Fearless Summer Colors and Patterns for Summer 2009
How to Wear This Season's Daring Hues and Designs
May 2, 2009
Here are ways to make the most of the season's bold tints and patterns.
Neon
This summer's neons (still hanging around from last summer) further cement that the side-ponytail-shoulder-pad-leggings-off-the-shoulder-Flashdance ride is not over yet. Don't be scared; it doesn't have to be the same neon of '80s gone by. This season, designers have incorporated neon into their collections in both accessible and subtle ways.
DKNY's t-strap Seaford flat sandal combines pink neon straps with a cork-bed sandal. The thin, bright pink straps are a welcome "pop" with a white summer dress, a white tank and jeans combo, or out on the sand with a beach cover-up.
To make more of a statement, try French Connection's yellow linen tie-waist dress. The brazen color is tempered by the sweet, ladylike style of the dress. Accessorize with an oversize wood bangle for an organic touch.
The key is stick with one neon piece. Avoid radiating from miles away by pairing neon clothing with neon accessories.
Geometric Patterns
Scarves, tops, bags and shoes get a mathematical makeover this season with circular, triangular and rectangular patterns. Net-A-Porter has even devoted this month's issue of its Notes magazine to the beauty of graphic prints.
Access the look with One September's Nucleus tee and its tiny purple hexagons against a red background. The top also gathers right below the neckline in an orbital shape. Available at Anthropologie. Or, add a modernist touch to a bohemian-style blouse with Anna Sui's silk Geo Patchwork top on sale at ShopBop.
Best to wear the trend as part of your look instead of letting it take over. It can easily overpower with too much fabric (longer dress, skirt, etc.).
Florals
No shrinking violets here. This season's floral prints are big, bold and dramatic. Oh, and don't forget --colorful, colorful, colorful.
Better to use the florals in a top, minidress, scarf, or shoes. Not that it can't be done, but too much of the print in a long maxi dress, for instance, can overwhelm. Better for beach or cruise wear.
Get a touch of this blooming trend with J.Crew's Tulip silk scarf. Or, ECI's white mini shift dress with a band of large florals along the bottom hem.
Patterns this season make a statement, but can be subtly incorporated into any woman's individual style. It is easy to see how they could dominate any look. However, done the right way, they can update and enhance.
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