The top ten trends of the season
This summer promises to be extra fun, with a bunch of cool shows premiering (Tori and Dean Inn Love, anyone?), a bunch of good music coming our way (Virgin Festival!) and a bunch of good weather to stave off depression for another few months. We’ve got to take advantage of the sun while it lasts, so hop on over to your local boutique strip and pick up some steamy fashion for the summer. Who knows, maybe you’ll be Go Fug Yourself’s next victim.
1. Rock the Pinup Styles
As if Christina’s Candyman video didn’t inspire you to bust out the falsies and salute the troops. This trend is all over the place and can be incorporated into most of the summer trends listed here. Look to grandma for some advice. Heck, she probably has some good stories about handsome soldiers she boogied with while dance cards were still the norm.
2. Sexy Swimwear
A staple every summer, sexy swimwear is nothing new. But here’s what is new: a heap of geometric suits featuring bright colours and flattering fits. Since it’s all about the pinup this season, try some modest styles, too. The one-piece suit is a welcome trend for non-stick ladies. American Apparel has some great suits for the fashion forward chick.
3. Cover Girl
For those who want to leave a little to the imagination, buy yourself a pretty cover-up. The days of huge floral muumuus are gone – grab yourself a trendy little terry number. Old Navy has a colourful selection at reasonable prices.
4. Frilly Under Things
What’s under that sleek business suit? Oops, it’s lacy underoos. In sync with the pinup phenomenon, frilly underpants and bras have the power to make you feel sexy, even if you’re wearing sweats. Agent Provocateur rules the season with their gorgeously constructed underpinnings. Pick up some in your size while you’re visiting the States (after you hit Target, of course).
5. Silver Linings
Silver continues to dominate the metallics trend this season and what better way to shine than to wear a cute silver belt or hairband? Trick out your outfit with metallic jewellery, shoes or other accoutrements. Just make sure you wear it responsibly. You don’t want your office nickname to be “Tinfoil.” Zara’s silver rucksack will be sure to put a glimmer in your suitor’s eye.
6. Colour-Blocking
If you’re not into silver, but you still want to be flashy, wear bold, bright colours in big blocks. The eighties are important, but the idea here isn’t to look like you stepped out of YM circa 1987. Incorporate bold geometric colour blocks into a more adult wardrobe. American Apparel is wonderful for this, but H&M is a great place to check, too.
7. Girly Dresses
Feminine frocks rule the season, floaty and pretty and easy to throw over your bikini to take you from the pool to the club (or fancy restaurant) in no time. Every store you’ll pass this summer will have dresses on display. If you’re into the cheapie option, swallow your pride and check out one of my faves, Urban Planet. After I got over the whole “I’m too cool to go in there” thing, I realized that UP carries everything from cute warm-weather dresses to utilitarian t-shirts to a colourful display of candy-like beads and bracelets.
8. The Obligatory Sunglass Mention
Of course sunglasses are always in style (even at night, if you’re Corey Hart), but I’m quite pleased with the aviator trend sticking around for another season. Aviators make everyone look cool, unless they’re tinted eyeglass aviators worn by a fat smelly man travelling beside me on a crowded bus (true story). Try the Ray-Ban site for the latest styles. Also cool: Risky Business sunglasses – who could resist Tom Cruise when he wasn’t all about the aliens?
9. Chunky Shoes
This trend ties in with the pinup look. Chunky shoes are all the rage and there are tons of cute options where ever you look. Aldo’s got a great selection of chunky and wedge heels along with accessories to match (but they’re not matchy matchy). If you’ve got a couple hundred to blow, Miu Miu has some wonderful chunky heels this season.
10. Florals
Florals carry through the spring and land comfortably in the summer. Opt for ultra-classic romantic dresses and accessories. With major designers showing dresses that look like they were plucked from gardens, the look is neither severe nor offensive. Don’t go overboard and unless you’re fearless, don’t mix florals. Joe Fresh’s Summer Surf Dress is adorable and at $19, you can afford a few tunics, too.
Written by: Nicolle Weeks