While I am happy to be doing my second year as The Silhouette's music editor, I think I owe it to myself to start branching out a little. I love music journalism, but next year I'm hoping to write for some other sections, specifically news as well as lifestyle. This is the work in progress of my first fashion piece that will be out on June 5th.
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What's Hot for the Summer '08 Season
Floral Prints
Floral isn’t just for your grandma anymore, and has made a major resurgence for the summer 2008 season. Inspired by lush gardens and fresh spring colours, this must-have print is flirty and ultra-feminine. The best way to incorporate this trend is in a fun sundress, not to mention it’s the easiest way to look good this summer. Instead of finding a top and a bottom, sundresses are a perfect way to be fashion-forward while still looking effortlessly chic. Pair it with a cardigan and ballerina flats for a casual day look, or try it out with a cinching waist belt and heels to bring you into the evening.
Gladiator Sandals
Introduced late last season, who knew Russel Crowe was such a trend-setter? Lame jokes aside, this shoe is not only the hottest summer sandal, but believe it or not, it’s actually practical. As comfortable as your favourite flats, and as eye-catching as your favourite stilettos, the gladiator is the perfect shoe if you’re bored with your usual flip-flops.
Bold Colours
Although black, white, and grey will never lose their functionality, bold colours have made their way from the runway to the malls. While violet was last season’s top pick, this season is all about citrus yellow. This bright colour works great for dresses and tunics, but if you want to be more daring, try it out in coloured denim. If you are a little hesitant, incorporating colour into your accessories is a fool proof way of trying out this trend. Whether its your wardrobe or your handbag, eye-catching neons will surely get you noticed this summer.
Straw Hats
Although it was slow to catch on last summer, it’s impossible to go shopping without coming across some kind of variation of the classic straw hat. If you are planning on spending a day by the pool or the beach, opt for a floppy hat with an oversized brim, but if you are out on the town, then try the ever-popular straw fedora. Brought into the spotlight by rockers like Pete Doherty and socialite fashionistas like Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan, this hat is not particualry easy to wear unless you have the confidence to go with it.
Art Inspired Tunics
This trend looks like you painted on your clothes. No, I’m not making a metaphor for ultra-tight clothing; I literally mean that it looks like you took a paintbrush to whatever you are wearing. Whether it’s a collage of cubist patterns, or graphic inspired pop-art, you should look at this trend the same way you would look at an art project. The more colour and texture you have, the more you will stand out this summer. While tunics and leggings were a staple of last season, it’s beyond overdone, so try pairing your tunic with a pair of skinny jeans, or trouser shorts.
Vintage Sunglasses
The revival of seventies fashion has made its mark on clothing, so it is no surprise that this summer’s sunglasses are inspired by the past. Perhaps the most popular style this season is the vintage Ray-ban Wayfarer’s, which are known for their dark lenses and thick frames. Worn by everyone from Kate Moss to Sienna Miller, standard black frames are the most functional, but if you want to push the envelope, then try out a pair of bright coloured frames, or even the newly introduced duel-coloured frames. These sunglasses exude a mod-rocker look, and if you throw on a cropped leather jacket, you will be the hottest bad-ass in town.
Most importantly, make sure to put your own twist on this summer’s trends. You don’t want to look like you stepped right out of an H&M catalogue, so don’t be afraid to take some risks. Fashion is only as fun as you make it.
