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April 30, 2007 10:05 am
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Summer fashion focuses on the feminine
By Teddye Snell
CNHI News Service
— Forget the floppy cargo shorts with their many pockets and zippers, and toss out those tired, pleated walking shorts. This summer, fashion is all about flirty skirts, floral prints and yes, get ready, the dress.
Many women are reluctant to show much skin even when the mercury tops the century mark. If the though of lots of bare skin this summer makes you want to hide under a baggy T-shirt, take a fresh look at how to make fashion work for you.
Although many women believe shorts, T-shirts and sneakers are the best way to beat the heat, flirty skirts can add a touch of the feminine, while keeping you cool.
According to Cynthia Nellis, skirts are the way to go, despite their being determined by many to be worn only on special occasions.
“Don’t be intimidated by skirts,” said Nellis. “The best skirts are cute and forgiving.”
Nellis believes the best skirt is a flared, knee-length silhouette. The skirt can be made in any fabric with a soft hand, like washed linen, rayon or cotton.
“Most denim doesn’t qualify,” said Nellis. “Gentle tiers, or a fuller silhouette that gently comes out from the hip looks great on most women.”
Solids and prints are both great in a summer skirt. Nellis recommends pairing them with a fitted T-shirt or other soft top. Layered tanks are another great option.
In finding a perfect skirt length, fashion wisdom says a skirt should never be wider than it is long. Asymmetrical or hankie hems aid in camouflaging bottom-heavy figures, pleats and flounces work for women seeking a curvier look.
Florals and bright prints are often harbingers of summer. This year, look for floral prints in patterns to fit your body. Large, wider-spaced florals are best on tall, slender figures, petites should stick with smaller, tightly spaced patterns. Those who can’t stomach the thought of wearing floral clothing may want to accent a solid suit with a floral accent on shoes or handbags.
When choosing prints, Nellis recommends going bright.
“Nothing says summer better than brights,” said Nellis. “But you may think lime, yellow and fuschia are better suited to plastic dishes for the patio than for women’s fashion.”
Nellis said the truth is that, although many brights may be difficult when worn close to the face, one shouldn’t rule out brights altogether.
“The best way to find out if a color works for you is to simply hold it up to your face,” she said. “If lime makes your skin look putrid, then switch over to the hotter end of the palette, and give hot pink a try. Trial and error is the best method for finding what brights work for you.”
Another way to use brights is by wearing white on top, with a splash of bright color in a skirt.
Most women understand summer is all about pedicures and finding the perfect strappy sandal, but many don’t have the time necessary to devote to pampering their feet. This summer, busy females everywhere can embrace the newest trend: stylish sneakers.
Ashley Pritchard, senior advertising and Spanish major, spent the past few weeks shopping for the perfect, trendy sneaker.
“First, I checked out the basic Converse,” said Pritchard. “A pair of comfy Chuck Taylors looks great with worn-in jeans and a T-shirt. But Chucks can also look edgy with girly frocks. I love how they come in numerous colors, but my favorites are the standard white, black and navy. They look chic and offbeat. Some of the bright colors remind me too much of something Punky Brewster would wear.”
During her search, Pritchard visited a number of Internet sites, and found many funky, laid-back styles.
“One Web site worth checking out for funky sneaks is Zappo.com,” said Pritchard. “They have a huge selection of designers, styles and prices. I typed in Diesel and immediately fell in love with a cute, T-strap sneaker with floral print leather. This would look so cute with skinny ankle jeans and a flowy top.”
Although fashion is thought to be a subject most closely associated with women, many men are beginning to think in terms of being fashion forward.
Too often, men are the center of summer fashion mistakes, such as wearing cut-off jeans for shorts.
For men looking to improve their wardrobe, toss out the cut-offs and replace them with slick khaki shorts or something in a relaxed cotton. Another alternative to jean shorts is shorts made of trendy synthetic fibers.
Teddye Snell writes for Tahlequah (Okla.) Daily Press.
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