Dos and Don'ts for Summer's Hottest Trends
These easy fashion tips will keep both women and men in style all summer long.
May 23, 2009— -- Where should you wear flip flops? What is appropriate at the office on "casual Friday"? When are shorts too short?
Everyone loves the warm weather, but trying to dress for summer can put a dark cloud over anyone's closet and wallet.
Joe Zee, creative director of Elle magazine, says anyone can be saved from a fashion scorcher with easy summer fashion dos and don'ts.
"Once summer arrives, clothes get a bit shorter, more casual and more relaxed. It's easy to look less than pulled together if you're not careful," warns Zee.
He adds hot summer looks don't have to cost a lot of money.
"Summer makes looking great on a budget easier than any other season," he says. "Incorporating big trends, such as splashes of color and patterns, are easy to do with inexpensive dresses and embellished accessories."
Following are Zee's summer fashion 911 tips:
Summer Fashion Tips for Women
Tip #1: Shoes
Don't
Uggs
Flip flops
Do
Embellished sandals
Style Secret
Embellished shoes pull together any outfit.
Brand
Zara, $89
Tip #2: Shorts
Don't
Hot pants
Bermuda shorts
Do
Tailored shorts
Neutral colors
Style Secret
Never wear lengths shorter than skirts.
Brand
Mango, $59
Tip #3: Casual Friday
Don't
Sheer fabric
Dark suits
Do
Patterned dresses
Style Secret
Wear boyfriend blazers instead of cardigans.
Brand
White House, Black Market, $128
Summer Fashion Tips for Men
Tip #1: Shoes
Don't
Socks with sandals
Flip flops
Do
Driving moccasins
Canvas sneakers
Style Secret
Moccasins pull together any outfit.
Brand
J.Crew, $78
Tip #2: Shorts
Don't
Shorts covering knees
Shorts higher than mid-thigh
Do
Tailored shorts
Style Secret
Patterns slim
Brand
H&M, $29
Tip #3: Casual Friday
Don't
Untucked shirts
Dark suits
Do
Lightweight plaid shirts
Style Secret
Swap briefcases for weekend bags.
Brand
EXPRESS, $59