Top 5 Summer 2009 Trends

As schools begin their last few weeks and as people start booking vacations, is your wardrobe up to date with this year's summer trends?

Here are some trends, tips, and products to summer-ize your outfits.

Blazers

It's been talked about all year: the blazer. The blazer is an interesting piece of clothing but ultimately it is to add a tailored look. Now, if you are normally laid back, easygoing, and like to wear slouchy and airy clothing try the boyfriend blazer. It is bigger in size but still fitted for a woman's body. If you like the business executive look or just want a va-voom finish, tried a slimmer, fitted jacket. You can find blazers in solids, stripes, with embroidery, etc.

Some blazers that might appeal to you are:

Slouchy, laid back, boyfriend blazers from:
Forever21
Urban Outfitters
Mike and Chris
Alexander Wang

Sharp, fitted blazers from:

Club Monaco
J. Crew
Balenciaga
Aritzia

Colors

This summer is all about pop and balance. If you want an immediate update, try neon colors for either accessories or one piece of clothing. Never wear all neon! To balance the color hype out we have our annual summer nudes. For neons, this summer is all about green, orange, pink, and magenta where as for nudes we have gold, coral, and ivory.

Accessories: Jewelry, handbags, and shoes

Using the color scheme above, you can get a pretty good idea of what accessories to buy and wear this summer. Jewelry is all about big and bold [for extra points, try tribal or ethnic jewelery]. Handbags are varied: we have the traditional tote and we also have scrunched up clutches. Shoes carry the same summer tradition: as high as you can go.

Some accessories to look out for this summer are:
Tory Burch totes and neon wallets
Pearls and huge necklaces.
Leather bags from Marc Jacobs
Clustered embellishments

Shorts

Shorts are a no brainer but from the obvious denim ones to the cotton short shorts to the board shorts, what else do you have? This summer try high waisted shorts with a blouse or cami. Try pleated shorts; another one of this summer's trends. If you have no where for the neon, why not try some highly pigmented shorts so you'll definitely stand out?

Great places to buy trendy shorts:

Pacsun [has a great selection of colored shorts]
American Eagle
Club Monaco
Aritzia

Jumpsuits and Rompers

For the active one, try jumpsuits or rompers. Jumpsuits are highly flattering, evening your entire body out in one line and come in many different hues and patterns. Rompers, the higher hemmed sister, are perfect for going to the beach or grabbing a quick snack at your local grocery store.

Then again, lounging around in one is just as comfortable.

Places to find jumpsuits and rompers:

Shopbop
American Apparel
BCBG Max Azria