Fashion’s job is, simply put, to tell you how you want to dress before you know it, but that is definitely not limiting. With something this season for everyone’s personal style, I’m here to give you the insider’s scoop in summer fashion so that you what to expect, stay ahead of the game and look good while doing it, too.
For boys who enjoy dressing a little more conservatively, the trend this summer was something functional to keep you cool, while looking fashionable with a touch of nostalgia. This look is very easy to achieve with light cotton and linen shirts.
Many spring collections include short-sleeved button-down shirts with bright, fun, cheesy, and lovably nostalgic patterns and prints. Pair one of these breathable cotton shirts with a light t-shirt underneath and you have a versatile look for endless outdoor occasions. Linen is also the go-to look this summer for men as it is famous for being extremely light and breathable. A long-sleeve linen shirt is a great addition to any wardrobe as linen is generally sold in neutral colours that are effortless to pair with other items.
In terms of bottoms, the signature look of summer 2014 is denim shorts above the knee, cuffed or rolled up at the bottom. If you aren’t afraid to step a little bit out of your comfort zone, patterns and specifically floral patterns are this year’s hit for men.
Florals go great on pants, shirts, jackets, and everything in between. They give your outfit a non-traditional look that will surely separate you from the rest. With such a bold pattern, try to focus it more on one item at a time. If you wear a floral shirt, avoid wearing other patterns: you want the focus to be on that pattern without over-doing it. There are so many ways to wear a shirt, and they all have a different effect on your appearance.
Crew necks and V-necks are fun and classic looks, but it’s definitely time to try something new, boys. Rolled up sleeves are a great way to emphasize your arms. The sleeve ends a tad higher than regular t-shirts, giving you an opportunity to show off some definition. A longer length t-shirt that ends a few inches lower is a unique way to emphasize your height if you are on the taller side.
Finally, if you’re in the gym often enough to have achieved a chiseled chest, a grunge scoop t-shirt is an awesome way to show off your hard work. It’s essentially a regular crew neck t-shirt, but the neck is wider and deeper, showing off your trapezius and pectoral muscles.
Some new trends that are (believe it or not) making a comeback are crop tops and short shorts. Sometimes boys want to show off a bit more skin and if you’re confident in yourself, you could definitely try this look out for a summer outing to a beach or pool party, barbeque, or a day in the great outdoors. Crop tops were popular in men’s fashion in the 90s, as you can see in many high school shows. The classic snapshot is the high school quarterback having a serious conversation on his pastel yellow landline phone with his big haired crush. All the while sporting a jersey cropped to the navel, showing off his core and especially giving the audience a peek at his V-lines.
Ladies, summer is a great time to experiment with new fashions. Don’t be afraid to try something different! Many companies are focusing on bringing tropical culture to chilly, old Canada this summer, and that includes brining back maxi dresses. They are a perfect addition to every closet. They are flattering to every body type, and are impeccably easy to dress up or down for any occasion.
Most maxi dresses come in simple cotton-blend materials such as jersey, and this makes them fantastically comfortable and very easy to care for. For an effortless yet elegant look, pair a neutrally coloured maxi dress with a thin belt at the waist and matching wedges to achieve the perfect look for that beach or garden party you’ve been planning. Take that same dress and throw on a denim jacket and flashy accessories and you’re ready for those summer nights that top off the perfect summer days we are all longing for.
If you’re not into one-pieces, take a maxi skirt pulled up past the navel paired with a crop top for a sexier look that shows off just enough skin while keeping you cool. A lot of focus is brought to tropical prints and draping fabrics this year, and these prints are a great way to try something new. Try a light cardigan with a tropical print over a basic t-shirt and denim shorts for that Miami Beach look. Keep an eye out for fringes. Simply put, a fringe is a line of fabric with dangly strings all lined up, like the fringe of your hair.
Sheer shawls, purses, cardigans, necklaces, and even hoop earrings all seem to present opportunities for designers to add a fringe, and this is nothing but perfect. A fringe is a genius way for a designer to add movement to a piece. Any shift in position, every step will make this fringe naturally move on the garment and this looks simply amazing.
That being said, it seems like one of this summer’s trends for ladies is movement. Focus on wearing items that move on you, such as the famous fringe, light and sheer draping fabrics that will be picked up by the find and flutter in the breeze, patterns with lines and shapes that mesmerize an onlooker with every step you take like an optical illusion.
Allen Simans, Contributor
Photos courtesy of Stylecaster, La Belle Femme, Hijabulous, Asos, Wholesale7, and AskMamaz.
