Style tips: Be a social butterfly

Dark and cold winter weekends mean our social lives tend to go into hibernation, so it's easy to get away with a comfy, wouldn't-be-caught-dead-in-it tracksuit and your favourite 10-year-old pair of slippers while snuggled up in front of the fire with a good book.
Come summer, however, the sun beckons us out of hibernation, inviting us to become social creatures. And when it comes to the wardrobe side of the season, it's not just the bikini body we start to fret about. The influx of pre-Christmas catch-ups, brunches and barbecues can sometimes leave us in a state of panic, so we've put together a few simple tips to make weekend wear for summer a whole lot easier.

Barbecue-chic
With December comes the invitations to various weekend barbecues.
Finding that subtle balance between ultra-glamorous and beach-girl chic is sometimes easier said than done. You don't want to be the one who turns heads for inappropriately wearing killer heels and a cocktail dress, nor do you want to be the dowdy one in the corner. When it comes to dressing for such occasions, think summery, feminine and relaxed - a look which is very easy to achieve, given the variety in store at the moment. Crisp white linen is always a safe bet for summer, as are floaty, floral summer dresses. As for shoes, it's best to leave the heels at home as you'll probably be on your feet mingling. Instead, opt for some glitzy, embellished sandals, or add a kitten heel if you can't live without your heels for a night.
Brunching and lunching
Weekends are for relaxing, but just because we can shed workwear for a few days, shabby-chic shouldn't become the hottest fashion trend come Saturday morning. If you are anything like the team at Simply You, after brunch or lunch, a leisurely stroll around the shops is usually on the agenda. So when you are getting dressed, plan ahead - for example, are you going to be trying on shoes or a new outfit? Dressing suitably for a shopping excursion makes the entire experience much more enjoyable; there's nothing worse than wearing skinny jeans, then sweating as you struggle out of them in a changing room. When scouring the wardrobe for a suitable brunch or lunch date outfit, think along the lines of smart-casual. Capri pants are making a big comeback this summer, and cropped jackets in neutral hues are weekend must-haves. There's a plethora of statement jewellery around at this time of the year, so get playful and mix accessories - it's an easy way to change up your look and add a dash of summer colour.

Got a fashion or style topic you'd like us to cover? Email Natalie at editor@simplyyou.co.nz