Fashionably Kate: Warm up your wardrobe with hot summer trends
Written by Kate McComb | | kmccomb@toledofreepress.comIt’s time to step out in summer’s trends. There are many options to choose from that will warm up your wardrobe.
One of the hottest trends of the summer is ’70s fashion. Being a child of the ’80s, I turned to my mother for her take on the original inspirations.
“I used to wiggle into my hip-hugging bell bottoms, then dip into a bathtub of water,” she said. “The jeans dried like a second skin.”
Makes me thankful for the wonderful stretchiness of jeggings. Mom’s jeans have made a major return, however, there is no water necessary. The updated fit avoids an exaggerated bell shape and has a higher waist. To those who have invested in a collection of skinny pants, don’t worry; they’re here to stay. What was first thought of as a fad has become embraced as a staple.
Kate McComb in a blouse from Diane Von Furstenburg and Milly skirt from Sophie’s Sister.
For more inspiration I went to Sophie’s Sister at 133 N. Michigan St. in Toledo, where Tierney Wiles helped me pick out some trendy ensembles. Wiles, who has worked at the contemporary women’s boutique for three years, showed me the perfect pair of flared jeans from James Jean and a groovy black-and-white midi dress by Diane Von Furstenberg.
Check out the spring shows of Emilio Pucci and Marc Jacobs for more ideas of today’s updated twist on the ’70s. Free-spirited gals, look for crochet, macramé, bohemian and floral prints and lace-up clothing. Fans of the mirrored ball will be drawn to shimmering fabrics, frill details and deep halter tops. Other key items include off-the-shoulder tops, flowy dresses and rompers.
Priceless piece of style trivia: bell bottoms were first created for the U.S. Navy uniform, which turns our attention to another current trend — nautical-themed clothing. The focus is on tops with wide horizontal stripes in red, white and blue, but for variety consider different colors, directions and widths or striped bottoms. Other elements include rope-like textures and oversized link jewelry. I recommend shopping for sailor pieces at consignment stores, like Plato’s Closet, as this is a recurring classic.
From florals to stripes, prints will be everywhere! Expect to see polka dots, plaids, graphics, animal prints and tribal patterns. Some of the prettiest prints of fashion week were found at Emilio Pucci, which presented retro scrolls of blues, browns and black and Christopher Kane, who was inspired by Japanese tattoos and neon hues. Locally, Sophie’s Sister offers plenty of options, including a dress by Leifsdottir with an eclectic mixed print. To add prints to your wardrobe on a budget take inspiration from Katy Perry’s nail art and look online for tutorials.
Bright colors will be another big trend this summer. If you’re timid about embracing bold colors, begin with a pop from an accessory such as a belt or handbag, like the yellow purse by Diane Von Furstenberg. When you’ve gained confidence turning heads, Wiles recommends pairing vibrant apparel with a neutral, like the yellow Diane Von Furstenberg blouse and white Milly skirt. Add some edge by accessorizing with a different striking color.
The perfect escape from brights is clean and simple: try white. To maximize this look, wear a shade of white from head to toe like an ivory sundress or a white tank with white eyelet shorts. Dolce & Gabbana embraced all white wholeheartedly with its spring line. A spin on this trend is to wear white and black, a timeless combination that continues to look classic and sexy.
“The white trend is best with some sort of slouchy element,” Wiles said. “Wear white looser or with fitted white pants, pair a more relaxed top, like the beautiful black lattice blouse from Leifsdottir.”
Before you know it, summer will end and the fall clothing lineup will be hitting racks. Many of today’s trends will continue into fall including patterns, brights, shine and lace.
To prepare for what’s new ahead, I asked Wiles for her prediction.
“The ’20s and ’30s are coming back, which features longer and looser shapes, jewel tones, beaded gowns,” Wiles said. “Also, menswear à la Katherine Hepburn, high-waisted pants and clean and feminine silhouettes will return.”
Tags: Christopher Kane, Diane Von Furstenberg, Emillio, Fashionably Kate, James Jean, jeggings, Kate McComb, Katy Perry, Marc Jacobs, Plato's Closet, Pucci, Sophie's Sister
