Fashion Worthy

Here Comes the Sun!

Summer Trends on Tap

By Holly Bell

After a year of being cooped up, we are ready to show off some cute summer outfits.

Cues from fashion-forward celebrities are always a good prediction of upcoming trends. Designers are offering us fashion that is made for fun this year. Let’s enjoy dressing up again! Here are my top 10 trends for this summer.

1. Ruffles and frills. A little femininity never hurt anyone! A top with a ruffle detail will be very much on trend this summer. Worn with a tailored jean, pant, short, or skirt, a tastefully ruffled top is doable for both the young and the young at heart. Keep in mind that ruffles are great in small doses—don’t overdo them!

2. Mom jeans. This summer, swap those skinny jeans for a looser, high-waisted jean. Once you try this surprisingly flattering style, you will never go back! They are so on trend but so comfortable, too. Stores are offering a plethora of styles and colors for you to choose from.

3. Tailored pieces. Button-down menswear-inspired shirts make a welcome return this summer, along with the menswear-inspired blazer. Tailored pieces elevate your look for any occasion! These sharp pieces are professional and versatile—try pairing them with your Mom jeans for an up-to-the-minute look.

4. Cotton summer dresses. Nothing looks or feels more refreshing! Tiny prints and all-over white will take you on vacation this year, even if it’s only in your own backyard. This classic look is back in full force with balloon sleeves, or puff sleeves, or really any kind of sleeves. Flirt with maxi and mini lengths ready to catch summer breezes.

5. Comfy platform sandals. Many of us would love to add a little height, but the thought of wearing heels—after so many months of comfortable shoes—makes us wince. Platform sandals with cushy soles are the perfect answer for this summer. Fashionable, affordable, and comfortable! You will want to buy a pair for every outfit.

6. Defined shoulders. Designers have been trying to bring back shoulder pads for a long time. Shoulder pads create a flattering V-shape on the upper body by widening the shoulders and, thus, narrowing the waist and hip. No matter what designers offer, though, today’s consumers have pushed back on the idea of shoulder pads. The end result is a trimmed-down padded shoulder or a little puff or ruffle at the top of the shoulder that creates some interest Apparel = Jewelry and flair. This little embellishment Polish Pottery also builds a flattering body shape.

7. California cool. This season, consider dipping your toe into a little tie-dye, palm tree print, or anything tropical and fun. It’s summer—why not institute Tropical Shirt Fridays? Bright colors signify summer, so don’t Beautify YOU… be afraid to bring a California vibe along with you wherever you go.

8. Anchors away. There is a reason that nautical is always a summer classic: red, white, and blue is a combination that everyone can wear and never fails to look put together. Now that we are in high-waisted mode, every- and your surroundings at… one should have a nautical-inspired pant. Parallel buttons lining both sides of the front panel are everywhere; these rows visually narrow the hip and look very sharp. Wear them with a striped top for the perfect combo. Afraid of bold stripes? Try narrow ones—they are more slimming! Stop in today!

9. Monochromatic ensembles. Most of us are comfortable in a flattering all-black look, but it can be a little heavy for summer. Black isn’t the only color you can wear head to toe! At the inauguration, you may have noticed that virtually all the celebrities and high-ranking females were wearing dresses or pants with matching coats or jackets. Take that elegant sensibility and transform it into streetwear, workwear, or even athletic wear! Try beige, white, tan, blue, olive, or your favorite color!

10. Pops of blue and yellow. You don’t have to put away your neutral classics during the summer—you just need to bring in a little color! Add an accent of blue or yellow to summer up those gray, black, and beige basics in your closet. Adding these modern touches will bring a new level of summer fun to your neutral basics! Well, there are 10 reasons for even the most ardent of sweatpants lovers to break with the rank and file. It’s time to look forward to getting dressed! Show off, feel pretty, and exude confidence in how you look. The joys of spring and summer will keep us smiling as we stroll to the ice cream shop, enjoy an outdoor picnic, or visit a special destination. Let’s make new memories for 2021, and let’s look good while we’re doing it!