show off my outfit, choosing pretty pieces that will be worn regularly or purchasing for a summer holiday, buying summer items always seems so much more fun and easy!

In winter, it's all about layering. Buying thick jumpers, big coats and monochrome colours is so boring and the idea that you don't really see what you wear is something that makes the thought of summer shopping so much more appealing.

So, as summer is just around the corner, I've been looking at the latest arrivals and trends ready for my summer haul. I don't want to spend a fortune as I know that I'll just end up seeing more and more that I will want to buy. From gingham to ruffles, bardot sleeves to embellishment, here's 20 summer pieces I've found that include all of the latest trends, and are less than £20! The dream.

Top £20⎜Pretty Little Thing
Dress £15.99⎜Mango
Skirt £19.60⎜Miss Selfridge
Top £20⎜MissPap
Bags £13⎜Primark 

Dress £17.99⎜New Look
Heels £20⎜Missguided
Bikini £18⎜BooHoo
Top £15⎜River Island
Kimono £15⎜Forever 21



Bralet £18⎜MissPap
Playsuit £19.99⎜New Look
Blouse £19.99⎜H&M
Sunglasses £19.99⎜Mango
Crop Top £18⎜ASOS



Shorts £17.99⎜Zara
Dress £5⎜Everything5Pounds
Wedges £19.99⎜H&M
Top £19.99⎜New Look
Culottes £5⎜Everything5Pounds

My spring buys

It's definitely no secret that I love shopping. From winter coats to summer sandals, there's always so much choice and I love hunting down a great item for an even greater price. So as you can imagine, when my mum told me I'm not allowed to buy anything until after my birthday, I was pretty gutted.

Since my birthday in May, I have more than made up for my lack of spring shopping. With the weather getting nicer and days getting longer, I have made a lot of purchases - and grabbed some bargains too!

These are just a few of my favourite:

1. White Pacha embroidered bardot dress - River Island

I love this dress. It's bang on trend with a bardot sleeve and embroidered design. A little bit see-through, but perfect for a beach dress or over a pair of white shorts!!

2. Popsicle Ghillie lace strappy heel - Office

I had been looking for a pair of lace up heels for a while when I spotted these from Office. Fitted perfectly in a size down and so comfortable! A bargain too - reduced to £35.

3. Vienna twisted bikini - Boux Avenue

I try to buy one new bikini every year. This year, I was hoping to buy a cheap one but fell in love when I saw this set in Boux Avenue. The twisted design is perfect and girly - and the colour is to die for. By using my unidays app, I managed to save £4 too!

4.  Embellished kimono - River Island

I absolutely fell in love with this kimono as soon as I tried it on. The embellished detail is beautiful and the print is bold but classy. Quite a heavy kimono - a perfect jacket jacket for summer nights and cooler days. A statement piece that goes with anything!

5. Cold shoulder tassel fringe top - Topshop

I love the bardot design for summer and this top is perfect. Light to wear and detailed at the bottom with embroidery and fringing - for a more expensive but casual look.