Look hot but stay cool in summer styles

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Cute and colourful outfi ts are what’s hot for summer 2013.

Summer is here! It's time to ditch those jeans and sweaters and dig out your shorts and tank tops. But before you get too comfortable in your everyday attire, you may want to update your wardrobe with a few must-haves this summer.

Lily Eugenio runs iN Fashion, a clothing boutique located downtown on the popular shopping strip referred to as Richmond Row. “The most popular summer trend right now is colour,” she said. “A variety of colour, from your pastels to your classic brights, even neon colours — anything in colour is definitely the biggest trend this year.”

And what's the colour of the summer? Eugenio said that mint green is making a comeback. “The big colour that's in right now that we haven't seen in a little while is mint green, especially combined with a nice lavender colour. The neons are in. I would say pretty much any colour is in. Blacks and some of the neutrals have taken a bit of a backseat, but there's still a little bit of those colours as anchor colours. Definitely colour in general has taken the front seat this season.”

Sue Glass, owner of Lolita on Richmond Row and Frilly Lizard on Talbot Street, said that bursts of colour is what summer is all about. “Coral is still the reigning colour, with turquoise still strong.” In addition to turquoise, lavender and mint, be on the lookout for other popular colours like orange, cobalt blue and yellow.

Coloured bottoms are also in — everything from shorts to capris to skinny jeans. “It's something different and it kind of shows your flair too, especially if you're someone who's always into just your basic colours,” said Eugenio. Watch for colourful high-waisted shorts! They will slim your figure and give you that sophisticated edge. Pair them with a sheer blouse and you're good to go.

According to Glass, crop tops and maxi dresses are also huge this summer. “The vintage vibe is still in with beautiful floral prints and flapper- style dresses inspired by The Great Gatsby,” she said.

And for workwear, remember one piece of advice: it's possible to be professional and fashionable at the same time. “Dresses work nicely for work because they are still cool enough to wear and are suitable for functions after work. I think dresses are a good thing — or skirts. Some places don't allow capris or shorts, but a dress or a skirt would be a nice alternative,” said Eugenio.

Other options include “a floral blazer, a tank dress with a high-low hemline (not too high), solid linen or floral peplum skirts, and tank blouses with a tie,” according to Glass.

That just about covers daywear, but what could you wear for a night out? Eugenio has the answer: “For the summer months, I would do a really nice capri-length bottom, whether it's a white or a denim with a nice cuff, and a wedge and a t-shirt. Or a nice little sundress with a wedge and jean jacket, because some of the nights are still a little bit cooler.”

Glass suggested “a bright-coloured romper, pantsuit, a flirty floral dress, or a polka dot dress” as alternatives that will surely make a statement.

As for accessories, Eugenio said, “We're really showing a real trend in substantial pieces at the neckline,” so wear jewellery such as necklaces or long earrings. “Whether it's on your neck or ears or wrist, it's good to have one piece as your statement.”

Gold and rose gold is in — look for chokers, long chains, knuckle rings and Alexander McQueen-inspired skulls, said Glass.

Just remember, everything in moderation. “Don't try to pile on too many trends at once,” warned Glass. “A great piece of clothing and a piece or two of jewellery is all you need.”

So now that you know what's hot and trending, go out and explore the world of fashion! But make sure to stay true to yourself during the process. “I think staying true to your personality and making yourself shine (is important) — not just the clothes.” Eugenio emphasized the role confidence plays in an outfit, and suggested using accessories to show off your own personal style. “Maybe try something that you might not normally do, just something a little bit unexpected.”

For more information on what's available at Glass and Eugenio's stores, check them out at in-fashion.ca, frillylizard.ca and lolitaonrichmond.com.

WHAT'S HOT:
High-waisted shorts
Tunic blouses and oversized tees
Crop tops
Maxi dresses
Neon colours
Graphic black and white combinations
Stripes, florals and animal prints
Two toning
Flowy scarves
High/low hem tops and dresses (high at the front, low at the back)
Flapper-style dresses
Bright-coloured rompers
Jean jackets
Pastel colours
Skinny jeans in bright colours such as coral, turquoise, yellow
Ankle pants in different prints or colours
Galaxy leggings
Gold and rose gold jewellery
Accessories such as chokers, long chains and knuckle rings
Colourful wedges
Galaxy shoes

WHAT'S NOT:
Little Black Dress (everyone wants to pop with colour this summer)
Crocs (were they ever hot?)
Floral overload (a little floral is okay, just don't overdo it!)
Sleeveless polo shirts (preppy gone wrong, very wrong)
Striped trousers/tuxedo jacket combos
Patent leather clutches (it's all about metallics)