Contributed by Info Guru Aurora LaJambre
With flowers in bloom and birds chattering about, summer is the season to go outside – to see and be seen.
This year’s fashions are both bold and feminine. Familiar earthy tones accentuate florals and pastels, or add contrast to fabrics with brilliant pops of color. No matter where you’re headed, to the beach, music festivals or work, these dresses, separates and accessories have you covered, well mostly.
Here are the top ten summer styles to freshen up your wardrobe.
10. Cross-body shoulder bags
Cross-body shoulder bags are a classic hot weather look. This year, you can find all manner of bold colors to liven up those girly slip dresses. Look for cross-body handbags with a front zipper and slide in pockets to keep you organized. These smaller bags won’t weigh you down, and they’ll hold everything you need for a casual day.
9. Citrus
Citrus is the dominant color of summer styles this season. Tangerine Tango is the shade on lips and nails, plus you’ll find a number of pretty orange dresses, skirts and tunics. Try a short dress in a light, flowy fabric with strappy sandals or pair the shade of your choice with nude fabric for an extra color pop.
8. Bold accessories
Summertime looks are bold in the accessories department. If you don’t want to make a loud statement with your clothing, make it with a funky bag, standout shoe, or an over-sized bow or headband. Trendy jewelry includes include luxurious chandelier earrings with precious metals and gem stones, plastic flowers and sea-inspired shell necklaces.
7. Maxi dress
The maxi dress remains a go-to closet staple for summer. Women look great in maxi dresses because they’re comfortable and confident. Popular fabrics include soft chiffon, organza and taffeta. Designs range from floral prints that look like painted watercolors, to subtle leopard polka dots prints and solid neutrals.
6. Vibrant color blocking
Summer styles continue the trend of gorgeous color blocking. The beauty of this trend is you can mix and match solids in nearly any color combination. Slip into neon shorts with a citrus top, or play with cobalt, peach and lemon yellow. Black, citrus and cream will give you a cool, mod look. For low-key color blocking, try turquoise, grey and forest green, or khaki and sky blue.
5. Sheer fabrics
Sheer fabrics lend some sweet sophistication to your hot weather looks. A sheer bathing suit cover-up or top layered over a fitted tank with jean or khaki shorts is a cool, easy look anyone can pull off. You’ll also see sheer fabrics worked into maxi dresses and sheer blouses to enhance that breezy, summer feel.
4. Patterned bottoms
Why should dresses and tops have all the fun? Patterned skirts and fun shorts will be everywhere this summer. These patterns hail from the wild side of geometrics, animal prints and swirls. Dip a toe into these patterns by pairing them with something solid, or wear two clashing prints on top and bottom if you dare …
3. Pastel shorts
Pastels scare many designers and fashion lovers alike because they can so easily turn against you. Pastel pink shorts are more flattering than you may suspect, especially with a slight tan. For those who don’t go for the patterns or bold colors, pastels are a more feminine option.
2. Floral sundress
The bohemian, earthy look is a perfect summer style, and the pretty floral dress leads the parade. Trendy dresses go to the knee or just below and come in both small, delicate prints and large prints with high contrast. Wear them with comfortable earth tone flats, or a narrow belt.
1. Bathing suits
Everyone deserves a new swimsuit for summer, and this year’s designs turn the sexy up a notch. Full suits feature side cut outs, high-cut bottoms to elongate the legs, and sweetheart tops with a key hole – though not all in one suit. Yellow, citrus, coral, cobalt, aqua, tribal prints and classic blacks remind us that any colors work on the right suit. Bikini tops will have more structure, and you’ll see plenty of one-shoulder suits and hipster bottoms.