HotmailHere comes the sundress! Try the latest styles
From vintage-inspired to strapless, ‘Today’ style editor Judy Gordon highlights the hottest selections for the summer season
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What better way to enjoy the warm summer weather than in one of the season's new easy, breezy sundresses? Whether your look is vintage-inspired, modern and bold, romantically feminine or classic, we've found the perfect sundress for you. Plus, we share tips on how to wear your sundress from AM to PM with a simple change of accessories. It's all right here in the latest edition of The Trend Report!
Vintage Views
One of the prettiest looks of the season is the oh-so-flattering, fit-and-flare sundress, especially when done in a feminine, little floral print! This vintage-inspired look works with a cropped jacket or crocheted cardigan in the office ... with flats and an oversized straw hat for a romantic stroll in the park ... and with high heels and a strand of pearls for an early evening occasion. What's not to love?
Trend tip: You can pick these dresses up for a song right now (and upcoming sales will make the deals even sweeter). But if you are a true trendista, you can also hunt down real vintage frocks from the '40s and '50s at your local thrift store or on eBay — hot!
A Summer Romance
Every once in a while we come across a quintessential “look” for the season, and for summer 2006 it's the romantic, white sundress. Styled in woven cotton or linen and embellished with lace, eyelet and crochet, it's a feminine dream — light as air with a long, tiered skirt that swirls around your ankles. Must-have accessories are an ethnic-inspired woven belt and brown leather flats ... pretty!
Trend tip: Unless you work in an office where “trendy” is on the dress code, we suggest that this little number stays at home on business days. Wear it for any other occasion from an afternoon picnic to a weekend barbecue (mind the sauce!).
Strap Rap
What's the latest buzz in summer sundressing? Lose the straps! The strapless look — once relegated to prom night — is out and about, front and center for daytime dressing. We love it in a fit-and-flare silhouette because it's very feminine, a bit retro and more versatile than a slim sheath. You'll find this style in solids and prints and in lots of pretty, textured fabrics like eyelet, Swiss dots and seersucker.
Trend tip: We've seen this in the office with a sweater, but make sure your assets are “well secured” to avoid any embarrassing moments.
Haute Halter
The flattering halter neckline has worked its way into sundress silhouettes for summer. You'll find it in almost every print and fabric under the sun from sexy knits to retro modern looks that are right out of an afternoon tea party. We love the halter sundress in a bright, oversized floral. Pair it with a jacket and black patent leather accessories for the office, wear it with flats for casual days or take it out dancing with gold metallic strappy sandals. Go for it!
Trend tip: No need to buy a special bra for these dresses — many are designed with an underwire bra that is built right in.
Tropical Sensations
Trendista Alert: The tropical- or ethnic-inspired print is red hot for summer! And what better way to wear it than in a pretty sundress? In terms of prints, there are two ways to go — either the colorful tropical floral or a bicolor batik or ikat print in brown/white, navy/white or another bold combination. In terms of style, almost anything goes, although the truly trendy will opt for the must-have look of the summer — the full-length sundress worn with a pair of pretty flat sandals.
Trend tip: Like that Hawaiian shirt you bought on vacation and never wore, the tropical print is a here now, gone next season trend. But if you love it, go for it!
Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.
firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to http://www.firstview.com/ for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.
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