The festive season is officially upon us, and honey, we all know some of us cannot be rocking the same dress for every Christmas lunch and sundowner.
Lucky for us, fashion designer, content creator, and businesswoman Laverne Turner-Manuel is here to drop the tea and give us some sanity-saving style advice.
“Festive season usually has the most beautiful hot weather, so I love keeping my look light, bright & airy! An easy Summery feel works wonders, short or maxi dresses, or shorts with a comfortable tee,” Manuel shares.
Translation: stay cute, stay cool and don’t roast in polyester.
After a long season of nudes and neutrals, colour is making a bold comeback, and we are here for it.
“Fashion is much more fun with beads and bold prints,” Manuel says. This is your permission to finally dig out that bright kaftan, neon summer dress, or that quirky printed two-piece you’ve been too scared to wear.
Balancing style with comfort is always the Cape Town summer struggle. “Always keep your fabric light and your pieces versatile. That way, you can style up or down depending on your plans.”
So yes, that cotton midi dress you love? Pair it with comfy flats for a day market stroll, then swap in block heels and a statement earring for an evening sundowner. Versatility is the name of the game.
Over-accessorising is a festive faux pas Manuel warns against. “Yes, I know Christmas is about sparkles and shine, but there’s a thin line before you actually start looking like a Christmas tree lol! Tone it down slightly.”
Her tip? Pick one statement piece, a chunky necklace or bold earrings and let it shine without competing with a glittery bracelet, layered rings, and a handbag that could double as a disco ball.
Speaking of statement pieces, beads are officially back in style. Ethnic, authentic, and colourful, they can instantly elevate a simple summer dress or even a crisp linen shirt and shorts combo.
“Beads have been out of trend for a while, so I love seeing authentic and ethnic beads making a comeback,” Manuel shares.
Fun fact: historically, beads in African fashion have been a way to express identity, status, and culture. So when you rock them this summer, you’re not just trending, you’re honouring tradition.
Day-to-night transitions can be tricky, but Manuel has it sorted: “Swop your comfy flats for heels or add a statement piece, an earring, necklace or bracelet. Works like a charm!”
Imagine taking your casual brunch outfit straight to a sunset beach party without needing to dash home and change. It’s the kind of life hack we all need in the Mother City, where the day moves fast from strolls to cocktails by the sea.
Colour-wise, Butter yellow is ruling festive wardrobes this year, while blues and oranges are making a happy return.
Picture sipping your champagne in a flowing yellow dress, now that’s the vibe. Summer is about fun, bold, and Instagram-ready energy, and Miss Thang is here to remind us that bright prints can be practical and playful.
Cape Town doesn’t play when it comes to summer sunshine: during the warmer months, temperatures often hover in the mid‑20s °C and sometimes spike even higher on sunny afternoons.
With long days under bright skies and ultraviolet levels regularly hitting “very high” to “extreme,” the risk of sunburn and heat fatigue is real if you don’t prepare properly.
That’s why sun protection becomes just as essential as a good outfit, “Two rules: hydration and sunscreen! Skin is not just topical; drink water, nourish yourself and slather on SPF.”
Sip on the H20, sis!
For daytime make-up, Manuel sticks to light, fresh looks, but evenings are when she goes all out with bold lips or shimmering eyes, perfect for festive events where selfies are mandatory.
Hair care in the summer heat? “A good masque is a must. I slick back my hair often and keep it moisturised. Sleek buns are on trend, too!”
And for DIY hacks: coconut oil doubles as a body glow and hair nourisher, Vaseline keeps lips soft, and chilled green tea as a face mist tightens pores and cools irritation.
So there you have it. From bold prints and beads to versatile outfits, killer heels, and summer glow hacks, Laverne has us sorted.
The festive season is here, so step out, stay cool, and slay every sunset and sundowner like the absolute legend you are. Your Instagram feed is about to get very jealous.
