trends now

Summer Style

by Amy Spiezio

With the temperature rising and people looking for a cure for the winter blahs, spring and summer 2009 feature styles that bring a breath of fresh air.

JEWELRY LOOKS

According to the website www.fashionising.com, jewelry in the 2009 collections took many and various forms. There were a few common threads among them, however, including:

■ Geometric shapes

■ Exotic and ethnic inspirations

■ Rich colors, prominent stones, and gems

Geometric shapes in bold colors saw expanded upon last year's Art Deco trend, while many designers took a turn to the exotic, adding beading and jewels. In eyewear with extends to organic touches such as coral.

ANACHRONISMS

According to the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair, "Mixing periods together in an anachronistic way leaves room for both vintage and modern fashion. It is an improvised glamour which focuses on a look rather than a style."

The fashions of the season will blend techno and romance, soft colors, and bright splashes.

EXOTICS

Snakeskin, alligator, and wood looks continue to pop up on the runway, adding both an organic note and an edgy feel to fashions. This year, contrasting the harder edge of a wild element with a very soft color or complementary material keeps the look from getting too tough.

BIGGER IS BETTER

Although bling is generally downplayed these days, the scale is certainly not. Accessories are getting larger as necklaces take an extra loop and earrings dangle more deeply. These looks particularly work when paired with ethnic, artisanal beading and motifs.

GOING BARE

Nude tones were all the rage at the Academy Awards and the trend will continue into the summer. For optical, the impact will be two-fold.

■ Monochromatic. More looks in puce, nude, beige, and other flesh tones will create a harmony with the low-color clothing options.

■ Color splash. A brightly hued pair of sunglasses—try orange or a rich green—provide a relief from the washed-out look. EB