Appeared on the Miriam O. Callaghan show in Dublin, Ireland July 2,… (clipped to polyvore.com)

The Dreamery – TL Wood – Print Anke Shirt (clipped to polyvore.com)

The Dreamery – Gary Bigeni – Morten Red Silk Three Quarter Pant (clipped to polyvore.com)

Click here to go straight to all these outfits at The Dreamery.

School run style can be a sartorial minefield – how to look chic when running after little ones? Comfort is key, as is wash-and-wear dressing. We think a foundation of a great pair of jeans, oh-so-simple accessories and a little stripe will take you from drop-off to pick-up with ease.

Look 1 – Trench Dress

Amy Kaehne Trench Dress and Benah Scarf

This dress is a fantastic, versatile style that will work as a dress over tights and boots – or leave unbuttoned and pair with a floral dress.

Look 2 – Stripes and Colour

Stripes and Colour

Gary Bigeni’s Bigeni Basics sweater dress has a casually cool look that can be layered or worn on its own. Add a vibrant hit of colour and an over-sized pendant necklace – and voila! you’ve hit three of summer’s trends in one easy outfit. Stripes, pendants, and neon colour.

Look 3 – The Multitasker

The Multi-Tasker

If you’re running between work and commitments for little ones, this outfit will work for you. Gary Bigeni’s twisted merino dress layered under a TR Ensemble split back shirt is office-ready yet easy, and an Arnsdorf belt and 2 by Lyn and Tony necklaces add shape and interest.

Look 4 – Denim and Jersey

Denim and Jersey

This is one of our favourite looks – Bigeni Basic’s wide stripe wear-it-a-million-ways cardi paired with TR Ensemble’s blush tee, Arnsdorf wide leg jeans and a fantastic necklace. Denim is such a great base but why not skip the skinnies this season and try a wide leg instead?

What are your go-to looks for running around?

What is Colour Blocking?

In essence, colour blocking is pairing a couple of bright colours together in the one outfit. The trend first appeared on the northern hemisphere runways a few seasons ago, but has taken a little time to filter down into mainstream style. We’re now seeing celebrities and fashion-forward types sporting the look that is going to be EVERYWHERE come summer.

 Top 5 Tips for Colour Blocking style perfection.

 1. Wear Bright Colour!

This trend needs vibrant, bright colours to be worn next to each other to work – steer clear of pastels, greys or washed out and faded clothing. To make colour blocking shine, think vibrant jewel tones of emerald, ruby, sapphire, citrine and amethyst or neon brights – electric blue, hot pink, fanta orange.

Sara Phillips Colourblocking for Summer

2.            2-3 colours Works Best!

We’re talking colour blocking, here, not rainbow-blocking. Try teaming a bright shirt with red trousers and add a contrasting belt, or a vibrant cami with a neon skirt. Designers such as Sara Phillips and Gary Bigeni are offering colour blocked dresses and tops that work the trend and scream summer!

Gary Bigeni Colourblocks for Summer - Red and Blue

 3.            Add some Neutrals – and we’re not just talking about black!

If all over brights seem a little bold for your style, then wear a bright tee or cami along with a vibrant accessory (belt, bag, shoes) and then top with a neutral cover up. This is summer style, so try to avoid black and go for white, ivory and nude instead. You can even experiment with a little nude-on-nude colour blocking.

 4.            Spare Lines Allow Bold Colour to Shine

Such vibrant colour requires simple detail – avoid excessive embellishment or design trickery. Great shapes are key – a silk blouse with cutouts at the back, bright skinny pants, a draped silk dress, shoes that pop.

 5.            Accessorise with Confidence

The very best way to finish off a look, colour blocking or otherwise, is to wear it with confidence.

Designers delivering colour blocking looks at their best this season include Sara Phillips, Gary Bigeni, Frill Seeker, Lanphi and Therese Rawsthorne. Find a list of our colourblocking picks here.

How will you be adding colour to your look this season?

The Dreamery – Gary Bigeni – Justin Natural Stripe T-Shirt Dress (clipped to polyvore.com)

The Dreamery – Gary Bigeni – Luemma Blue and Grey Stripe Swing Singlet… (clipped to polyvore.com)

The Dreamery – Maille – Black Liquid Jersey Asymmetrical Side Pull Up… (clipped to polyvore.com)