Dressing for S/S2010

I am sitting here looking out the window at a grey and drizzly evening with a warming cup of Mebourne Breakfast Tea. It's hard to imagine than in a few short weeks it will be summer and we'll all be basking ourselves in the sun, drinking Kitty-oskas by the pool...

Or maybe that's just me?

Either way, we are all going to need summer clothes. And Miss Kitty is here to tell you what the essentials are for a good summer wardrobe.

Forget Nautical vs Vintage. Military vs Tribal. Bunny Ears vs Boyfriend Blazers. This post is all about the key parts of your wardrobe that you'll need to have in place for a successful summer. I'll leave how to express these pieces through the trends to you gorgeous fashionistas - you can decide whether your Maxi dress is nautical or tribal by yourselves.

But here's the list of my absolute must haves for S/S2010.

The Maxi Dress: it goes without saying that every girl needs one of there in their wardrobe. It's the summer equivalent of the jersey wrap dress and they suit almost every single body type. Short, tall, slim, fuller figured; there is a maxi dress for everyone and for every budget. You can find Maxis everywhere, but some great examples can be found at Myer, Sportsgirl, Target and Sussan.

Jane Lamerton tribal dress from Myer

Tank dress from Miss Shop - just $50

The Blazer: everyone needs a good blazer that they can thrown on when there is a bit of a chill in the air, or when you want to make an outfit look a little more polished. The structured silhouette particularly works with the nautical or military look but can also toughen up a vintage dress and stop it from looking too girlie. Roll up the sleeves to make it look more casual. Black, camel and denim are all great options. You can find fab blazers at Portmans, Witchery and Sportscraft.

Blazer from Trenery

The Betty Draper Dress: Mad Men has had more of an impact on fashion than any other show in recent history (other than perhaps Emma Pilsbury, but she's just one incredibly well dressed character...). Not everyone has the curves to fill out a Joan Harris outfit, but the Betty Draper dress is something that suits a lot of people. The neckline can be boat, halter, sweetheart or faux wrap but there is always a nipped waist and a full flared or A-line skirt. The dresses are often pastel or floral and incredibly feminine, perfect for summer. Try Frockaholics for multiple Betty dresses or my perpetual favourite Leona Edmiston for some cute low priced options.

Maui Atlantis dress from Frockaholics

Florence Fifties dress from Leona Edmiston

The party dress: wow, there are a lot of dresses on my list, but the silhouette really lends itself to the feminine look that is prevalent this season and everyone needs a special outfit for all those Christmas doo-s we are all invited to. In a pinch, the party dress can also be your maxi or Betty Draper but often it's a stand alone piece. Trends that are really seasonal include embellished dresses (sequins, metallic studs), draped dresses (very Lanvin) or lace inserts.

Great draped dresses can be found at Witchery and Ojay, embellished dresses at Sportsgirl and Sass and Bide and lace dresses at Portmans and Jacqui E.

Draped dress from Witchery

Lace dress from Jacqui E

The Sandal: here's where you can get a bit creative this season. Gladiators are big again this summer, as are clog style sandals (wooden soles etc.) and wedges or espadrilles. The bottom line is that you need to find the sandal that works with the rest of your wardrobe. Think Espadrilles with a nautical look, gladiators work well with tribal outfits etc. You don't want to overwork a trend but you want your pieces to complement each other. In traditional Kitty Style, you might want to buy more than one pair of sandals. Quelle horreur, right?

I plan to wear my Carino Louboutin wedge espadrilles this summer along with a pair of high heeled chunky heeled Nine West sandals. I also have my eye on a pair of Sambag flat sandals I may just have to purchase...

Sabene espadrille wedges from Sambag

The peeptoe: One of the most elegant summer shoe silhouettes is the peeptoe. It's perennially in style. It shows off your summer pedicure to a tee and can be worn to work as well as to a party. I love the Louboutin Very Prive but there are plenty of more cost effective options out there that are just as nice. Try Nine West, Wittner and Wanted.

The casual shoe: we've got the sandal and the peeptoe, but I think it's also important to have a really casual shoe in your summer wardrobe. It makes a dressy dress look nice and casual. Try ballet flats from Sambag or Country Road, espadrilles or canvas keds.

The Wide belt: Accessorising is always important when it comes to summer dressing. The wide belt is a great accessory for making the maxi or other dress a bit more casual. You can find belts at almost every store but places to start include Sussan, Witchery, Sportsgirl and Veronika Maine.

The large scarf: Scarves are key for S/S 2010. From chiffon luxury brands to cheap and cheerful cotton, you can find them everywhere but they are essential. I have my eye on the emerald green crushed bamboo number from Country Road, but there are fab options at Trenery too. Bird prints are very en vogue.

Scarf from Country Road

The statement bangle: for ages we have been talking about statement necklaces but this season I think it's more about acquiring a fabulous bangle or cuff to complement your outfit. Summer is the perfect time to accessorise your bare arms with some great bling. Find great arm-wear at Mimco, Diva and Lovisa.

Cuff from Mimco

The embellished jacket: Add texture to your outfit through a shrug or bolero - there are some great lace jackets at Portmans and Sportsgirl and some sequined options from Witchery.

Sequined jacket from Witchery

So what's on your list of must have items this summer kittens?

Kitty x