For the Summer Fashionista

For the Summer Fashionista
KPLC TV

By Daisy Whitney
At long last, the time is nearing to shed the tights and turtlenecks, the sweaters and socks.
Warm weather is just around the bend and that means bare feet, swirling skirts, cool tees, Bermuda shorts and lots of white, white, white.

As you look to shore up your summer wardrobe, through new purchases or by rejiggering what’s hanging in the closet, here are the summer themes around which you can mix and match.

“Whether it’s linen or lace, [white] is the color of the season,” says Katrina Szish, style director of Us Weekly Magazine.

The ultimate garment in white is pants, says Amy E. Lindquist, wardrobe consultant in Minneapolis/St. Paul area. “Now, most people cringe when they hear this, but the key is fit. It doesn’t matter how much a garment costs or where you got it or even so much what the color is, so long as the fit is perfect,” she says. If pants aren’t your thing, try a white jean jacket or blazer; it will freshen up anything from a sundress to khakis and flip flops, she says.

And pair those whites with wedges or platform heels. Most designers offer such a style of shoe this season, Szish says. “The higher the better, of course, and great to wear with walking shorts, a babydoll dress or long, fluid menswear trousers. No more pointy-toes shoes!”

Summer is also the season for comfortable dresses, like a little frock, a baby doll dress, or any type of sundress.

When you’re ready to bare your legs, remember short shorts are out. Go for longer, almost knee length, Bermuda style shorts. You can still go for a low waisted version for a sexy, modern look. Shorts that meet the knee are popping up everywhere and you can “dress ‘em up with a sexy heel or dress them down with cute flip-flops…either way they’re hot,” says Marshall’s style expert, Jennifer DeBarge-Goonan.

And the camouflage look is still hip – it works for tees, skirts, shorts or flip-flops.

Of course, summertime isn’t all casual. We still have to go to work. Cropped pants can be worn for work, day or night, says Debbie Danielson, owner of specialty store Forecast in Washington DC. Pair chocolate and black with the summer whites. And on a cool evening, wear a little jacket that ties or knots in the front. “You will see lots of flippy, flowing skirts, perfect to keep cool on a hot summer day,” she says

The great thing about flowing fabric and soft movement is they give you room to breathe. To avoid looking frumpy, pair a full, flowing skirt with a top that features straight, tailored lines, De Barge-Goonan says.

Whatever you buy, remember to opt for the perfect fit, not the perfect number. The size doesn’t matter; what matters is whether the clothes looks good. And just because you can button it doesn’t mean it fits!

Summer is also a great time to accessorize. Have fun with handbags. They are big and cushy and fun this season. Look around the stores and you will see bright canvas bags with gobs of room. So grab one and stuff your book, sunglasses, wallet and whatever else you’ve need to pack into a cool, chic satchel.

Of course, don’t forget the summer hair. Here are some tips from Eiji Salon on Madison Avenue in New York.

1. Begin with a great cut. With the right cut, you can have wash and wear hair and you don’t need to rely on a blow dryer or straight iron.

2. Find the right summer color. Blondes should keep bright and sandy highlights, while brunettes should add some light caramel pieces to their brown base.

3. Chemicals in pools can harm a hair’s color, so purchase a shampoo and conditioner to protect hair from chlorine.

4. Keep make-up to a minimum. Use water proof mascara and tinted moisturizer instead of foundation.

And don’t forget your sunscreen!