Health, Beauty and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

I have to stop myself every time somebody praises the fabulous weather from putting a downer on it. I’m sure I’m not alone in worrying if this is our summer – the last time this happened was in the depths of the first lockdown when everybody decamped to their garden but were unable to socialise or meet friends.

That year we had a terribly rainy summer after six weeks of glorious April sunshine. This time it’s a fortnight, so does that mean we will sneak in a few months without rain in June, July and August?

Whatever about my doom-mongering, this weather would certainly make me feel like stripping off the boots, coats and heavy layers and letting in some sartorial colour.

So just what can we expect to see in the shops for Spring Summer 2025.

All the style bibles agree that ballet/soft/blush/baby pink is having a moment, replacing the brasher Barbie pink of yore.

One of the most Instagrammable moments of the season’s catwalks was Salvatore Ferragamo’s nod to ballerinas, with models wearing warm-up wraps and tights.

Indeed pastels have been declared colour of the season, particularly icy blues, buttercream yellows and pistachio greens alongside baby pink.

Not sure how that will go down with our predominately pale skin, brunette palettes.

Sheer fabrics layering has dominated the runway. Cosmopolitan points to the sheer mesh and lace skirts, whether they’re attached to a mini dress or worn over a pair of hot pants that are everywhere.

The same magazine predicts trench coats will be the jacket of the season, featuring different forms of the classic work stable.

“Dries gave us a reptilian trench, Stella McCartney went peach pink, Chloé took things in a billowy, voluminous direction, and Alexander McQueen chopped the trench in half to create a cropped jacket and mini skirt moment,” their trend report states.

Oversized collars have returned while dramatic cutouts on tops, skirts and dresses will be welcomed for those who cherish the more daring looks.

Vogue’s believes the humble tank top with the classic scooped neckline will be a foundation garment on many looks over the next six months.

The classic skirt is also in for an imaginative reworking, with one half styled as trousers or a half short.

Looped draping was a favourite of designers on dresses and tops – expect to see their reincarnations on our department store shelves.

Plaid returns for the warmer months after being a feature of the Autumn Winter collections and this time the flannel shirts, coats and ruffled skirts will come in pinks, reds, yellows and blues.

Elle Magazine is hailing the return of the miniskirt for 2025, often paired with corsetry and lace tops.

For those of us who only have access to a less illustrious High Street, we can substitute for the classic camisole or slip dress.