When the sun comes out to play, it’s time to bring the latest spring and summer fashions out in the light of day. There is no time of the year better than summer (says me who is about to enter winter 
). Summer is the time to have not only outdoor adventures, but also fashion adventures.
Here are the trends I’m envious of; you lucky northerners.
Yellow Dresses
Yes, white dresses are the quintessential summer go to but if you want to shake things up a bit this year be bold and opt for a yellow dress. Whether it’s a pastel yellow or a bright lemon yellow, you are sure to find a shade of yellow that goes with your skin undertones. A yellow dress with a cute straw hat, a light scarf, and perhaps wedges or skimmers, that’s the ideal recipe for a dreamy summer outfit. You can go saturated for a true fashionista look, or you can have your yellow dress be your focal point and keep the rest of your ensemble neutral.
Pencil Skirts
No longer strictly confined to the office; this spring and summer, pencil skirts are the new go-to piece of choice. Pencil skirts for summer may seem counter-intuitive, but when worn with a cropped top or with a billowy tank top it’s the going to be your unexpected fashion MVP for the summer. Complete your pencil skirt ensemble with low heel or ankle strap flats, and you’re good to go. If you want to go big, wear your pencil skirt with a statement t-shirt and sneakers for the ultimate cool girl factor.
Tailored Shorts
Forget those jorts or those short shorts, this summer and spring will be about tailored shorts. These will be boxier in cut and end either just above the knee or mid-thigh. These tailored shorts can be easily dressed up or down. While these may not be entirely appropriate for the office, these tailored shorts can be elevated to just more than casual. Pair with a blazer and heels, these tailored shorts can take you on your next big night out. Most of the tailored shorts are high-waisted, so the most flattering way to wear them would be with a blouse tucked in. If you have a larger midsection you want to camouflage, you can still pull this off by simply adding a blazer and jacket over to make the eye dance.
The Slip Dress
This trend was around not so long ago so it’s interesting that it’s back again so soon. This time it’s primarily worn over T-shirts, but don’t be stuck with just that – be innovative and try out some of your own styling wizardry. Instead of a plain white tee, try a striped tee. Instead of heels, why not dress a slip dress down with sneakers or a bandanna? In the end it’s all about sartorial contrast which in this case is balancing the overt sexiness of the slip dress with casual essentials.
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3
Waist Belts
Cinching your waist is the quickest and easiest way to make a more flattering silhouette. Adding a belt around a flowing sundress or trousers is often all the finishing touch you need to make an outfit look and feel complete. Belts are an often-overlooked accessory that actually makes a huge difference in making an ensemble look polished.
Kitten Heels
Arguably the most ladylike of all the heels. The kitten heel is extra sweet when worn with a sundress. Mix up the femininity of kitten heels with ripped jeans and plaid to add an unexpected and alluring edge. The best part about kitten heels is that it combines vintage inspiration with comfort and modern chic style. The kitten heels can also be a real wardrobe workhorse as it can be worn for multiple occasions and times.
Retro Poolside Florals
Instead of feminine and soft florals, this summer try seeking out resort-inspired vintage florals that hark to the times of 60s poolside, palm beach glamour. You don’t need to be at the beach or the cabana to don these whimsical and statement making prints. Wear them top to toe or choose either a top, bottom, or accessory to sport your resort floral, either way you’ll be gorgeous. Don’t forget your sunglasses, your sunhat, and your SPF, of course.
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Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author
I think I’ll try a yellow dress!