The air’s heating up, and that means it’s time to start packing up your winter gear. Summer’s not in full swing, so the fashion questions remain. No one knows exactly what will be going on by July, but here’s a sneak peak at what’s in store for Summer 2011!
Crop tops- Totally 80s inspired cut off tops/tanks for those who dare to bare it all. Be forewarned: this look isn’t right for some body types. In fact, it won’t work well for most women. If you’re even the least bit chunky, proceed with caution! The midriff should be worn by the young, thin, and tan. It’s about as forgiving as a bikini, so use that as a gauge. If you feel comfortable strutting your stuff in a two piece swim suit, then you’ll probably love this style.
Boyfriend/Midi Shorts- Last year everyone suffered in tight denim shorts. Summer 2011 leaves more breathing room in looser jean shorts with familiar details. The destroyed look gets scaled back a bit; frayed edges with smaller tears keep it together without overdoing the grunge motif. Slouchy Midis hit at about a 4 inch inseam, which means they grace the upper thighs. Glam up the comfy, relaxed fit pieces with expressive sandals and an ultra-feminine top. Word to the wise–––pairing these puppies with a crop top runs the risk of appearing manly, not in chic androgynous way. It might be tempting to mix and match the two items, but pulling it off will prove quite difficult. Think oversized, flowy shirts with delicate ruffles or adorable prints.
Linen Shorts- Ideal for lounging around on the beach, tanning by the pool, or chilling with friends, lightweight linen shorts are the perfect alternative to tight denim. Breathe easy while adding a splash of vibrant color to your outfit. These make great swimsuit cover ups, and weekend digs. They’re super soft, so you won’t feel bogged down. Finding the right top to go with them might be a little tough depending on the color. For super bright bottoms, choose solid color tees and tanks. Clashing is only for the truly bold fashionistas, though it can be done successfully. Everyone else will stick with plain long body scoop neck tanks.
Tunics- Some find their billow shape confusing, but there’s no reason to fear these boho throwbacks. Much like the cropped fare, tunics aren’t flattering on all body types. Tunics tend to mesh well on slender, lanky gals. Longer arms heighten the contrast between the bulky fabric and your actual silhouette. Don’t let these tips keep you from going for the gold, though. Tunics are versatile enough to transition from day to evening wear, and they’re dressy enough for business casual offices. They go with skirts, shorts, jeans, or pants. Soft pastel shades, such as lilac and teal, add a summery touch to the frills. Tunics tend to be more or less see through, which means you shouldn’t leave the house in a plain old bra. Throw a matching tank underneath. The lightweight fabric will keep you cool in spite of the layering.
Maxi Dresses- These resurfaced a few years back, but didn’t make much of an impact. All that’s about to change; these sexy retro pieces add a touch of vintage 70s chic to every wardrobe. Whether solid or print, you’ll have fun discovering the different necklines. Halter necks are straight from the disco days whereas racer back straps give off a sporty vibe. For an oh-so-modern appearance, try a printed halter maxi dress. Maxis also work best on the long and lean, but full figured women are capable of pulling them off with confidence. Of course, Maxis always pose a footwear problem. You’ll hear conflicting advice from tons of sources. Some say wedges, others recommend flats or flip flops. It really depends on your height. Taller women are ok in flats, shorter ladies should opt for chunky wedges.
There, now you’re prepared for your next trip to the mall! Or at least until Independence Day….
