Heating Up

So, here it is, the middle of summer and you still haven’t got a clue of what’s hot and what’s not. If your idea of fashion is a t-shirt, cut off Levis, black leggings and combat boots, it’s probably best if you flip the page. But if you have any interest whatsoever in this year’s fashion trends, read on.

Fashion is once again recycling, but don’t try and get away with shopping at the local thrift shop to look up-to-date. Some of this summer’s trends date back as far the 1920’s, but designers have skillfully updated them for a new take on an old look.

Safari inspired dresses, jackets and shorts are a chic choice for summer; a recycled trend for sure as it maintains the traditional details like flap pockets, epaulets and utilitarian self-belts. But what updates this trend for is color, “Look for modern interpretations in unexpected shades like white or a feminine pastel,” said Gregg Andrews, Fashion Director for Nordstrom. “A safari-inspired look is perfect for women of any age and is a sophisticated choice for warm weather career or casual dressing.”

Mismatch prints are for the woman who wants to the world she’s here and she’s daring! That’s right, just as in home décor, it is now acceptable to mix prints.

Higher waist lines are back after several seasons of waist lines that fell almost past the derriere. “This is good news for a lot of woman, because the higher waistline elongates the lower part of the body making a woman appear taller and slimmer,” says Andrews. “High waistlines are often balanced by a wider leg on a pant or a fuller skirt shape.”

Art and fashion merge as painterly prints are a huge trend for summer. From abstract brush strokes to impressionist florals, these bold prints give a fresh, modern look to simple dresses and tops, “If you're print-phobic you can still embrace your inner artist by updating your summer basics with a new printed handbag or shoe,” suggests Andrews.

Dresses continue to be a summer essential. “A great option to a traditional sun dress is the new day gown or maxi dress,” said Andrews. “The long day dress is uber-chic and has an air of casual sophistication. Worn from ankle to floor length, these simple, fluid dresses are easy to wear and look great with flat sandals.”

This season, vibrant color is a key element in ready-to-wear and colors called Acid Bright are being worn in combinations for a bold statement. If you’re not quite ready to stand out like a neon sign, take baby steps with a colorful shoe or handbag.

Retro is one trend that continually pops its head up and this year is no exception. “Designers were inspired this season by styles from past decades and the trends we are seeing today have influences from the 1970's and 80's. Many designers are fashion historians and they reinterpret iconic looks from the past,” said Andrews. “These new collections are designed with a modern sensibility, they're not just a retro re-do.”

For those women who aren’t afraid of standing out, hot items from yesteryear this season include: The 1920’s Jazz-age flapper inspired trend. This style puts fun and glamour back into ready-to-wear. Underwear as outerwear was introduced in the 1930’s and made a huge comeback six decades later. Camisoles and robe-like coats and jackets are continuing to be an important element of style in 2008. Shoulder pads were huge in the 1980’s and are making a subtle comeback this year. This time, they are less boxy and being done with short sleeves unlike the power suits worn by Leona Helmsley back in the day.

Shoes, shoes, shoes; an easy way to update an older outfit or give a punch to a new one. One of Andrews’ picks for summer are the wedged heels, “We are seeing casual, chunky retro looks with heels covered in natural materials like cork, straw or wood,” said Andrews. “For a sleeker urban look the wedge can have a patent or metallic finish that can be a stylish option for dressier occasions.”

Sunglasses continue to be oversized for a bold statement which says ‘I’m fabulous!’ “Look for plastic frames that feature graduated color and embellishment at the temples,” suggested Andrews.

You can’t go wrong this season with bangle bracelets, and don’t be afraid to wear three or four at a time. However, don’t go overboard or you’ll end up looking like Madonna 1981, and that wouldn’t be good at all.

“Avoid too many trends in one outfit; the look can be overbearing and contrived,” Andrews warned. “Look for influences of the theme and avoid literal interpretations that can look like a costume.”

Tony Engelhart

As appeared in F&A Magazine Summer 2008