From pajama dressing to exposed midriffs, Spring/Summer 2012 has been filled with trends that look effortless on the runway but require an advanced degree in style to pull off in real life. We consulted celebrity stylist Amy Lu (she’s worked with everyone from Selena Gomez to Nina Dobrev) for her top tips on bringing the catwalk to the sidewalk.

Tricky trend: Pajama dressing

As seen at: Calvin Klein, Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors and Alexander Wang.

Top tips: Forget the “just rolled out of bed” look—this season’s
Spring/Summer 2012 pajama dressing trend is all about tailored perfection. “Don’t wear the pajama dressing look from head to toe,” Lu says. “Elevate your outfit by choosing a dressier piece to accompany it. Pair slouchy trousers with a structured blazer and an embellished flat or heel to pull the look together.” The aim is to look polished, not sloppy, so if you’re going to experiment with pajama dressing, make sure your hair is tidy and experiment with a bright lip colour.

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Tricky trend:
Pattern play

As seen at: Chris Benz, Thakoon, Rodarte, Balmain.

Top tips:
Head-to-toe prints may sound like dangerous territory, but Lu says this Spring/Summer 2012 runway trend is relatively simple to pull off. “Stay in the same colour family,” Lu advises. “Be sure to define your waist with a great belt, to show off the silhouette. A lot of people shy away from patterns because they’re afraid it will make them look heavy, but you would be surprised how flattering patterns are on most people!”

Tricky trend: Bare midriff.

As seen at: Dolce & Gabbana, Prada.

Top tips: It’s the Spring/Summer 2012 trend that launched a thousand sit-ups. “Wearing an exposed midriff is all about confidence!” Lu says. “And it’s also a little bit about having the figure to pull it off. Showing midriff, or lots of skin, is usually better suited to people with amazing figures.” Questioning whether you’ve got what it takes? Err on the side of caution. “Try leggings with cut-outs instead,” Lu suggests. “Or those amazing Stella McCartney ‘skinny dresses,’ the ones with the mesh inserts, are extraordinarily flattering! They are tailor made for people who want to get noticed.”

What other summer trends made our list? Find out on the next page
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Tricky trend: Neon colours

As seen at: Jason Wu, Rag & Bone, Rodarte, Ruffian, Nanette Lepore

Top tips: Worried about looking like a walking highlighter? Instead of going full-fluro, Lu says to
dabble with a great accessory instead of Spring/Summer 2012’s head-to-toe electric shades. “I love neon,” Lu says. “Lap it up while it’s here, because it will be gone before we know it! Invest in a great purse or pair of sandals, but choose wisely—I’m not sure the neon trend will last beyond another season.”

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Tricky trend:
Dressy shorts

As seen at: Burberry, Jil Sander, Balmain, Proenza Schouler.

Top tips:
Summer shorts might seem like a no-brainer, but Lu warns it’s actually one of the hardest looks to pull off. “I don’t think shorts are always as flattering as we want them to be. Be cautious, make sure they hit you at a good spot so that you get the most flattering fit!” What part of the leg should your shorts hit? “The thinnest part of your leg, because if they’re too high up you draw attention to your thighs,” Lu says. “Where the leg starts to slim, is where your shorts should land.”

Read more:
Spring fashion trends: Red and oranges

Blue hues perfect for spring!

Must-haves: Modern glam accessories


Top 6 pleated skirts for summer