Fashion Central

Summer Trends Say goodbye to the dark hues of winter and pile up your shelves with the brightest shades you can find   Ladies This season’s trends are all about reinterpreting all-time favorites to give them a refreshing new look with a bright dash of color. A word of advice, ladies: Throw away the black and bring in the bright hues. Don’t shy away from colors like coral red and fiery orange, because your summer 2011 wardrobe will not be complete without at least one bright and unconventional color.     That 70s Show We make fun of 1970s fashion essentials like bell-bottoms when they are not ‘in’ and love them to death when they make a comeback. So love them, because they’re a winning trend this summer. Opt for high waisted bell-bottoms and wide-legged pants coupled with tucked-in chiffon blouses. Fashion Tip: Watch That 70s Show sitcom for inspiration.   The Maxi   Living in a country that is hot almost all year round, with commuting around in minis out of the question, the maxi dress is a definite savior. And needless to say, one that hides that extra bit of flab too. So brighten up, ladies, the maxi is here to stay — for this season at least. Fashion tip: While jersey and cotton are still in, this season’s must-have is the sheer-effect maxi.         Go Coral … Go Floral Nothing more to say except stock up on bright colors and floral patterns. Fashion tip: Get a tan…Accentuate your coral mini dress with chunky accessories like bangles, cuffs and dangling earrings.     Lady Lace I admit it is not new, but like all trends that span multiple seasons, it too has evolved. Lace influences for summer 2011 are more on the classic side, with quality vintage style fabrics. Yes, à la your grandma. Fashion tip: Steer away from all-over stretch lace dresses and opt for a more unique take on lace. Go for tops and dresses that are not lace from top to bottom. Instead, look for garments that have subtle lace patterns infused.   With lace comes crochet, macramé and tassel infusions, so make sure you add some of these to your summer 2011 wardrobe.   The Tail Hem Skirt hem, tapered hem or even cutaway hem, it doesn’t matter what you decide to label it, the basic fact remains the same: Skirts and dresses are now cut longer at the back. The tail hem is now thundering its way into the fashion world’s bible of most-loved trends,making it this year’s summer wardrobe staple. Tail hems cover yet expose; a simple yet sexy way to freshen up your wardrobe with a new type of cut. Fashion tip: Pair up your tail hem dress with a pair of shiny heels to accentuate this already glamorous look.     The Jumpsuit Jumpsuits have been dubbed by members of the fashion world as something of a ‘yo-yo trend.’ One season they are in and the next season they are out. For summer 2011, they are back once again, but reinterpreted to a more eclectic, feminine look to fuse in many of the season’s other trends, like the floral pattern. Jumpsuits and playsuits can be worn loose and flowing, sporty with hoods and zips or even sequined for a night out. Fashion tip: You can dress up or dress down a jumpsuit depending on your choice of footwear. Flat sandals are perfect for a Friday brunch with friends, while high-heeled peep toes will give that extra razzle-dazzle needed to turn it into your ideal evening attire.       Gents Whoever said men couldn’t have fun with fashion has just been proven wrong. This season’s looks are proof that men too can now experiment with colors and even fabrics for an entirely new and avant-garde summer wardrobe. To all the metrosexuals out there, this is your season to shine. In the spirit of full disclosure, this writer feels some of these trends might be too experimental. But I am doing my fashion duty to be as unbiased as possible. Call me conventional and old fashioned, but what happened to plain jeans and tees?     The Wrinkled Jacket If you see a mannequin in a window wearing a blazer that looks a little wrinkled, you would probably think they forgot to iron it. Well, you’re wrong, it doesn’t belong at the dry cleaner’s. Wrinkled linen blazers are a summer 2011 staple. Wear it with a bright colored polo and a pair of jeans and voila, you are ready to go to that party of yours in Sahel. Fashion Tip: For our sake and yours, steer away from dark hues and stick to lighter tones like white, ivory or cream.     The Printed Tee Remember back in the 1990s when printing photos of your favorite celebrities onto T-shirts was in? Well, that look is back in a big way. And the best thing about it this time is that you don’t have to worry about printing it yourself; fashion icons like Dolce and Gabbana are doing it for you. All you have to do is pick the star you want, be it Johnny Depp, Bob Marley or even Elvis Presley. Fashion Tip: Wear your new printed tee with a pair of ripped blue jeans, or not ripped if that’s not your thing. A word of advice from the fashion experts: You should not be caught dead boot-cut jeans. Any other cut will do.