Are you feeling a little out of the loop for summer style? The inspiration for the looks this season seems to be the words, fun and wearable! Let’s take a look at inspirations from around the world, and then the break it down into fabrications, colors, prints, clothing, and accessory styles that made the final cut. This is your cheat sheet to summer fashion fabulosity!

Military – First off, we have military-influenced looks, styled with great details like epaulets and cargo pockets.

‘80s Punk – Next up would be the early ‘80s Punk influence with skinny jeans, graphic prints, mod minis and studded ankle boots, vying for attention.

Vintage – Most wearable are feminine Vintage looks, with touches such as ruffles and the romance of the past.

Safari – Lastly, we must mention the ever-popular safari look, with lots of linen and khaki, including fantastic jackets of course.

Keep in mind that these are broad themes and even just an element from one of them can do wonders for your wardrobe!

Fabrications
When it comes to fabrications, we’re really talking about details that make a design stand out. When it comes to dresses, we’re seeing a plethora of ruffles being used at the hem or framing the décolletage, whether halter style or cap sleeve. The use of cutouts in the cloth itself has also been prevalent, usually done on fine cotton day wear as a peekaboo accent. This year we’re seeing the standards: linen and, of course, cotton but also tons of chiffon and satin. Look closely and you’ll see the use of bows everywhere as well.

Color Palettes
The color palettes for spring and summer are a mix of the subdued and bold. Ensembles are anchored in beige, khaki and white as bases to build upon. Brighter tones like lime green, turquoise, lavender, melon and all warm shades of yellow, red, orange and grape can then steal the show. When worn alone as a statement piece like a sheath dress, the effect is clean and modern. Of course, our old friends black, navy and cream are here, too, to add detail or, in sheer fabrics, to keep the light feeling in dresses and blouses.

Accessories
I have a few words to say about accessories and that is “must haves for summer.” The clutch bag has returned as the comeback kid. Done in patent leather, straw or fabric, it is the bag to carry! Other style leaders this summer are earthy wooden soled sandals, cotton canvas peep toe wedgies, ‘80s style peep toe booties, and wide ankle strap high-heeled sandals. Belting is in; on everything from cotton dresses to trench coats. Narrow and wide leather belts were in evidence in almost every collection and are an easy update to make to your personal style.

The clothing looks that dominated the runway include: vintage cut shorts that are full and flowing, straight below knee skirts, button-down shirt dresses, one-shoulder dresses, shift dresses, belted dresses, boat-neck tops and dresses, collarless jackets, deep V necks on tops and jackets, sleeveless jackets, cropped jackets, full skirts in all lengths, jumpsuits... I guess the word here is variety; there is literally a style that can suit everybody!

This has to be one of the most wearable seasons yet! So get out there to our local Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Centers and celebrate our brief encounter with warm weather by getting some summer style for yourself!

askbjorn@goodwillsew.com

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