Summer Fashion 2008: Essentials
Floral Dresses, Sheer Shirts, Lightweight Scarves
What to buy (or dig out of the closet) for summer 2008.
There are five fashion essentials for 2008. Whether these pieces have already found their way into the closet or a shopping trip is needed, each of the following is a must-have for their versatility and freshness.
1. The Sheer Shirt
Spring (and now summer) fashion this year has embraced sheer fabrics as well as lace, cut-outs and eyelets. The go-to shirt for summer is a sheer one, whether in girlie gauze or more sophisticated linen. Pick a light, neutral color that compliments the warm climate. These shirts are perfect to wear over a tank top – embracing the coolness of a tank without being so exposed. If the shirt gets worn, by the end of the summer, use it as a bathing suit cover-up. But sheer shirts can last a long time if they’re treated gently and hand-washed.
2. The Floral Dress
Yes, the summer staple: a floral dress. For 2008, the shape of the dress doesn’t matter so much – it can be a shift, a full skirt or belted at the waist. What’s important and what makes the dress modern is the pattern itself. Dainty little flowers are out; bold patterns are in. Bigger, brighter flowers (as long as they’re not gaudy) look sophisticated and elegant. Pick dark flowers on a light background – dark gray or navy on white, for example – for an extra grown-up look.
3. Casual sparkles
The shimmery trend from the past year continues – but for summer, keep sparkles from being too glitzy by making sure the piece of clothing is a casual one. Pair a sequined top with jeans or khakis or a lightweight jeweled cardigan over a plain shiftdress. Sparkles have even been showing up on the beach. Teen Vogue recently featured a beach-wear spread that included a sparkly shirt. Who says shine has to be limited to the city?
4. Insect hairclips
Miu Miu started the trend, and now copycats are turning up everywhere: hairclips shaped like dragonflies, bees, ladybugs and other insects. Some are jeweled, others plain; some are large, others minuscule. They can be worn in hair, of course, but can also be clipped onto bags, shoes or belts for an added accessory.
5. Lightweight scarves
The scarf, usually a cold weather accessory, has reinvented itself for warm weather. The popular scarves right now aren’t knit or crocheted, they’re made of fabric that’s twisted and turned to form a coiled and crinkly accessory. Pick a fresh summer hue (think sorbet colors) or nautical pattern to compliment any outfit.
Happy Summer!
