What Are You Wearing? The Looks Guys and Girls Need for the Summer

 

Summer is officially upon us—time to store away the sweaters and bring out our summer wardrobes. Update your closet this season by embracing the bright hues, patterned prints and light-weight clothes to wear in the warm weather. Here are five of the top trends for guys and girls to ensure you look stylish all summer long.

 

 

Putting on a fun, printed dress is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of a new summer season. Try an animal print, bold graphic design, or even fresh floral designs to update your dress selection this summer. Diane Von Furstenberg, BCBG and Anthropologie are known for their dresses in fun, printed designs. Be sure to stock up so you can wear them all summer long.

 

Instantly dress up your look with a pair of this summer’s popular wedged sandals. Pair your fun, printed dress with caged sandals or espadrilles to add a summer flare to your ensemble. Caged wedges like the Velas sandal at Nine West for $89 can even be worn to the office or out on fun, summer nights. Tory Burch’s classic espadrille and ballet espadrille starting at $115 come in bold patterns and bright hues. Old Navy has more affordable options starting at $30.

 

Nautical stripes are a classic summer look that can instantly make you feel like you are by the water. These fun stripes are a traditional fashion staple worn by the infamous Coco Chanel but have recently been updated on this season’s runways. The pattern has shown up on tops, shoes and lots of fun beach totes. Try Gap’s striped boatneck sweater on sale for $39.99, or Mango’s nautical knot sweater at $59.90. Pair these with a fun pair of chino shorts or boat shoes and you will have perfected a preppy, seaworthy look.

 

Crisp white looks are perfect to lighten up your wardrobe and flaunt that summer tan. Try a white summer tunic or a white dress to sport during the warm weather. J. Crew has a variety of options available this summer including the $70 solid embossed Lorelei dress and the Ginny Dress for $128. Gap’s Lightweight Embroidered Blouse and Smocked Tank are other options in white for summer.

 

Stand out at the pool this summer in one of the season’s bright colored bikinis, jelly sandals, or sunglasses. Bright pinks, oranges and blues will bring bright, summer hues into your summer wardrobe. Bandeau tops and cut-out swimsuits are popular looks for the season. Try Cynthia Rowley’s line for Roxy priced at $135. Target also offers more affordable options at $30. The Jelly sandals we wore as kids are also making a comeback this summer. Designer options from Michael Kors, Burberry and Tods are available, or you can pick up a pair for less than $15 at the Gap or Old Navy.

 

 

Button-down shirts always help men look put together and instantly stylish. Striped patterns are always in season, but try a pastel colored Polo button down ($79.99) for a preppy look, or an edgier plaid pattern from American Eagle for $30. Pair these button-downs with jeans at night or with chino shorts for a casual daytime ensemble.

This summer, days will be spent in your bathing suit at the beach, so grab a pair of the new graphic board shorts from Hurley or Billabong, priced around $60. More affordable options can be found at Target for $15. Throw on a light tee, flip-flops and you are ready to hit the water.

 

A pair of shorts can make you look appropriate for any occasion. Dress them up with a button down or light sweater, or wear them with a worn t-shirt for a casual look. This summer’s chino shorts from J. Crew can be found in utility, cargo-pocket styles, or with designs like plaid or seersucker for preppy, conservative looks. J. Crew shorts price around $60.

Aviator sunglasses have been a trend for the past few seasons, but continue to be a hit this summer. The original Ray-Bans can vary in price from $99 to $189. While it’s great to invest in a pair of quality sunglasses, less expensive versions can be found at American Eagle for $20.

 

Leather Flip Flops are casual but can still make any outfit look put together during the summer. Try Banana Republic or J. Crew for a pair of brown leather sandals that will match almost every outfit.