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 Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion trends and styles. |
| In the middle of the summer season, I find it disconcerting to walk into a store to find all of autumn’s best out on the racks. Summer seems shorter these days and I want to make the most of feeling the sunshine on my face. I also love the fashion trends that come with the higher temperatures. If you have a summer vacation on the books, you’ll need to know what to pack for your days off – whether away or stacay – and for the remainder of the season. Summer trends this year are bold and feminine. From head to toe, you will find this to be the case. Atop your head, you may want a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays but be sure to go big this year. Whether a straw hat, fabric, or another material, the styles this year are exceptionally large and brimmed. Sunglasses are also big and bold, with large, thick frames in rich, solid colors. Thick, medium sized hoop earrings are available in every designer’s collection, from Chanel to Old Navy. If you plan to bring some summer dresses along for vacation, you will be on trend with a delicate sweetheart neckline. As the hottest trend of the season, it is feminine and flattering on most figures. Add in a ruffle at the bottom or a soft print and you will be set for a stroll along a beach or through a garden. Another key neckline for the season is the square neck. Less soft than its sweetheart cousin, this neckline offers definition and a sharp detail to define the neck and chest. Off the shoulder and cold shoulder looks are still riding the same wave of popularity that they have enjoyed over the past year. For summertime expect light cottons or linen variations. Matching tops and bottoms are a big trend this season. Whether you choose a top and skirt or opt for a clamdigger or cigarette pant, an outfit with the same print on top and bottom is available in all the major collections. Tankinis are the top trend for swimsuits but with a retro twist this time around. High waisted bottoms with halters and twist front tops are also popular combinations. Pocketbooks are, as expected, abundant in rattan and basket weave. This season’s variation is round for both handbags and totes. Clear summer shoes with kitten heels bring the season’s feminine choices all the way down to your toes. You will still find some summer mainstays. Whites, metallics and ruffles are all popular every summer, so you can carry forward some of your favorites from the last. No matter what you do, choose styles that make you feel good, keep you comfortable in the summer heat, and travel well. Have a great vacation…make the most of every moment! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 