Summer Style Essentials

Summer is a time that, for many students at UHS, is filled with warm weather and laid-back fun. But with the change in to warm- sometimes almost too warm weather- there is a change in attire. Trends shown on the S/S 2010 runways last fall and looks shown in summers past reference what summer wear should be, fun, fresh, and relaxed looking. Here are some of my favorite summer staples.

Shorts

When the weather becomes warm enough to wear shorts, which it likely will soon, they begin to pop up everywhere. The biggest difficultly with shorts is that they sometime do not evoke a certain taste level that is necessary for school and other social gatherings. Although it can be difficult to find options in stores, it is not impossible.

http://www.polyvore.com/shorts_summer_essentails/set?id=18614729

There are three longer styles that are popular this year: pleated, flared, and Bermuda. With each of these styles it is best to stick to shorter shirts or to tuck in your shirt as to balance their length and width. For true basics that you can wear constantly try khaki and jean materials, but more interesting prints, such as floral, can be fun alternatives.

Tanks

Shirts without sleeves keep you cool in the heat. Bright and fun options add interest to plainer shorts and skirts.

http://www.polyvore.com/sleeveless_tops_summer_essentials/set?id=18619945

Trends for these tops take place mostly in the print. Some popular textiles include florals (of course) and abstract prints. Other styles are cropped, ethnic inspired trims, and antique structure.

Skirts

The first day that its warm enough to wear skirts without tights is always an exciting one. Skirts for summer range from soft and flirty to structured and sophisticated, just as they do in every season. There are numerous skirt trends out there, but I’ve highlighted a few personal favorites below.

http://www.polyvore.com/skirts_summer_style_essentials/set?id=18620483

Five main styles stand out this year. Button front print skirts have interest in two ways. Floral skirts (in namingly macro prints) with bow ties in the front are another big trend that screams summer. Bandage skirt have been big since fall. Although the black and black and white prints are still in, floral print varieties add a summery touch to any outfit. A- line skirts paired with belts are a flattering choice for nearly anyone, since they help to create the hourglass shape that is so highly coveted. Try them in “safari”- inspired colors, army greens, tans, deep corals, rich browns or

navy blues for example. Layer front skirts are another trend. They can be seen in looser, “Grecian” styles and more structured ones.

Jewelry

Jewelry is essential for pumping up any outfit, regardless of season. Otherwise simple outfits can be pumped with the addition of a statements necklace, or a set of bangles can add sparkle to an already visually tantalizing outfit.

http://www.polyvore.com/jewelry-summer_essentials/set?id=18633297

Four main trends look to headline the jewelry counters this summer: coral, wood, turquoise and animal. Coral adds  a nice pop of color. It looks great paired with black, navy blue, grey, and even cobalt, under the right circumstances. Wooden accessories add a nice beachy, Bohemian feel that many girls try to emulate for their summer looks. Although the material is often used for bulky pieces (which are great too), there are more delicate options, as well. If your not a big fan of wood, you may still like a silver or gold necklace with wooden accents. Animal jewelry has been popping up everywhere since last fall, and it isn’t expected to be going anywhere soon. Although there are a multitude of wonderful owl and elephant options out there, octopi, horses and lizards are great ways to branch out. Turquoise is a timeless summer classic, and the won’t change this year. There are two main styles: clean and rough. The clean cut styles add sophistication, while the more aged styles have quirky details.

Sandals

The best choice in footwear for summer is, of course, sandals. They keep your feet nice and cool in the hot summer weather. Although the rubber flip-flop seems to be a popular pick among high school students, your wardrobe has no need to be limited to this- there are plenty of other options available.

http://www.polyvore.com/sandals_summer_essentials/set?id=18677666

Another four main styles stand out here: frilly and girly, bejeweled, clean and streamlined and fresh and innovative. Frilly and girly include anything accented with bows, flowers and ruffles. It’s a great trend to contrast with more masculine pieces, such as boyfriend jeans. The bejeweled trend is a fun one, but be careful. Too many jewels can go tacky, so make sure that it is the focus of your outfit. Clean and streamlined are pretty simple in their lines, which makes them easy to pair with almost anything. There are also lots of colorful options in this style, which keeps it interesting. The fresh and innovative sandals often have lots of cool details that look modern and, at the same time, can go with a lot. They look best in “fresh” colors, such as white or bright yellow.

A  key item in any summer wardrobe is, of course, a swimsuit. For this basic check out Mandy Facer’s Swimsuits for Every Body article [hyperlink].

So, Echo readers, what is the staple that you’ll be wear all summer? Do you have any other summer essentials to add to the list? Comment below