1. A burst of color. This season’s bright colors, from citron yellow to bright pink, really stand out. ”Yellow is the color,” says Tammy Eiting, who owns Chic to Chic in Appleton with Jill Nelson. “Michelle Obama inspired that color and it is the color for spring and summer.”
Lime, aqua and bright pink are part of the season’s palette as well, notes Cath Hursh, owner of The Gilded Lily, Oshkosh. “Some people are also going to animal prints, with bright-colored animal prints on tops and purses,” she notes.
2. The one-shouldered dress. “Michelle Obama wore one to the inauguration and it’s huge,” Eiting says.
3. Great jackets. “We have found the short jackets, little blazers, to be really popular,” Hursh says. “They may have special buttons on them, crystal or rhinestones. The fun buttons on those jackets make them either casual or dressy.”
4. Capri pants. They’ve been around for a few seasons, but this is a summer staple with staying power. “A lot of people are really enjoying the Capri pants,” Hursch says. “They’re matching it with those nice jackets and tees.”
5. The A-line. It’s a style that can hide flaws and still look light and breezy. “It’s awesome because it’s such a forgiving cut,” Eiting says. “If you have very heavy legs or thighs it’s very forgiving.”
6. Texture. Watch for bows, ruffles and fringes to make an appearance, along with floral add-ons, Eiting says.
7. Scarves. “You can be dressed down and put a scarf on and look put together and chic,” says Eiting, who had one customer return to the store for more scarves because she received so many compliments on the first one she bought.
8. Tattered and torn. Retro denim, with an acid or stonewashed look or ripped and frayed fabric, is a young look that’s part of this summer’s style. If you’re going to try it, pair it with a T-shirt and flip-flops, Eiting suggests.
9. Big and bold. From big rings, to heavy necklaces and elongated earrings, chunky jewelry is here. Use one piece to state your case. “We used to do matchy, matchy, with a matching necklace and earrings, but that’s long gone,” Eiting says. “Now take one statement piece and run with it.”