Summer Fashion Preview
From the runway to the beach
By: Carla Boubes
Issue date: 5/14/07 Section: The Buzz
As temperatures rise and summer nears, hemlines inch up and chunky sweatshirts get put away for next fall. With warm weather and the prospect of long sunny days ahead, fashion takes a look backwards to the '60s, a time of fun, flirty styles.
Bohemian prints, loose flowy shapes, and retro accents are all making big splashes just in time for taking a walk down the pier or lounging by the water.
The carefree days of summer lend themselves to light, loose dresses. Linen and soft cottons are easygoing and look great anytime. Naturally textured, summer daydresses are fantastic to wear over a bathing suit and look even better after they've gotten wrinkled at the bottom of your beach tote. Long or short, make sure you take advantage of retro geometric prints or Mediterranean inspired fresco neutrals.
The '60s also featured colorful psychedelic prints. Emilio Pucci-inspired pieces are great on bathing suits and accessories such as hats or wraps. Universally flattering, the swirls of color are the perfect way to add a punch of attitude and personality to even the most basic bathing suit. Adding a flirty metallic espadrille or strappy wedge will give that perfect carefree summer aesthetic with minimal effort. Even the basic flip-flop gets an extra kick this summer with details like tiny kitten heels or contrast stitching. Another way to accessorize with colors is to wear bangles and earrings. Iridescent seashell necklaces or earrings look great with any beachy look, or pair bright poppy colors with plastic bangles and big charm necklaces.
In addition to swirled prints, geometric prints are also making appearances on everything from shift dresses to jumpers. Stripes and polka dots reminiscent of Vargas' pin-up girls are the perfect vintage detail to add personality to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Striped nautical tops with basic shorts are an easy way to add that vintage flair without going overboard. Patent leather is a great detail to add for the daring, as well as details like bright gold buttons and bright red lips.
Block printed tunics come embellished with ethnic details like hand stitched embroidery and beadwork. Tunics look great over pants and bathing suits alike, and paired with oversize sunglasses and a mod-print scarf in your hair, channeling St. Tropez
Oversized sunglasses are still in style, but now they're sophisticated and polished in tortoiseshell and neutrals like milky whites and creams. Statement sunglasses are a must, so get the best selection at Oliver Peoples or Sunglass Hut, but be ready to spend a lot for name brands like Gucci and Dior.
More than anything, the '60s were about being feminine. Everything about summer is ultra feminine, from the light airy fabrics to the bright prints. Summer is the time to have fun, play with color, and make a statement. Channeling the '60s with hippie bohemian details, mod prints, and accessorizing with every color of the rainbow gives everyone a chance to visit the carefree summers of love, be they 1967 or 2007.
Bohemian prints, loose flowy shapes, and retro accents are all making big splashes just in time for taking a walk down the pier or lounging by the water.
The carefree days of summer lend themselves to light, loose dresses. Linen and soft cottons are easygoing and look great anytime. Naturally textured, summer daydresses are fantastic to wear over a bathing suit and look even better after they've gotten wrinkled at the bottom of your beach tote. Long or short, make sure you take advantage of retro geometric prints or Mediterranean inspired fresco neutrals.
The '60s also featured colorful psychedelic prints. Emilio Pucci-inspired pieces are great on bathing suits and accessories such as hats or wraps. Universally flattering, the swirls of color are the perfect way to add a punch of attitude and personality to even the most basic bathing suit. Adding a flirty metallic espadrille or strappy wedge will give that perfect carefree summer aesthetic with minimal effort. Even the basic flip-flop gets an extra kick this summer with details like tiny kitten heels or contrast stitching. Another way to accessorize with colors is to wear bangles and earrings. Iridescent seashell necklaces or earrings look great with any beachy look, or pair bright poppy colors with plastic bangles and big charm necklaces.
In addition to swirled prints, geometric prints are also making appearances on everything from shift dresses to jumpers. Stripes and polka dots reminiscent of Vargas' pin-up girls are the perfect vintage detail to add personality to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Striped nautical tops with basic shorts are an easy way to add that vintage flair without going overboard. Patent leather is a great detail to add for the daring, as well as details like bright gold buttons and bright red lips.
Block printed tunics come embellished with ethnic details like hand stitched embroidery and beadwork. Tunics look great over pants and bathing suits alike, and paired with oversize sunglasses and a mod-print scarf in your hair, channeling St. Tropez
Oversized sunglasses are still in style, but now they're sophisticated and polished in tortoiseshell and neutrals like milky whites and creams. Statement sunglasses are a must, so get the best selection at Oliver Peoples or Sunglass Hut, but be ready to spend a lot for name brands like Gucci and Dior.
More than anything, the '60s were about being feminine. Everything about summer is ultra feminine, from the light airy fabrics to the bright prints. Summer is the time to have fun, play with color, and make a statement. Channeling the '60s with hippie bohemian details, mod prints, and accessorizing with every color of the rainbow gives everyone a chance to visit the carefree summers of love, be they 1967 or 2007.
Multi
The Archives
Be the first to comment on this story