Summer in the City
June 2005

 

What's hot this summer seems pretty obvious because the styles are everywhere - bright colors, romantic dresses and halter tops, ethnic ensembles, and lots of white. Timeless Style is here to help you make wardrobe decisions based on your personal look, your color palette and your figure challenges and still look fashionable.

Ethnic: Gauzy fabric decorated with Indian motifs (shown here) are great picks for most figure types - they float over the figure camouflaging minor figure flaws without adding bulk. The overall muted tones are also very flattering for heavier figures. What to watch out for: If you are short, wear the tunic/skirt ensemble with a heeled sandal or a wedge Espadrille. Also, the tunic on the right has a black band of color directly on the hip line that draws the eye to that area. If you are large in the hips or derriere, choose the tunic on the left that ends below the hips.

An inexpensive way to get an ethnic look is to go with some new accessories. Turquoise and coral are very popular again, wooden beads and cuffs are also good choices, and imitation gems and stones in neutral colors are great way to jazz up your summer look.

Romantic: I particularly like both of these dresses. They have a little bit of frill and softness without overkill. Older women need to go easy on the ruffles and lace (and stay away from all of the new halter tops with ribbons and ruffles - way too young for us!) The black dress is a beauty and will work almost all figure types; soft flowing fabric, a muted pattern, a flattering below knee length, and a simple fabric tie at the shoulder. What to watch for: The mauve dress has gathers along the midriff; it can work to either draw attention to a nice waistline or accentuate an already rectangular shape. Try this one on to decide. Also the lower neckline and fitted bust may not be attractive for a small-busted woman.

Color: When choosing a new bright colored summer item, it is especially important to stick with your color family. The melon jacket and lime trousers (pictured here) are perfect for a Spring or Fall. If you a Summer or a Winter, look for pinks, lavenders, and blues. What to watch for: Keep the colors muted. If you must have a bright kelly green, a fuchsia, or an orange shade, choose only one piece. A head-to-toe bright screams overkill.

White: White on white, white and black and white with color are all good summer choices (white and black is particularly attractive in the evening when a more sophisticated choice is appropriate). The use of the oversized flower shoulder pin on the suit shown here adds just enough spice to this sophisticated suit.

Bonus: I think this woman looks great in both outfits. Although she is full-figured, she still has a waistline, and accentuates that attribute with a bright pink waist (also used on the hem for added punch). What a great use of a hot summer color. The tunic/pant ensemble features an asymmetrical hem on the tunic (diagonal lines are slimming). Notice the tangerine sandals and earrings, and multi-colored cuffs - a subtle use of this season's colors that do not overpower.