5 of the Hottest Summer Fashion Tips

1.  Ultra feminine sheer fabrics seem to be the trend of 2011.  And I for one am thrilled to see femininity coming back in fashion.  For the last several years it was almost impossible to find a dress in the stores.  And what was there, left a lot to be desired.

 

I especially love dresses in the summer time.  They're so much cooler than slacks and look more polished than shorts.  Giving you that over all more pulled together look.  It just says I took more time choosing my outfit (no-one needs to know that it's really quicker than picking out a top and shorts).  This wasn't always true.  There was a time where you didn't dare put on a dress without hose and a slip.  Of course in certain circumstances, they are still a must, but for a casual summer outfit, just the dress is fine and like I said so much cooler.

Remember to pay attention to your fabrics.  Nature fabrics breathe, which helps you stay cooler.  Natural chiffon, cotton and linen fabrics are the ones you want to wear.  Synthetic fabrics trap heat in.  What could be worse than that in the summer.  A couple of summers ago I bought the cutest top, got the most compliments on it but after wearing it only twice I got rid of it.  It was horrible.  It held the heat in and even though it was sleeveless I couldn't bear how hot it made my stomach.


2.  Vibrant floral and animal prints are the go to patterns this year.  Love them.  Just be sure not to dress yourself from head to toe in a Zebra print. A little goes a long way.

3.  Jeans are always a staple of fashion but the trends change here too.  Denim with sparkle is hot for 2011's jeans scene.  Look for sparkle with metal or dark studded embellishments at the cuffs, belt loops or pockets for added detail.  Don't forget to use your vintage baubles here, ladies.  More on that next.


Cropped jeans, especially in warmer weather and boyfriend jeans are still fashionable.  Though the boyfriend jean trend started several years ago with Katie Holmes wearing a pair of  pair of  too large pants in N.Y., it's still a fashionable trend.  I recommend not taking it too far.  I think just a little bigger than norm with more of a straight old fashion Levi's cut will keep it somewhat chic and not give you a thrown away look.  Remember, we're not going for grunge here, (Thank Heavens).  I think back to the girls of the 50's wearing jeans all rolled up but with a looser fit.

How to Wear Boyfriend Jeans:
Here are some tips on the best ways to wear the boyfriend jean for that effortlessly chic look.
 Roll up the cuffs. If your jeans are short enough, you won’t need to do this, but if they’re super long, you’ll need to cuff the bottoms. Roll them above your ankles if you’re wearing heels, or just below if you’re wearing flat sandals. Having your jeans drag along the ground is never a good look.
 With ballet flats, sandals, or heels. These jeans are made to show off your ankles and feet, so don’t wear boyfriend jeans with boots or sneakers. Instead, wear ‘em with a pair of gladiator sandals, flip flops, high heels, or ballet flats to add cute details.
Keep the rest of your look relaxed and casual. Boyfriend jeans look best with a plain tee or tank and minimal accessories. It’s a look that’s very low maintenance and informal, so don’t try too hard with your top and accessories.
With a leather belt. Since boyfriend jeans are usually really big and baggy, you’ll probably need a belt to keep them up. Even if you don’t, a belt makes a great addition to the outfit. Bonus points if you wear a plain leather belt that looks like it could have been borrowed from a boy too.

 4.  Layered  jewelry is Hot, Hot, Hot this year.  So don't be timid.  Bold is best.  Careful though...Don't mix metals.  You want to wear silver or gold.  Avoid wearing both at the same time.  Mix and match your colors and gem stones up a storm.  Costume jewelry and faux baubles is all the trend and I love it.  Have fun with it!  Remember you grandmother or great grandmothers brooches and clip on earrings?  Now's the time to use them.  Wear them in non-traditional ways.  Pin the brooch on your jeans.  Clip the earrings to a pair of heels to add extra sparkle.  Maybe you only have one.  I  have lots of pieces with missing mates and I never throw them away.   One old fashion clipped earring could be added to a chain for a new necklace or to a headband, how cute would that be!  You could even make a ring out of a brooch or a single earring by adding it to a band.  Huge rings on the index finger are all the rage, you see them on everyone now.   

If I'm not using them for fashion, I use them for crafts or even home decor.  I love the thought of taking a single brooch and attaching it to a fabric (I'm thinking burlap or a silk) covered board and cut to fit a frame.  Perfect to hang on a wall.  I'm still looking for that perfect butterfly brooch, preferably vintage.  You could do a collection of brooches in one medium size frame.  So cute!  A piece of jewelry attached to a pillow makes a beautiful statement.  I can see it attached to an envelope style pillow covering - too Chic!!!


5.  Silk scarfs can add a touch of color and pull your outfit together, giving it that special attention to detail.  You can add a fun touch to your purse by tying a short scarf to the strap. 

Most important make fashion fun and play with it.  Whether your fashion style is vintage, classic, preppy, edgy or minimalist, by incorporating a few of these key points you can give that style  update for summer 2011.


The days of one trend for all are gone.  Individual style is highly respected.  But having your own style classic or edgy doesn't mean it should be the same as it was in the 1990's.  You can stay true to your style and still make it fresh.  Just change it up a bit, play with it, don't let it get stagnant.  An important tip to remember:  Don't be too matchy-matchy.  Gone are the days of matching your handbag and shoes.  I've had a little trouble with this one because I grew up being so proud of being able to coordinate just the right shoes, purse and belts.  Be a little creative.  Different textures are fine but you don't want to wear a heavy suede shoe with a sheer top in the middle of summer.  Keep your seasons in mind. Common sense always prevails here.