Ask An Expert: Hottest Summer Trends In Minnesota
Don't let another summer of style pass you by. The belief that being fashionable costs money has proven to be false. Many of this year's fashions not only bring back styles that may have been pushed to the back of your closet, but they can be found at your local Target or neighborhood shopping mall as well. Jessica Townsend, our local fashion expert, describes how Minnesota's hottest summer trends are simple enough that they won't break your budget.
Jessica Townsend
Jessica earned her fashion degree at the University of Minnesota and began making her mark in the fashion industry almost immediately. Townsend interned for Conde Nast in New York where she worked closely with the fashion editor for various publications and travel articles. After returning to Minnesota, Jessica worked in the retail industry and was able to gain experience attending and reviewing local showings and fashion-related events. Today, she stays current with the trends and works freelance to collaborate on local events.
Bring Out Your Whites
Everyone knows that after Memorial Day, whites are on. This year, white slacks compliment any type of top and everything that goes with them. Men and women will find the trendy shops stocked with classic white slacks, skirts, capris, and shorts. "Skinny" jeans also come in white this year and look great with tank tops or polo shirts for men. Go casual and rock the whites this year because they are in style and summer leaves a small window for wearing this color that tends to look great on almost everyone.
Bold Florals
Along with the sunshine and bright summer foliage, bright floral prints have made a comeback this year. Tops, handbags, headbands, and many other accessories are showing up in bright orange and red flower prints. Bright blues, greens, and yellows are also available and look fantastic with that pair of white slacks. As if you needed a reason to buy a new purse, bold floral prints are making their mark with trendy handbag and luggage companies as well. Feel free to express yourself with loud and fantastic colors this summer.
Pack Away The Heels
While heels have always been the height of fashion, they are making their way backstage this summer to be replaced with that pair of Keds - like the ones you had in high school in the early 90s. Luckily, being comfortable is in style this year in the form of casual tennis shoes for non-tennis players. Lace-ups, slip-ons, and lace-ups with the laces pulled out are among the styles and options available. They even come in that bold floral pattern that is so coveted. Choose a pair for every outfit and enjoy the variety and comfort before heels make a comeback in the fall.
Hit The Gym
Super-skinny and unhealthy looking has finally gone out of style and we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Summer fashion is highlighting crop tops and shirts that show off that belly, so it's time to get a belly worth showing off. Skinny may be out, but being fit is now the "in" style. Cute summer crop tops are reminiscent of the 1980's fashion trends and are now crowing the racks of retail stores. Crop tops definitely have a short life span, but being healthy doesn't, so get moving and be ready for whatever fashion trend is right around next year's corner.
Sporty Is Stylish
Since fit is fabulous, it is only logical that sporty is stylish as well. With the huge increase in popularity of wearing exercise clothing for everyday tasks, yoga pants, track suits, and running gear have become the height of fashion. This summer, deck yourself out in comfortable running shorts, brightly colored cross-trainers, and thick headbands to keep cool.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.
