In Minnesota I feel like summer can creep up on us. The weather that has sentenced us to days of unbearable cold lets up, slowly, but surely, and before we know what has hit us it’s time to try on swimsuits again…eek! This year, even if you’re not quite ready to be on the lake, who says you can’t look good trying. For those of us who need a little time for that bikini to fit just right, billowing coverups can be your best friend. This summer the trends that so heavily influenced our wardrobes for spring are still in style, and that means trapeze bodies and flowing tops.  Summer trends are largely influenced by what was popular in the spring, so if you tragically missed the spring issue, here is a quick update on the major trends for spring and summer. Trapeze shapes in dresses, and flowing tops in general, will continue to be popular this season.  Skinny bottoms, leggings, and jeans, as well as pencil skirts, add a nice contrast to the voluminous tops that have been dominating the runways. Layeringis still key, which is perfect for those hot summer days that turn into cool summer nights. These are just a few of the trends that will have you running to your favorite stores to stock up on the latest styles if you haven’t already.

One way to update these looks for summer is adding some color, and print. This season bright colors are the best way to add life to your clothes.  From sunshine yellows and bold bl ues to hot pinks , it’s all about making a statement. But don’t think we’ve given up our standard black, white and navy. These are the accents of choice popping up on the runways in swimsuits, and as backgrounds for the fun floral prints and bright geometric prints that have been so popular lately.  A surprising new trend may shock you, and even I will admit it took me a little while to come around to the idea of black and navy as a color combination. For some it may seem like a natural progression with black and brown being paired together since fall, but to me I can’t get my mother’s rules of fashion out of my head: NEVER wear black with navy, or white after Labor Day. Today these rules have shifted and changed at the whim of the fashion elite, and so comes the daring combination of these two dark colors. So forget what your mother told you, it’s okay to wear black and navy together again. If you’re unsure of this combination, try pairing black with a few navy accents, like a black top and a navy jacket. But please don’t put navy socks with black pants; no matter what the trend, that’s never a good look.

Other trends that have been showing up in stores and on the streets are feminine details. While we saw this on the runways in the form of bows and cute pockets added to outfits, the trend has gone one step further. Now we are seeing cute details added to tops like intricate buttons, and pin tuck pleating, both adding a little something extra to each piece. Another development for the season is emphasis on the sleeve. This summer it’s all about the sleeve. From angel sleeves and bell sleeves, to puffed sleeves and dolman sleeves, there isn’t a better way to add life to your wardrobe than with a little sleeve detail and differentiation.

My favorite trend for summer is tops that are easy to wear and can be paired with different outfits, adding just the right touch of fashion to any look. Cropped swing jackets in lightweight materials are the perfect accessory to any outfit. Whether you’re spending a day on the lake, or out on the town, it just works. My other favorite trend (since I couldn’t choose just one), are shift dresses that you can tie in the back. This look flatters so many figures by allowing you to tie it tight, loose, or not at all. Pair it with a cropped swing jacket, and some skinny jeans, and you’ve got a look that will get noticed. Enjoy these trends this summer while you sit by the lake measuring the time by the sun, and moments spent with family and friends. When time runs out and the cool hand of fall catches us in its grasp, I’ll be back with helpful hints on what trends are spicing up the next season. But for now, happy shopping!

By Kelly Klein

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