Summer’s peeking at us from around the corner: winking, nudging and beckoning with promises of warm breezes, balmy nights and cool sand between our toes. Yet I’m sitting here still wearing my ‘snug clothes’ wanting to give summer ‘The Bird’ for being such a tease.

It’s just not warm enough yet to wear my summer clothes. Plus, I keep reading in magazines about the new season trends and they always assume that I’m gadding about, glossed up in heels to go somewhere fabulous, with nary a kid – or a used wadded up tissue – in sight.

So, I took a roll of the dice and asked an extremely accomplished celebrity stylist if she could lend us a hand at Fox in Flats, and tell us how in the world we could translate the new season trends into something practical yet stylish to wear for when we’re mucking about with our kids. And she agreed.

Sophia Banks-Coloma is a stylist and fashion designer who has styled celebrities like Nicole Ritchie, Scarlett Johansson, Michelle Williams, Kirstie Alley and Rachel McAdams.

Her own contemporary designs, under the brand Whitley Kros, have been spotted on awesome celebs like Katy Perry, Blake Lively and Kate Hudson.

She’s also a mother to a two and a half-year old.

And now, she’s sorting us out for summer!

Sophia has compiled the latest trends for Spring and Summer 2011/12, and is sharing easy, practical tips on how to make these work within our day-to-day mummy uniforms.

Here are her 7 picks for Summer: 

1. Yellow

Yellow is the new pink”

“Add a yellow top to your wardrobe this summer, or even a great yellow dress.”

I love yellow!”

2. Lace

Lace is a big trend, especially coloured lace”

“The easiest way to incorporate it is by wearing a lace blouse with pants or jeans. Try a white lace top, jeans and a red ballet flat for chic, effortless look.”

 

Top Shop GUIPURE LACE PETER PAN BLOUSE $70,  Zara FLAT STUDDED COURT SHOE $80.

3. Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are great for being out with kids and they are still trending as a big item”

4. Pleated Skirts

 Pleated skirts, whether long or even mid-calf, are coming back”

“These look great for summer with a tank tucked in, teamed with a belt and sandals. They do tend to add a few pounds though, so save for skinny days or go for dark colors.”

5. Colour Blocking

Sophia advises: “Build a basic outfit of darker colours first, and then ‘colour block’ by throwing in a bright coloured flat, then top with a shirt in a different colour. A purple shirt is great with a jean and an orange shoe for an example. Choose a cotton shirt, as silk is kind of a disaster with kids. Or, copy me. I just wear a tank and then throw over a shirt as I’m leaving to go out.” 

An even more simple yet equally chic way to update your look with the colour-blocking trend is to choose a slightly wide-legged jean, a flat shoe, a tucked in tee or shirt, then add a coloured belt.”

6. White

All white is a trend … but if you find out how to do this with a toddler let me know…! Save this for mummy nights out.”

“A white tuxedo shirt is a great update to any wardrobe. Try it with jeans or pants and flats.”

 7. Maxi Dress

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