With the weather finally playing ball and lockdown gently easing, most of us are folding away our heavy-duty loungewear sets, putting our wool coats in storage for another season and rediscovering the joys of getting dressed for anything other than a walk in the park.
To remind you to wear only what makes you feel sparkly this spring, we sat down with model and body-positive activist Sonny Turner – known for her bright wardrobe and bold styling – to find out which outfits she’s most excited to wear, based on her favourite SS21 trends.
1. The Bodycon ’Fit
‘I’d describe my style as girly with a sporty edge. In lockdown I lived in leisurewear and only got dressed up once for a Zoom birthday, so I’m excited to feel glamorous again. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I live for bodycon dresses, so I’ll be teaming my new-season asymmetric mini with Converse for a BBQ or a picnic. Some people think bodycon is only for certain body shapes – I say it’s for every body. You’ve just got to own it. My body-confidence journey has been a wild ride but I’ve learned that life’s too short to hide my curves under dark, loose-fitting clothing. Now, I wear what makes me feel good.’
The feelgood finisher: ‘Sometimes I don't mind a bit of stubble, but this summer I’ll be keeping my legs super-smooth with the Philips Lumea Series 9000. IPL works by putting the hair to sleep and stopping it from growing back for up to six months, saving me the faff of regular shaving. Then, I’ll buff in a bit of Fenty Beauty’s Body Lava – the ultimate glow-boosting finisher.’
2. Jeans And A Nice Top
‘After a year of living in leggings and sports bras, I can’t wait to be reunited with my favourite denim pieces again. I used to avoid jeans when I was younger as I felt self-conscious in anything that was too fitted, but now that I’m more confident in my body, denim is a staple in my wardrobe. I love a high-waisted style and I’m also a fan of the longer, looser skater jean, which was a big trend on the SS21 catwalks. Denim is so versatile, as you can dress it up or down, but I’ll be wearing mine with a puff-sleeve blouse and a pair of square-toed mules for a day of shopping and sundowners with friends.’
The feelgood finisher: ‘I never leave home without SPF, and The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Day Lotion SPF30 is my go-to as it’s lightweight yet hydrating. I like a healthy glow and no one does blush better than Glossier – Cloud Paint is a make-up bag essential.’
3. The Colourful Co-ord
‘Co-ords are great as they take the stress out of getting dressed, and I fell hard for cycling shorts last year as they’re just so comfy. To update this look for SS21 I’ll be making the most of fashion’s sorbet shade obsession with with a sporty lemon yellow two-piece. I love expressing my personality through bold colours - if you’re scared of colour, don’t be. The world is such a colourful place and there’s nothing wrong with standing out. You might even find that wearing a bright outfit brings out a brighter side of your personality and gives you the confidence boost you need.’
The feelgood finisher: ‘Once I’ve de-fuzzed using my Lumea, I’ll be keeping my skin hydrated with MALIN+GOETZ’s vitamin B5-enriched body lotion. Not only does it sink in really quickly, but it also smells amazing.’
4. The Power Suit
‘Wide-leg trousers are a huge trend this season so I’m going to try stepping away from my comfort zone of daytime denim and incorporate a few tailored separates into my wardrobe to help me feel more put-together. I’ve got my eye on a hot pink suit, which I’ll team with nude heels – perfect for dinner at a fancy restaurant when the time comes. I used to be insecure about my height (I’m 5ft 10in), but as I’ve got older I’ve stopped caring, so I’m now fully embracing the kitten heel!’
The feelgood finisher: ‘When I’m wearing a lot of colour I veer towards nude make-up to balance everything out. I’ll be pairing my power suit with a swipe of Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Divine Rose.’
Do body hair your way with the Philips Lumea, available at philips.co.uk/lumea
Project Body Love: ELLE and Philips are joining forces to change the way women think, feel and speak about their bodies. Together, we commit to shifting the dial on body confidence, encouraging a positive mindset and putting an end to negative self-talk and embarrassment.
