Ah, the hazy, lazy days of summer are just around the corner.  Time for soda and pretzels and beer, as the old song goes.  Wait a minute!  Doesn’t that line end with “crazy days of summer”?  Yup, the kids may be out of school, but if you’re like most of us, summer is hardly “lazy” time.  Ball games, family vacations, swimming lessons, tennis lessons, out of town friends and family visiting to enjoy our famously hot and sunny days. 

With all the activities and time with family and friends you want to look your best…but where’s the time for fashion?

For those asking, “What’s new this summer?” we’ve got some answers to keep you looking your best.

For starters, break out the color safe bleach, because bright colors are in!  Fasionistas can’t go wrong with vibrant colors and bold, dramatic prints.  Those with true style will also be wearing daring florals and ombre two-tone dresses, skirts and tops.  Think yellow, yellow, yellow,  grass green and poppy red!  If you don’t usually gravitate towards these “look at me” colors, try one on for fun.  You may be surprised by the effect. 

“Ruffle” your feathers!

Believe it or not, ruffles are making a comeback.  Not like the Seinfeld piratey puffy shirt, but small touches at the neckline, hem and sleeves.  Look for eyelet and crochet , and stone, metal, and jewel embellishment on tops and dresses—even sandals. 

Puttin’ on the Glitz (accessorizing)!

We Texans do like our glitz, after all!  We’re always ready to buy shoes, bags and jewelry.  Flats, ballet slippers and low heels are still popular.  The new jeweled flat sandals match well with dresses that have embedded jewel effect necklines.  Studded spike stiletto heel platforms, super wedges and single—or even double and triple—strapped Mary Jane’s with sequins and stones are what to look for this summer.

Purses are a little toned down this season because dresses and tops are so colorful (metallics are a good choice).  The newest hot style making a comeback is the clutch.  Both large and small bags are popular—larger bags for everyday running around and the smaller bags to meet for dinner out with friends.  Puffy and dome bags are in style, especially for vacation, because many can be used on the beach to hold towels, suntan lotion, etc.

Jewelry is bold, artsy and chunky.  The most important summer jewelry item is the cuff bangle…the wrist will be a focal point this summer.  Look for large link chain necklaces and semi-precious gemstone necklaces.  Big cocktail rings are always fashionable and continue to get even bigger!

Flexible Fashion is Fun!

Fortunately for us women, we’re living in a really flexible fashion time.  While there are some themes, like baby doll tops, which run through the current lines, we are basically free to choose our own styles.  You should feel empowered with the ability to mix and match current trends with more timeless looks.  For instance, a bold colored (or print) blouse paired with a great pair of jeans is an easy win.  So don’t be afraid to mix your casual tops with dressier bottoms, or vice versa.  And some of those baby doll tops can help stretch your wardrobe by wearing them as a dress with a nifty pair of wedge sandals or as a top over your favorite capris or denim shorts (and the nifty sandals). 

The other cool “now” fashion phenomena is that current trends and styles bridge the age gap.  Moms and grandmoms alike can look spectacular in a good-fitting pair of jeans.  With so many styles to choose from, high rise, mid rise, boot cut, and flair any booty of any age can find a terrific pair of jeans to set off the perfect look for your figure.

Many top jean designers are now making a few styles in petite for the shorter woman.  A slight flare looks good on almost every body type, so you can’t go wrong there.  And remember, the darker the wash, the thinner you’ll look.  For heavier thighs, flares and bootcut jeans are the best because they help elongate your leg (this works well for petites too).  But if you’re not too happy with your thighs, stay away from peg legs.  Pegs are great for tall and thin women, and extra low rise will show off your tummy and hips.

If your bottom is your problem area, avoid embellishments on the pockets to keep the focus away.  Look for pockets that are proportionately sized and spaced (too small and wide spaced will make your bottom broader—yikes!).  Choose styles with a slight fare or embellishments at the ankle to draw attention down.  Low rise jeans also flatter your bottom.

If you’re not happy with the tummy area, look for a higher wasted stretch jean that has some give to them.

And speaking of our favorite clothing go-to item (come on ladies, I know you have more than a couple pairs in your closet!), jeans aren’t just for cooler weather.  The premium denim lines have super lightweight fabrics that are still comfortable in warmer weather.  And so many styles to choose from—skirts, shorts, Bermudas, Capri.  We also have an array of washes to pick from.  White is still very popular, as well as the new ice blue wash.  These lighter shades just look cool (temperature-wise, that is), and they pair well with all those bright, bold, colors and prints.

Ok, so we know denim is a staple.  But other than those cute baby doll tops we talked about earlier, what else is up in that ever-changing fashion world, you ask?  Well, here’s what to look for.  Dresses are definitely in.  The newer fabrics are cool and comfortable (a loose fit is definitely in) and a cute summer dress looks great at the grocery store or at lunch with friends.  This summer’s looks have borrowed some ideas from the not-too-distant past.   Look for shifts (if you’re too young to know what a shift is, think The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Jackie O when she was Jackie K).  Ok, ok—a shift is usually sleeveless and falls fairly straight from the shoulders.  It’s a pretty classic style updated in a variety of fabrics and designs. 

 With many options to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options for any summer mood, whether it’s hazy-lazy- or crazy!  Do have fun clothes shopping by veering out of your comfort zone, even if only in the privacy of the dressing room, and see how the new styles and colors look on you.