Watch out for the summer fashion faux pas
Even though summer isn’t until June 21st, the warm weather has definitely arrived. Every season has certain fashion issues to address and the summer is no exception. This issue of the “Monthly Fashion Update” will focus on some of the most common summer fashion faux pas.
Stripes are usually very popular in the summer however, too many times I see the wrong people wearing stripes. For example, anyone with a large bust or voluptuous women should steer clear of horizontal stripes because they have a tendency to make people appear larger than they actually are. Vertical stripes are always a safe option, especially in pants because they create an elongating effect and can make you appear taller. Although a pair of striped trousers is not good when they pull across your thighs….the stripes themselves should lay flat and not pull or gape anywhere on the body.
Capris are also extremely popular in the summer, although, this style is not very flattering. Capris have a tendency to make people appear shorter because it chops off the line of the leg. So in lieu of wearing capris, I would suggest a skirt or a summer dress to the knee because these are easy to move in and can be dressed up or easily dressed down with a pair of low-heeled sandals.
Aside from capris, a lot of people wear shorts in the summer. The one major problem with shorts is when they’re too short…this is not very flattering or age appropriate. I’m not the biggest fan of shorts, however, if you still insist on wearing them then match them up with a cute pair of flats. Even the beaded bohemian inspired flats would be a fantastic addition with a pair of shorts. A great pair of flats helps the look of shorts become a bit more stylish and sophisticated than just wearing shorts with flip flops or gym shoes. Ideally, the shorter the shorts, the lower the heel.
Aside from these summer fashion faux pas, the summer is still filled with some wonderful things that we normally don’t get the chance to wear like linen and open-toed shoes. Linen is great because even though it wrinkles so easily it’s still a great fresh summer look. Linen is light-weight and moves with the body, which is very flattering and extremely feminine. Of course I would not recommend wearing linen pants if you have to sit in an office for eight hours, but linen pants would be great for a day of shopping, a night at Ravinia or attending a summer party.
One of the joyous things about the summer is that you get to wear all those fabulous summer shoes! However, word to the wise, even if you don’t get pedicures, please make sure that your toes are manicured. Nobody wants to see ugly toes :) Lastly, don’t be afraid to add some color to your nails…it’s the perfect accessory. Most of all, be sure to have fun this summer, take care of your toes and be careful not to fall victim to these common summer fashion faux pas.