The best of Spring & Summer 2007
August 13th, 2007Most of us still have a good few months of warm weather to enjoy, but we’ve seen the last of Spring and Summer in store. It’s that crazy retail cycle again. Autumn collections are in full swing and, as ever, I am champing at the bit to talk about them. But first, some final thoughts on the last 6 months of fashion.
Here are my raves (hold off on the rants…we’ll tackle them tomorrow).
- Dresses, dresses, dresses were everywhere. From jersey to chiffon, empire to sack, and casual to smart, dresses look fab on all body types. They’re perfect for hot weather and an easy all-in-one item to throw on. It’s been a great resurgence of the quintessential feminine piece.
- Yellow and cobalt were “new” retro 80’s brights and a breath of fresh air amongst the neutrals.
- Longer length tops and tunics were perfect for skinnies, leggings, straight legs and boot cuts. Tunics and dresses over pants are a uniform in my wardrobe because they’re elegant, flattering, comfortable and versatile. If short tops become fashionable again, I might need to stay stuck in this decade.
- Swing tops that were easy to wear and forgiving on the mid-section get my thumbs up if they didn’t make you look pregnant when you weren’t.
- Voluminous sleeves were dramatic, 40’s and girly. What’s not to love?
- Trapeze jackets worn over longer-length fitted tops and paired with slim bottoms were a new look. This watershed silhouette change became more mainstream this season and it’s nice to see something very new.
- Skinnies and slim pants were the best match for voluminous tops and tunics. After my initial trepidation a year ago, I have grown to appreciate skinnies again.
- Leggings with dresses were an unexpected hit, and a good look for Autumn.
- Waist belts remained an inexpensive way of adding that “of-the-moment” look to an existing ensemble.
- Patent in all it’s hues was a cheerful update from Winter and a wonderful way of adding colour and depth to a neutral outfit.
- Polka dots were fun!
- Ballet flats worked especially well with skinnies and leggings. A fashionable and comfy flat is always fab.
- Bright accessories added lots of excitement.
- Clutches were the “it” bag and a refreshing streamlined change to slouchy hobos.
- Black and white. Despite the overdose it continues to be a striking combination.
Now that our eyes have adapted to the fundamental changes in fashion over the last year, it’s time to embrace the trends that we like and make them wearable for our body type. What were your favourite trends this season?
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It seems appropriate to close the season with bright footwear and accessories.
August 13th, 2007 at 7:40 am
as always, i am a denim fan - so i paired my skinnies under bright sundresses and that made me feel comfy and fashion fab!
August 13th, 2007 at 8:34 am
School bus yellow–get more compliments on my yellow bag and shoes. Patent–love it. Makes outfits pop!
Thanks for all the tips. I look forward to raves tomorrow. Crocs must top the list! yucky!
oxxo
August 13th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
opps–I’m mean crocs must top the rant list!
August 13th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Yes, most of those were favs of mine, too. Trapeze jackets, swing tops, tunic tops, and skinny jeans weren’t complete favorites, but maybe because I saw too many women wearing them that shouldn’t have been (I stayed away from them personally because they didn’t work well on me). On those that did have the right body shape, they did look awesome… so I wouldn’t say that I disliked them. Now, I did love the yellow even though I didn’t find pieces that worked for me. I’m still looking, but it does take a bit more work. I have one yellow sun dress, but I have to loose a few pounds before it looks right on me. Maybe next summer.
My favs of that list are definitely dresses, wide belts, bright accessories, and ballet flats. Polka dots, black and white, and patent are also great classics in my opinion - though better in smaller doses.
I didn’t get into clutches, buy I might just have to if I ever get a purse budget again. Recently it’s been getting harder and harder to carry something that doesn’t look like a tote (which I still have to carry at least to the car for the sweater, umbrella, and bottle of water thanks to our variable Florida weather). I’m starting to see the benefit of having a phone with a pda, music player, and camera built in.
I still haven’t gotten into leggings (still too hot here), but maybe we’ll see them around here this fall still. They do seem fun and useful.
Voluminous sleeves were also great - at least some types. I do like butterfly sleeves and puff sleeves, but some of the kimono sleeves that I saw didn’t do anything for the wearer.
All in all, I think we’ve had a fabulous season. I’m really looking forward to this coming season, though. Maybe I’m just looking forward to more purple
And yes, I agree with Joey. Crocs are at the top of my rant list.
August 13th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
-I am truly envious of women who could pull off swing jackets and skinny jeans. I loved both of these pieces so much (especially together), but I am too short and squat to get it right. Same with waist belts. I wish these looks were in style 5 years ago, when I was still a skinny rectangle.
-I love clutches but I find them really impractical and awkward. I don’t have much luck with bags anyway as I don’t wear leather.
-I’ll be wearing leggings and tunics/dresses for a long time to come. So glad you shared this look with us! I was surprised at how much I liked it!
August 14th, 2007 at 5:03 am
Yellow - LOVE it!! Even though I didn’t make many yellow purchases, I did love it. I hope that it stays around for next year, because i am still on the hunt for the perfect yellow shoes. It’s a very happy and refreshing color.
August 14th, 2007 at 7:20 am
It’s music to my ears that you tried the leggings look Maya! Bravo for being adventurous and trying something new. Now you can enjoy dressing the look down with flats and a denim jacket, or dressing it up with heels and a smarter dress. My clutches only come out at night because they are to your point, impractical. I do love the look though. I suppose they are the equivalent of 2 hour shoes…only a lot less painful.
August 14th, 2007 at 7:34 am
I love yellow too - bright egg yolk yellow in fact. I’m with you as far as hoping that it sticks around. I have beautiful yellow shoes that I’ve been wearing for years and I intend wearing them for a very long time because I simply love them and they make any outfit pop. Good luck in finding that perfect pair!
August 15th, 2007 at 8:21 am
a resounding YES to nearly all the items on your list–we’ve had a pretty good season, no?!
swing tops were my least fave for the usual reason…looks like maternity wear on many of us.
low wedges top my list, they give me just the right amount of height and comfort.
adore patent, clutches and yellow.
i know we’re not supposed to talk about fall yet, but have you seen Jill Stuart’s collection? it’s really impressive IMO, chic and completely wearable for women of any age.