Maxi dresses return for summer

Sun, sea and sand is what we are all waiting for as the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer and so now is the right time to prepare your wardrobes for what is to come.
Sundresses, swimwear and sandals are the staples of any summer wardrobe but this year there are some interesting key pieces to spice up the usual three-piece ensemble.
The maxi dress has made a welcome return and is a great buy, as it is not only suitable for the beach holiday but also as a stylish look for a city break. Online retailer, Littlewoods Ireland, department store, Heatons and high-street favourite, Warehouse are each showcasing a selection of smart, stylish and sexy maxi dresses.
There are a wide variety of colours and patterns from paisley to floral prints or block-colour tiered maxi dresses, which help to make an individual statement. Alternatively, for petites, try a calf-length bandeau dress.
Emerging as a key trend this summer is the utility style with a focus on combat colours and military detailing and the new lines have plenty of ways of creating this statement look from head to toe.
A great way of giving a subtle nod to the trend is to inject utility colours into your summer wardrobe by replacing greys and navys with khakis, creams and browns for easy-to-wear combat styling. Alternatively, you can try adding aviator sunglasses to your outfit for a subtle hint of military and for frontline chic, try military jackets or cropped combat trousers.
This stylish blended ensemble is flexible enough to take you from the beach to the shops and from there to the local festival.
However, when your mood calls for something subtle and pretty, try the new season pastels and nude tones, which dominate this season’s wardrobe. With sugar coated colours such as lemon, baby pink, cream and lilac taking to the clothing rails, there’s plenty of choice.
Pastels lend themselves to soft romantic looks and there are also many items available that combine lace and frill detailing with feminine fabrics and embellished pieces in chiffon, silks and ruffles to provide an added extra femininity to this pretty girly style.
Statement prints are also a key feature in this year’s summer range and they offer a loud alternative to the softer pastel shades by injecting some much-needed colour into your wardrobe.
It is good to clash this season, so don’t be afraid to try something bold, whether that includes patterned paint splashes, abstract, florals or geometric designs.
Mix and match is made easy by going for boldly printed tulip skirts and coupling them either with block coloured vest tops or striped button vests to create a statement look.
The nautical look is another fashion trend this season and so striped or patterned items in navy blue, reds and whites will help update your summer wardrobe. A striped top coupled with a block colour trouser or skirt will set off the look perfectly and can be easily mixed and matched.
This summer’s footwear is equally exciting with a range of fashionable flats, stylish pumps and killer heels to choose from.
Summer must-haves include peep-toe booties and the ever-popular gladiator sandal, which is available in flats, wedges and high heels.
Of course, no beach wear would be complete without a pair of flip flops and not much has changed in this department.