Summer 2007 Fashion Trends

Summer is the "it" season for shopaholics. Summer fashion is pure, unadulterated fun. It's a carefree, flirty season where everything and everyone is infinitely more relaxed. And as our clothes become lighter and brighter, it's a given that our spirits soar, too. Here are some summer 2007 fashion trends to keep in mind as you hit the mall or shop online for your new wardrobe.

Dresses, dresses, dresses!

Easy, breezy pieces are always a hot fashion trend when the mercury heats up, and a dress is a definite must-have item this season. If you love to wear dresses, now is the time to buy. The variety of fashionable summer dresses available is mind-boggling, and one (or more) of them is sure to suit your body, budget and personal style.

Dresses with a hemline at or just above the knee work for daytime and nighttime, and should be a summer wardrobe staple. For a work-appropriate look, choose from a great assortment of wrap dresses, shirt dresses and jersey knit dresses. Show your trendier side with a kimono-sleeve or babydoll dress, and if you've got great gams don't be able to don a fabulous micro-mini dress. Women with toned arms will find lots of chic tunic styles to pick from, but summer dresses with short and elbow-length sleeves are also in good supply.

Give summer fashion trends a nod by opting for bold floral and botanical prints, sheer fabrics and fashiony touches like a wide belt. Some summer dresses have a vintage vibe, but they can also be fresh and feminine.

For the full-on romantic look, choose a summer dress with tulle tiers, girly ruffles, bows and pleats. Fashion designers like Marc by Marc Jacobs are embracing the folkloric look in summer 2007 with smock-style dresses in patchwork prints. In addition to dresses, summer's fabulous crop of tops also sport this Slav-inspired fashion style.

Color your wardrobe

Color always plays an important part in each season's offerings, and is an especially key fashion trend for summer 2007. Dazzling neon brights can make even the most basic silhouette come alive. Balance tart candy colors like hot pink, electric blue, vibrant yellow and tangerine with the lushest grays, and use splashes of coral, purple and tangerine to create a summer wardrobe in full bloom.

Other summer fashion trends in the color arena are soft, powdery hues like sky blue, apricot, silver and earthy putty.

To be totally on trend, savvy shoppers should pass up the ditsy prints and go for bright and bold florals; graphic black-and-white floral prints are ultra-hot right now, too.

Quirky Nautical

Sailor-girl chic and whimsical details combine to create Quirky Nautical, a super fun look that's pretty and punchy. To get this summer 2007 fashion trend right, pair white sailor pants with body-skimming tops in wild red, white and blue patterns. Look for playful prints on high-heeled pumps, halter dresses, skirts and batik retro frame bags.

Lacy fabrics

An important fashion trend right now, lace and other textured fabrics will still be a hot item through fall. Lace shift dresses with sleeves worn over satin underslips is a great way to wear a little satin sheen. The lace sleeves will flatter arms that are less toned or those that haven't gotten much summer sun yet.

Have fun shopping for your fabulous summer 2007 wardrobe!