#Summer Fashion: Looking for new threads this summer

With a new season comes a new collection of clothes in our city’s storefronts. The 2014 Spring/Summer trends are making their way into our closets. By the time the weather changes, we get so sick of the clothes that we have been wearing for the past couple of months. The daily conversation with ourselves about having a full closet with “nothing to wear” is completely valid.
It is time for a spring cleaning! Whether you are style-conscious or not, I think most people like having a full style makeover for the new season.
The current season for women’s fashion can be taken as minimalistic or as bold as one desires. Most women probably already have this minimalist item in their closets. The white blouse has made its way to the runways. It is really just a white button-down shirt, but it has been redesigned with new cuts and collar embellishments. What is great about the white blouse is that it can be paired with anything and either be used to dress up or dress down an outfit. I would consider this a great staple for any woman’s closet.
It’s safe to say that pastels will be trendy every spring and summer. Just in case you think I’m only thinking of trends off the top of my head because they’re inevitable – pastels were on the runways for European designers for the 2014 spring season. What’s great about pastels is you can find them at affordable prices in any item – from skinny jeans, light sweaters, dresses, shorts, and jackets. I personally love when a more conservative fashion trend (like pastels) is paired with edgier accessories. Picture a flirty pastel dress with a fitted black leather jacket. Now that’s hot.
Another bold trend for women is iridescent. Dresses, jackets and shirts in this style are so cool. I don’t think it’s for everyone, but I would admire anyone who wears it. For those who don’t know what iridescent is, the colour of the garment changes based on the angle you’re viewing it at and how light reflects off of its surface. Just go for it, it’s basically the future.

Menswear is taking inspiration from the blooming spring with patterns of floral being used in small doses on a button down shirt to a full floral suit – way to make an entrance, don’t you think? I think floral can be fairly overwhelming, especially on men, so it’s nice to be used more subtly. Look for garments that don’t end up wearing you.
Athletic wear is also making its way into this season’s trends, which means jocks will be in style without even knowing (or caring, for that matter). Lightweight bomber jackets, basketball-like shorts that are long and non-fitted, surfing and skateboarding styles – are all in (but in the most fashionable way, as you won’t be able to tell where the inspiration came from).
Finally, the colour of the season is blue, in every shade. The trend is to wear blue in different shades within one ensemble to show a contrast in hue. Why not feel blue every once in a while?
I have to admit, I follow seasonal trends, but I won’t wear something just because it’s walking down a runway in front of me. If I like the trend, I will indulge in it, but I generally dress based on what I find inspiring around me. I think it’s important for everyone to approach their personal sense of style in this way and enjoy what the season has to offer as an additional source of inspiration.
Scott Morrison
Contributor
 
Illustration by Tess Reid