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As spring lingers in the air, fashion trends were breaking out all over the runways in NYC this past February. Breaking out with what you may ask? Fall fashion of 2011. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We first need to update our wardrobes for summer. Let’s take a look at the top ten new trends emerging this summer. 1. MAXI DRESSES. Maxi dresses have been spotted all over El Prado as well as down the runway. However, now we’re seeing some with a new spin. Instead of Hawaiian floral, we’re noticing classic vintage maxi dresses with neutral colors and intricate fabrics hitting the streets of NYC (and Lakeland!) harder then ever. 2. FLOPPY HAT. With a year of classic styles be- coming all the rage, the classic floppy poolside hat is also in style for this spring. Whether you’re hitting the mall, or loung- ing at the beach, this is one of my favorite sum- mer must haves. 3. JUMPERS. 80’s styled romp- ers and jumpsuits are surprisingly in style. This is not flattering for every body, however, a cute floral romper is perfect to pair with your favorite swimsuit as well as classic pastel-colored wedges to wear to the beach this summer. 4. CROP TOPS AND HIGH- WAIST SKIRTS. With the crop top craze quickly making its way into the homes of American girls, I find it’s difficult to follow the trend without breaking South- eastern dress code. While most girls are sporting the crop tops with low-rise jeans, exposing their bellies to the world, SEU students are attempting to make this trend modest. Luckily, this look is easier to make modest than you may think. Most girls may pair the crop top with a thick strapped tank underneath to cover their midriff. My trick is simply pairing the crop top with a high waist skirt. 6. ROUGE. Red lips paired with red cheeks and big barrel curls are, by far, one of my many favorite summer looks. This look throws back to the Roaring 20’s. Finding the right shade of red may be difficult at first, but once you try different reds in contrast to your skin tone, it’ll be easy to pick out what best fits you. 8. FLORAL. From floral tights to floral dresses or even jumpsuits, it’s easy to say that young wom- en have definitely caught on to this 80’s trend. Pretty, simple floral patterns are one of my personal favorite trends. Small intricate floral patterns tend to com- pli- ment women more than large bright floral patterns would. Floral pattern frocks are also often paired with lace. Just remember to be careful when pairing pat- terns with patterns or patterns with textures. 7. LACE. It couldn’t possibly be spring without lace and ruffles. The run- ways last fall were flood- ing with everything from lace dresses and vests to lace leggings and noth- ing says spring quite like lace. This elegant fabric has made its way into many girls’ closets. Whether you prefer leather and chains, or jeans and tie-dye, lace is one of this summer’s must- haves. 5. WHITE DENIM. Yes, white will always be a way of clean- ing up your look. However, even though white jeans are conve- nient and easy to dress up or down, there are very few colors you can pair with them without creat- ing a clash of col- ors. I prefer neutral colors paired with April 2011 FASHION white denim. Some- times it’s difficult to pair bright or dark colors with white jeans without creating a very loud look. Also, stay away from a “matchy matchy” look with white denim. Sometimes it’s good to match, however with white denim it works better to be bold with your choices. 9. OXFORD SHOES. Inspired by the 40’s, Oxford shoes have, for the first time, come back into the swing of fash- ion. It’s almost impos- sible to not come across a pair of Oxford shoes while strolling through the mall. Every store holds their own ver- sion of classic Oxford shoes this season. What’s even more ador- able then the classic black and white oxfords are the floral pat- terned Oxford shoes that I myself have spotted on the feet of many bold women, as well as in the windows of several popular stores. The trend of Oxfords is quickly sweeping the nation, not stopping at any gender or age. These looks are all easy and inexpensive to obtain. Whatever style you choose or trend you follow, just remember to make whatever you wear your own. No matter what trend you’re follow- ing, don’t forget to add your own personal twist. Fashion is like an art; it should be treated as anoth- er outlet of expressing yourself. And lastly, always remember to keep it classy. As fashion icon Coco Chanel once said, “A girl should be two things; classy and fabulous.” By KRISTEN DEKLAVON [email protected]
