Hot, Hot, Hot Couture

By Maureen Amaturo

Who woulda thunk that the season of lightweight garments and least amount of fabric would have so much to offer? Summer ’17 merges old standards with the ballyhoo of the most pulsating trends for an exciting, June-September fashion menu. Beachwear mimics streetwear and does double-duty. Fall trends translate to wispy versions. White, linen, and cut-offs release their alter ego. Plain is a thing of the past. Don’t panic. Put on your rose-colored sunglasses (a trend) and have fun with fashion.

<<The Clothes>>

<Cut-Offs.> A summer staple. Cut your old jeans. (You know they fit.) Distress your denim. The best way is with sandpaper. Beats paying ridiculous $$$ for shorts.

Frayed hem cut-offs at Havana Jeans

<Dresses.> One of each – mini, midi, maxi– and you’re set. Play with different silhouettes in both reliable solids and bold prints. Option: skirt versions. Pair the A-line midi with a structured crop top and statement earrings.

Gingham dress at Angela’s

<White.> Worn all year, but still a summer standby. What to wear under it? Fashion know-it-alls say the Commando Cotton Scoop Bralette is the thing. Seamless, great under sheer looks, comfortable.

<Cropped Pants.> It’s the summer of the ankle. Streamlined, relaxed, voluminous, or flare …whatever silhouette you love, as long as they’re cropped. Most look best cropped between two to four inches above the ankle. Longer, and they look like regular bottoms that are too short. The length must look intentional.

<Patterns and Mixed Prints.> Especially floral, gingham, and stripes. Push the limit – combine them. If you wear only solids, add accessories with prints.

<Interesting Sleeves.> Leftover from fall and still hot. Volume (bell, lantern, balloon sleeves). Gathered sleeves and tops with exaggerated cuffs. Pleated shoulders are still a focus, as are smocked and cascading ruffled sleeves.

Show-stopping sleeved top at Angela’s

<Touch of Tailored.> Balance flowing or oversized summer silhouettes with tailored items that define the curve of the bust, waist, and hip, i.e., peplum tops, pencil skirts, skinny jeans, structured jackets. Wear a billowy top tucked into tailored trousers to highlight your waist.

<<The Shoes>>

The Everywhere Sandal. Try a simple t-strap sandal, without too much going on, in black or nude.

T-strap wedges at Shoes ‘N’ More

Ankle-Accentuating. Perfect for cropped jeans/pants. Andkle-strap sandals, shoes with ankle wrap ties, or gladiators. High-vamped footwear like loafers, oxfords, slip-on sneakers, hi-tops, mules, slides. Mules are the shoe of 2017.

Ankle-wrap espadrilles at Shoes ‘N’ More

Espadrilles. Summer classic sandal alternative. Pair ankle-tie, wedge with a maxi dress for summer evenings. Trendiest trend: metallic espadrilles, especially gold or glitter.

Woven shoes. Should be worn sock-less. Wear them with denim, cotton, or linen pants.

Minorquines. No one knows the name, but everyone knows the shoe. Chic and comfy for city strutting, shopping, or beach.

<<The Accessories>>

• Basket Bag. The summer purse, grab a straw version.

• Bracelet bags. They’re selling out everywhere, so that could only mean one thing — you need one.

• Statement earrings • Color. For accessories and shoes, especially bright green or orange. No matter how neutral your outfit is, pump it up.

<<Trends This Very Second>>

• Embroidered items are <the> embellished look of the season, but lots of touches are trendy –– fringe, pom-poms, lace insets, badges, tassels, ladder lace, bows, beading, and raw denim hems. Go tonal or high contrast. Even on bathing suits.