Fuel For Thought

21 Must Have Fashions For Spring And Summer

DALLAS 1. White Pants (Karen Millen): Clean, crisp white pants should be on every woman's must-have list. They pair well with brights or neutrals and are available at every price point.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers: Wearing pants with a high waist is optional. These trousers are the reverse of skinny pants. Wear something form-fitting or slightly bare on top.
3. Cropped Pants (Saks): These are great for spring. They are not a Capri. They have a more relaxed, boyish fit.
4. Full Skirt or Full Skirt Dress (Karen Millen): These are wonderfully feminine and even a little sexy if you know how to wear them. Buy skirts with swingy fabrics like light cotton or chiffon. These look great with cinched at the waist with a belt. It's THE shape of the season. It also looks great with a statement necklace. I'm also seeing this silhouette in dresses.
5. Cocktail Shorts (Nordstrom): These will not appeal to everyone, but shorts can definitely be dressed up this season. They are a little fuller and more comfortable than past versions. Find a length and shape that work for you and find a great top that balances proportions. Be sure not to over-accessorize.
6. Light Colored Denim (Lucky Brand Jeans): The latest news in denim is a color fade.
7. Ethnic / Tribal Prints (Nordstrom): Designers really reached beyond their own borders for totally fresh new patterns. One piece goes a long way to create a luxurious boho look.
8. Art Prints (Nordstrom): These prints look like they should be on a canvas in a gallery somewhere. They have a dramatic, one-of-a-kind beauty. Look for imprecise patterns and bright accents. Pair them with sculptural accessories (but not too many). Choose one with lush colors (not pastel).
9. Floral Prints (Karen Millen): Flora of every size, shape and color bloom in abundance this season. The mood is more passionate than romantic. You can't be shy when wearing this trend. Embrace the attention. There is no need for jewelry with this vibrant look.
10. Black and White Prints (Zara): It's the new black! This classic combo comes on strong in artistic prints. It always looks sophisticated and put together.
11. Shirt Dress (Karen Millen): The look is reminiscent of the 50's and 60's, but has been reintroduced in a sexier, cooler, dressier way that's perfect for day or night. It should look effortless so keep accessories pretty minimal.
12. Safari Jacket (Nordstrom): This is the must-have item of the season. Khaki basics have been revamped this season. Jackets are shrunken and lean and a belt is always a bonus. It pairs perfectly with white or one of the season's tribal prints. It also looks great paired with shorts, wide-leg trousers or a full skirt.
13. Ombre Soft and Ethereal (Saks): Gradient color is romantic but not over the top froufrou. It is a subtle shift of color from dark to light. Use this trend to flatter your figure, emphasize with the lighter color and distract with the darker.
14. Maxi Dress (Saks): The full-length 70's sundress is the new staple for daytime dressing. Pair it with sexy sandals and you're set for any occasion. Sweeping dresses are no longer reserved for nighttime.
15. Lingerie Inspired, Frilly Blouse (Karen Millen and Nordstrom): Look for delicate fabrics and a few ornate details. Sheer fabrication makes this all the more current. Pair is with nude shoes and bags.
16. Bright colors (Saks): Be brave and on-trend. Put it on, and others can't take their eyes off you. The richness of the shades is so intense that no outfit is basic. Like florals, it is a jump-in-the-deep-end look. The spectrum of colors is so vast and everyone can find a shade to suit them. Pair brights with white and other neutrals for the freshest look. Citrus hues are especially important.
17. Nautical Stripes (Thomas Pink): Find these in an all-American style
18. Look for clothes with embellishment and ornamentation at Nordstrom.
19. Blush (Nordstrom): Peachy nude tones are the new standard, just be sure to choose an interesting texture or embellishment to avoid getting lost in the soft color. This is the antithesis of the season's bright colors.
20. A Bohemian Blouse (Saks): This looks great with flared jeans and platforms; look for either embroidered styles or tunics.
21. Sheer Fabrics (Marciano): The simplest way to work this look is a sheer, filmy cover over a formfitting outfit. A translucent layer can play with volume in a figure-enhancing way.

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