Every summer both designers and consumers take a break from being fashionably serious and let loose with an explosion of colors, shapes and materials to celebrate sun and casualness. This summer, here are the fashion trends and accessories to look for:

            1. Eyelet, bubble and pockets: Everyone knows summer screams dresses, but this year keep an eye peeled for detail. Many summer dresses are now appearing with eyelets, or little holes in the fabric that make for airier wear, while allowing your sun kissed skin to peek out.

Lily Pulitzer beach tote

The bubble shape is also very popular and looks great on tube dresses and knee-length skirts. The bubble shape is achieved when sleeves or the bottom of a piece is rounded off. On shirts and jackets, the bubble shape makes clothes look and feel looser in the heat. Summer dresses are now functional, sporting pockets. Many sun dresses can now be purchased with pockets on the front or sides, giving dresses more character while achieving a sweet effect. Eyelets, bubbles and pockets can also be found on other summer clothing such as cropped jackets, skirts and shirts.

            2. Bermuda shorts: Whether plaid, white or striped, these non-short shorts are a great find for summer. They give off the casualness of the season while showing off your legs.  These shorts are ideal for walking or can be paired with heels for going out.

            3. Metallic sandals: It seems obvious that sandals are a summer essential, but this year a great way to liven up thongs is to add shine or metallic details such as charms. Silver, gold and bronze

metallic sandals by Dior

colors can add sparkle to solids and brighten up basics such as white or black. Metallics are chic and can be associated with the elegance of night, but their ability to really glisten in the sun also makes them perfect for daytime.

            4. One piece bathing suits: Two pieces are sexy and skimpy, but the new trend is one piece suits that can still be sexy, but also leaves room for mystery. Kirsten Dunst and Katie Holmes have been seen wearing these suits to the beach. If you are daring, try a one-piece with a plunge down the front. If you are more conservative, but still would like to jazz up your suit, find one with a funky pattern or with a belt going across the front.

            5. Head dress: Bandanas, headbands and hats oh my! Large beach hats in eyelet or plaid are very trendy.

Patterned and colorful headwear

If a hat is too much or too large, an option such as a bandana may be right for you. Bandanas provide coverage, but carry cool patterns that don’t have to cover your entire head. Headbands have made a strong comeback recently, and summer is no exception for these easy style additions. Bright, punchy colors, patterns and rhinestones in a cotton fabric would be a fabulous compliment to any dress. Plus, all three options keep hair out of your face in the heat and beachy breeze.

            6. Beach Bag: No longer is summer associated with oversized plastic bags that can fit a beach towel.

a colorful clutch for summer

Linens and leather can make for great beach totes. These bags can be taken from the beach to nearby shops to eating out on the boardwalk or pier without feeling like you are lugging a sand crusted suitcase. Another chic alternative to the beach tote is an oversized clutch. This hand-held purse is light and ready to go. Clutches come in a variety of fabrics and can be combined with summer dresses or the hardware can be used to match metallic flats. Remember, you can’t lose anything in a clutch like you can in a huge tote. Clutches also tend to elongate the arms and make women appear longer and slimmer.

            7. Name dropping: Who doesn’t want to smell good? This season Gwen Stefani released her highly-anticipated fragrance “L” which is apart of her Love Angel Music Baby (L.A.M.B.) collection.

"L" by Gwen Stefanni

As if the Rasta green, yellow and pink colors do not attract you, the floral scent of watery greens and warm sensual musks surely will, which is light, memorable and goes with anything.  

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