Anyone who’s been to the Amalfi Coast won’t be shy in telling you how stunning it is. Until travel restrictions are lifted, we’ll just have to settle for pretending we’re there from our locked-down kitchens instead.
Gino D’acampo’s Italian Coastal Escape is a best seller for a reason. The Works have asked me to share some easy dishes, so we can all improve our cooking skills whilst indulging in the Neapolitan lifestyle from home.
Buon Appetito!
Pearl earring(s)
Pearls are a classic, but if you think they’re just for grandmas, it’s time to reconsider. White, ivory, black or virtually any other color of the rainbow, pearls are popping up everywhere this year. Pearl studs are perfect for the office, and transition easily to an evening out on the town. Single earrings are also a hot trend in 2020. Go for a long strand, dangle-style, or a single drop and create your own version of A Girl With A Pearl Earring!
Baroque Pearls
Did you know there are two main types of pearl shapes? ‘Traditional’ are round, while ‘baroque’ covers every other shape. Freshwater pearls are the most common source of baroque pearls, whereas traditional pearls usually come from saltwater or are cultured. Some varieties of baroque pearls include elongated, twin, teardrop, rice, and coin. As the catwalks testify, Baroque pearls are super popular this year. With so many shapes to choose from, baroque pearls offer the perfect way to convey your unique spirit!
Pearl headpieces
It might be that we’re harkening back to the Roaring Twenties of the last century but whatever the reason, pearls are appearing from head to toe, literally. Whether or not you’re planning to walk down the aisle this year, pearl headpieces are all the rage. Select something delicate and feminine or go big and bold; it’s all up to you.
Pearls and what they symbolize
Pearls also make for amazing gifts. Because of what pearls symbolize, they make for great wedding and mothers day gifts. Pearls received as a gift symbolize that you will gain more wealth, luck, and protection. Receiving a Pearl for mothers day or a wedding is the best thing a woman can receive.
BOLD PEARL JEWELRY
SUNDRESSES
Feminine sundresses
Donning a sundress is an annual rite, and this year it’s all about femininity: frills, ruffles, flounces, and florals are all trending in 2020. Whether you’re tall or short, slender or curvy or somewhere in between, every gal loves to channel her inner child and step out in a pretty sundress.
Denim sundresses
Jeans are a perennial favorite because they’re comfortable and super-versatile, and this year, denim and chambray sundresses will be a warm weather staple. Dress it up or dress it down, denim goes with virtually everything from pearls to cowboy boots.
Retro sundresses
The saying ‘What’s old is new’ certainly is true in 2020. Vintage styles from multiple decades are all making the rounds this year. Expect to see 60s flower child prints, 70s psychedelic florals and 80s neon colors and polka dots, with drawstring details that let you reveal as much (or as little) as you want.
Crocheted sundresses
You’ll see plenty of unique crochet sundresses this year, as well as comfy jersey knit dresses, particularly in striped patterns. Stretchy, t-shirt style sundresses are effortless with a capital ‘E,’ not to mention perfect for sultry summer days. You can also expect to find matching cardigans, perfect for cool evenings on the beach.
Sheer sundresses
Nothing says sexy like sheer fabrics, and wearing a sheer sundress is an adventure all by itself! Diaphanous layers are not only hot, but also perfect for hot weather. To be ultra-fashionable, pair a sheer sundress with one of the micro crop tops that are also trending this year. Be bold, be fearless, and above all, be confident if you dare to go sheer.
Designer hiking sandals
Sandals are a must-have when temperatures rise, and this is especially true in 2020 when functional fashion gets top billing. Even elite design houses like Chanel are hopping on the practicality train. So skip the el-cheapo flip-flops and treat your feet to the care — and style — they deserve.
Strappy hiking sandals
Expect to see straps and lace-up hiking sandals bloom on beaches and boardwalks near you. Straps are sexy and feminine, and make you feel like you’re on vacation every single day. As with sundresses, just because they may be utilitarian doesn’t mean they have to be boring. You’ll find hiking sandals in a rainbow of colors, including pastel shades.
HIKING SANDALS
STATEMENT HANDBAGS
Quilted handbags
Coco Chanel passed away almost 50 years ago, but she is still responsible for many of the fashion trends we see today, such as pearls. Another retro trend we have to thank Chanel for this year is quilted handbags and you’ll see them in all manner of sizes and colors. Pick your favorite, from tote to crossbody, and know you’re making a smart investment because every shape handbag looks good in this classic style — plus you know it’ll come back again and again.
Frame & chain handbags
Yet another retro 1950s bag that’s hitting the scene in 2020 is the frame handbag. Its hallmark interlocking gold beads form a ‘kissing lock’ and add a hint of richness to any look. Yet another retro accessory is chains (thanks again, Coco!). Chain strap handbags lend an air of glamor to any ensemble. You’ll see chains not just on handbags, but on all types of accessories from shoes to jewelry.
Multi-bags
Being able to choose how much gear you want or need comes in handy as you move through your day, so no one can ever have too many bags. Bags with multiple compartments or even multi-bagging are trending big for 2020. Multi-bagging meaning wearing more than one bag, or using a bag that comes with detachable compartments. How do you wear multiple bags? With style, of course. Remember that your bags are siblings, not twins. They should coordinate but do not need to be an exact match.
Hobo bags
Another trend to look out for this year is the hobo bag, defined by its signature slouchy crescent shape. The handy strap or handle makes them easy to wear over the shoulder. Hobo bags come in all sizes and textures, from leather to fleece.
Crocheted crop tops
Sometimes less is more, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to crop tops this year. We get it, it’s hot out there, and so we present to you: the micro-crop top. We won’t call them bras, but you might. Crop tops will be available in a wide range of fabrics and styles, from crocheted bikinis to ruffle-embellished bra-styles complete with adjustable shoulder straps. You’ll even see them in tweed!
Sheer crop tops
Another option this year is the sheer crop top, and unless you’re a runway model or a celebrity, you’ll probably want to pair it with a bra-style underneath. Sheers let you feel covered while still allowing you to stay cool. Balance it out with a high-waisted skirt or pants for the perfect warm-weather ensemble.
There’s a lot of exciting fashion going on out there in 2020, and even when what’s old is new, it’s still got a modern twist. One thing that’s great about retro style is that you might already have some of it in your (or a relative’s) closet. Whether you decide to raid your grandma’s wardrobe or hit the shops, it’s safe to say that the top trends of 2020 offer plenty of scope for expressing the True You!
