Wow, how fashions have changed

By By Patty Swearingen / MSU Extension Service county director
May 30, 2004
My daughter and I recently spent a Saturday afternoon at the mall, looking at all the summer fashions. The styles have definitely changed over the past few years. Hopefully some of the following tips can help you to jazz up the wardrobe you already have.
This summer season feminine styles are all the rage. Instead of cotton candy pink, this summer's styles will feature toned-down colors. But that doesn't mean bright colors are a thing of the past they still have their place in most wardrobes.
A bright accent added to your outfit will let you sparkle. Try pairing a brightly colored handbag or pair of shoes with a more neutral outfit. Brightly colored fingernail or toenail polish can also add spark to an otherwise neutral outfit.
Remember to let people see you, not just your clothing.
Summer colors
Some of the more popular colors this summer are warm neutrals and midtones like champagne or soft corals. Grays, shades of turquoise and peachy-pinks are also in style this season.
Black and white color combinations are very crisp and classic. Key accent colors for this combination are reds, yellows, jade greens or subtle champagne neutrals. Most of us have black and white in our closets and we just need to throw in a splash of color to update the look.
Neutrals and grays combine well with offbeat midtones. Bright colors like azalea pinks and yellow-greens can be accented with toned-down colors and neutrals like pistachio, pale aqua and gray
Fabrics are luxurious this season, with tulles and organzas providing shape, and chiffons, soft silks and brocades adding a sophisticated flare to various pieces of clothing, including bomber or blue jean jackets. Other popular fabrics for jackets include wool boucles with a looped surface texture, tweeds and fluid crepes.
Choosing the right style
Long, lean jackets and tunics are becoming popular, as well as the empire look. Longer, tunic-length tops can balance tiered and ruffled skirts.
A key to making these looks work is considering body shape and personal style. For instance, tunic-length tops can help take the emphasis off a larger top or bulky mid-section by focusing attention downward. On the other hand, a bottom-heavy person would want to avoid tunics.
A shirt or jacket should never end at the fullest part of your body unless you want to make your hips look bigger. Also, if you have a large bustline, you'll want to avoid empire-waist tops because they put more emphasis on the top of your body.
People with larger arms will want to stay away from sleeveless or strapless tops, or anything with a cutesy sleeve. Instead, stay with a longer, fuller, loose sleeve.
Layers of sheer fabrics are popular this summer, as are low-cut necklines, "peek-a-boo" fabrics and garments with cut-out backs and sides. Also try mixing different shades of the same color; wearing shades of aqua from pale to dark can create an interesting look.
Hot looks
Another hot look this summer is polka dots. I'm talking about great big, fabulous polka dots in black and white or peach and turquoise.
The trend toward ultra-femininity continues in the footwear, where backless, toeless and otherwise strappy shoes reign. Beads, necklaces and other jewelry will also continue to be popular.
Accessories should coordinate with an outfit, but they do not have to match. A good rule of thumb is that every key color in an outfit should appear at least twice.
Remember that while fashions go in and out of style, a personal sense of individuality in attire is always popular.
For more information, call 482-9764.