April. 23, 2009
VOLUME 7, NO. 7
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What Not To Wear: Summer Style
By Rachel Field '10
STAFF WRITER

Now that the weather is finally swinging in our favor and the sun is starting to shine in earnest, it’s time to break out the summer wardrobe you’ve been eyeing in the back of your closet for weeks. Now, let’s keep in mind while we pull out the old and browse the Web sites for the new that this is a new summer, with new styles for a new period; shorts and a tee simply will not do. For the best outfits for the coming season, I find the most inspiration in a few older items (okay, aged may be a more appropriate term for the ones I have in mind) and several of the more innovative pieces now hitting the stores.

You likely have a male somewhere in your life, whether he’s a father, boyfriend, or brother. He probably has a few accessories he doesn’t use anymore (hey, even men agree some things have finally gone out of style), and I’d recommend looking through said collection for some neat things you could reinvent. My favorite, personally, is the men’s watch. Due to its larger size, the men’s watch can easily be worn like a bangle or on its own, the proportion sliding up and down your arm and moving on a graceful, feminine wrist. The men’s watch also has the uncanny ability to toughen up any girly look or add a little quirk to your daily fashion.

The men’s leather belt is also a great addition, particularly one that has seen a few years of use. Belts develop color patterns over time like all leather, and the longer length of the men’s belt looks great around your waist. My suggestion? Layer the men’s belt over a cardigan (not buttoned) over a dress or T-shirt. To tie the belt, slide the leather through the buckle as usual and, because you’ll likely go past the holes, either jam the pin over to one side or use the keeper to keep it from loosening. Tuck the excess leather under the cinch or to the side. While going through other’s closets, you might keep in mind that brown is, expectedly, a better color for summer.

Finally, jewelry from your grandmother (or mother, or probably a female born before your generation in your family) is great for accessorizing, too. This is a season in which, honestly, anything goes (except minimalism; no thin gold chains by themselves, please). So, pile on the costume jewelry and chunky wooden bangles or link necklaces. Throw caution to the wind as you mix decades, color, and materials. Put your dad’s watch in the mix. Don’t believe me? Don’t knock it until you try it.

Now for the new. I know your pockets may be feeling a little lighter these days, but I’d like to offer a few items for consideration that you can find either cheaply, or spend a bit more on the pricier versions. The ubiquitous strappy sandal of the nineties has made a comeback, but thankfully as a new, updated, chic summer shoe. Strappy sandals are everywhere, and at every price, color, and heel height. Find the pair that suits you best, but keep in mind, the thicker the straps, the better they are at concealing a wider ankle and leg. My personal favorites are the higher heels with thicker, colored criss-cross elastic bands and the flat, “gladiator” style sandal in leather dyed to muted browns and grays.

What says “summer” better than swimsuit? And while the classic bikini will always remain a perennial favorite and the “monokini” (a bikini with a band of fabric connecting the top and bottom over your navel) remains in stores as a flattering alternative, make space in your beach bag for the return of the maillot. Maillots are a one-piece suit, with or without straps which glide over the stomach while giving shape to the bust and which are cut numerous ways on the bottom to hide or accentuate the upper leg. These, too, come in a range of colors and patterns, and give you a little “old school cool” while you hit the beach.