Ship Shape Styles
Nothing is fresher (or easier to coordinate) in the warmer months than red, white and blue. Add some punch to your nautical wardrobe by adding a red, white or blue accessory made of patent leather (another significant trend this season) or trimmed with rope detailing (think espadrilles with a rope, wedge heel). Go easy at the office with your nautical looks. The trend is most effective when incorporated into a sporty weekend wardrobe.
Black and White Contrasts
Don’t pack away all your black clothing when the temperature starts to rise. Pair black with white to create a sleek and perennial contrast that is always in style this time of year. Bold white and black floral and geometric prints on skirts, dresses and tops are particularly popular right now and are flattering on a variety of ages and figure types. If you travel, loading up on black and white separates and accessories is a great way to get many looks from minimal pieces for both day and evening activities.
It’s a Wrap!
For many women, nothing is more appealing than throwing on a simple dress in warm weather. This season, the stand out style is literally a wrap! The horizontal line created by the wrap is slimming on most figures as it crosses the body in a flattering way. The tie feature at the waist also allows you to manipulate the fit. Wearing a camisole underneath a wrap dress can also help keep things “under wraps” should you require some extra coverage through the bust!
Short and Skinny
For those of you that have been enjoying the relatively new “skinny on the bottom, voluminous on top” trend that was first introduced back into fashion last fall via the skinny jean craze, knee-length, fitted shorts are a way to carry this trend forward in warm weather. Top them off with romantic blouses, tunics and empire waist tops to create the proper silhouette.
Long and Wide
For those of you who never could quite master the skinny leg look (which represents about 95% of the female population!), wide leg pants have emerged once again as a significant trend. Pair these pants with shrunken jackets or other short tops to create another popular silhouette this season.
Empire Waist Tops and Dresses
This signature style element shows up just below the bust on tops and dresses this season in new and interesting ways. Think mini, voluminous, babydoll dresses that are girlish and sweet, and hip low-cut tops with plenty of embellishments such as ruffles, bows and lace that dress up jeans and other casual bottoms. There’s nothing structured about anything with an empire waist so be sure that look is right for your lifestyle and figure before committing to the trend.
Let it Shine with Patent Leather
This high-gloss, waterproof material is most commonly used for shoes. Originally worn to complement warm weather looks, black patent leather in particular has emerged as a year-round fashion statement. It returns to its warm weather roots this season by showing up in a variety of warm weather colors and trims. Red patent peek-a-boo flats are being show with black and white Capri-style pants, and oversized white patent totes replace heavier black leather bags for the fashion conscious crowd. Oversized patent leather belts are also a great way to create waist interest over long summer cardigan sweaters and tunics. Many trench coats this season have also taken on a patent-like shine. Of course, the key to wearing these shiny looks well is to treat them as accents.
Metallics
Gold, silver and bronze are being hailed as the new neutrals for day and night this season. Metallic shoes and bags mix great with warm weather looks and coordinate as well with bright colorful clothes as with more traditional neutrals such as khaki, white and black. While we do recommend saving metallic dresses for after five, other metallic separates such as blazers, camisoles and pants can be tastefully combined with more traditional daytime fabrics to add some drama to your spring/summer wardrobe.
Peek-A-Boo Pumps and Flats
Whether for work or play, peek-a-boo pumps and flats can help lighten your look without being too over exposed. Part sandal (you can see some of your toes) and part traditional shoe (they offer a full backing for comfort and support), they work with every heel height from stilettos to kitten heels to wedges.
Circles & Dots
Polka dots of all sizes and shapes are another perennial favorite this time of year. Whether you opt for big or small polka dots, pair them with sophisticated items to balance the look. A simple way to incorporate the circle craze of the moment into your wardrobe is to wear a simple round pendant at your neck.
