So we all now know what we should be wearing this season to stay on-trend and look relevant and up-to-date. But, as with most fashion, it is so easy to go wrong that most of us just avoid the whole thing altogether and continue to wear what we have always worn — no matter how stuck in a rut we have become. It's just too darn scary out there in the trendy universe. But, hang on a minute. If you just avoid these small errors, you should be rocking that jumpsuit/sequin/peg leg trouser in no time at all.

Get the Sizing Right

The first rule of wearing peg leg trousers is to make sure you are not wearing them too tight. Guaranteed to make your hips look enormous if fitted snug, these self-same pleated-hip/tapered-ankle trousers can make you drop a size just by buying them slightly too big for you. Yes, the laws of nature do not apply in fashion, and by simply going up a size in your trousers, you will instantly look slimmer. And in fashion. A double win for you right there.

A Little Goes a Long Way

With all the embellishments and shiny, glistening sequin garments that just beg us to collect them and take them home with us, it is almost too easy to land up looking like a do-it-yourself disco ball before you know it. So the secret of sequin is to keep the dazzle to just the one item. And then take off all your accessories. When you are wearing a wonderful sequin top or jacket (or even harem pants), you really want that piece to be the hero — but not at your expense. So by keeping everything else as simple as possible, you stay in focus and your outfit works brilliantly. See what I did there?

Don't forget the Bottom Half

I have written before of the folly of forgetting your pants. I have opined more times than is healthy that leggings are not pants. So let me add the latest corollary — a shirt is not a dress. Shirt dresses are one of the highlights of summer this year. But these are actual dresses. If you must just take your boyfriend's shirt and wear it — please don’t forget to slip a pair of tiny shorts or even some leggings underneath to preserve your dignity, and our sanity. Please. It is not clever or funny to expose yourself in public, and fashion definitely does not require this of you. So avoid at all costs and have a delightful season.

Know Your Fabric

When it comes to jumpsuits, I passionately believe that everyone can wear one and look hot and happening this summer. The secret to getting the right one for you is to know how fabric works on your body. If you are young, athletic and reasonably flat chested, you should be looking at denim, linen or robust cotton for your jumpsuit. This will give you shape and dimension as well as looking very edgy and cool. If you are curvy or older, then cotton jersey is your friend when it comes to the jumpsuit. Make sure that there is plenty of good quality fabric and that you get your sizing right, and you will be able to make this trend work just as well as the youngsters.

Not All Shorts Are Created Equal

The final seasonal warning is regarding the short shorts that will abound this season. We all need some no matter what our shape or age to ensure we have captured the zeitgeist in our wardrobe. But how to make these work if our pins are less than stellar? The first rule is to buy the shorts with a length in the leg that is uniquely perfect for you as an individual. We all have thighs that go in and out — your shorts hem should end at the point of your thigh where it has stopped going in and starts going out again — no matter how skinny or plump you are. This length will always trick the eye into thinking our legs are thinner than they are. Perfect. Then just add some fake tan if you are worried about blemishes, and off you go. Even I will be adding one of these to my collection this season!

No matter our age or body shape, looking fashionable makes others think that we are relevant and up to date on everything. So it is important to make an effort to embrace some of this season's trends. Hopefully these five warnings will help you do it in style.

For more information on Robyn and photos of stylish people who know how to make fashion work for them, go to: http://styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com

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