Top 10 for 2010| By Dinah Widder
Summer 2010 is giving us a great range of new trends as well as comeback styles to experience all over again. This summer it’s time to get creative with color, bold prints, and intense accessories.
1. Floral Prints
Sun dresses are relentlessly in style and forever appropriate no matter what the setting. This season, you will find floral prints all over this summer staple. Leave the solids behind and go for some feminine floral. Also, try shortening your maxi dress craves and go for a cute, above the knee-length dress. Grab a great floral top and pair it with a solid bottom or vice versa. Whether you’re picnicking in the park or going out on a first date, floral, romantic prints are the perfect blend of dressy and laid back.
2. Denim
Some type of denim is always in style. Last summer, a lot of us lived in white denim. This summer, it’s back to basics with the never-out-of-style denim jeans jacket. Pair your jeans jacket with your floral sun dress or skirt. Slouchy boyfriend jeans and shorts are still going strong. Mock denim leggings are a great illusion for the summer and allow you to forgo the weight of your real jeans and fool everyone (not to mention they are much cheaper)! Look for other denim items popping up such as vests and mini dresses. If you’re looking for trendier denim and want to stand out from the crowd, go biker chick and check out the quilted style. Paneled with darts around the knee, these jeans are sure to be the next big thing (Armani Exchange has a killer pair for $115 if you’re willing to spend the money).
3. Sheer Fabrics
A summer must? Sheer fabrics that give you a sexy look and make you look great! A sheer flowing blouse embellished with ruffles or rhinestones, and paired with a skinny jean is sure to make you feel confident and cool in any setting. Chiffons are in, so try on some dresses that have a built in slip with sheer fabrics draped on top in all the right places. It’s a beautiful look for summer days paired with a metallic sandal, or summer nights with cute heels.
4. Tribal Prints
South Africa is hosting this summer’s World Cup. Is it South Africa that’s inspiring these must-have tribal prints, or is it the sexy and sweaty spectacle on the field that’s taking us back to our carnal natures (and fashions)? Hot soccer players playing on South African soil or not, tribal prints worn on hot humid days against tan skin are a definite trend this summer. How do you accessorize with this ethnic trend? Gold, gold, gold! Go for sleek, simple, and neutral shoes to balance out these wild patterns.
5. Harem Pants
One of the trendiest looks of the season can also be the hardest to pull off. But if you do it right, this will be the favorite item in your wardrobe. If your 5’7 and above, you can pull this look off with flat gladiator sandals. However, if height isn’t on your side, you’ll look best in these pants with super high wedges. You can wear these dressed up to work or dressed down as a swimsuit cover up. Either way, you’ll be glad if you go with this trend as it feels like you are wearing pajama pants (they’re most often made with the super comfortable fabric known as modal). You won’t want to take them off. Because the top half of these pants are billowy, you’ll want to pair your harem pants with a short, fitted shirt or tank.
6. Sydney Shorts
Similar to the hot pant, these shorts are sure to make a statement. If you have the long legs to pull them off, pair them with a high wedged heel and strut your stuff. This is the most daring item of the season being short, short, short! Sign up for those Pilates classes ladies!
7. Jumpsuits
That’s right, the jumpsuit is back. We haven’t seen these since Studio54! Another daring item, especially when paired with heels. Take some friends with you when shopping for this born again trend since it is hard to find the perfect fit, and requires some back-up. Once you found your perfect fit- your sure to wear it all summer long. (Tip: Not fitting right? Try belting it with a colorful skinny-mini belt.)
8. Bold Jewelry
This is a great way to express your style and wow your friends. Try big jewels, translucent gems, huge rings, long necklaces, and insect or animal rings and necklaces to make any outfit exciting. Also, thin metal bracelets in bulk are a new way to decorate your summer chic.
9. Small Crossbody Purses
Put the over-sized purses away for the summer and lighten your load with these practical, hands-free alternatives. They can snazz up any outfit and never fail to catch compliments. Try a bold color and wear it with something simple to really make it pop. A great accessory for all you minimalists out there who need something new for your wardrobe!
10. Make Up: “The Nude Look”
Hot on the runway and trickling down to all of us, the “nude look” is a refreshing and delicate take on makeup. Clothing and accessories are becoming so bold, that you don’t need to overdo it with your make up. Anything you can find to keep the soft beige and golden hues on your face will be beautiful. Try to make your lips the same color as your skin and add a light clear gloss. Using black eyeliner? Try switching to soft browns to achieve a natural summer glow.
*Top 5 Colors for Summer 2010: Turquoise, Purple, Yellow, Red, and Green
Dinah Widder is a senior at Radford University majoring in fashion merchandising. She recently returned from studying in Milan, Italy, the fashion capital of the world, where she interned with the prestigious and influential men’s clothing line, Les Hommes. Dinah lives in Northern Baltimore County where she rides and jumps horses in her free time.
