Sheer

Sheer tops and skirts are popping up everywhere in summer catalogs — not a scandalous sheer, but more of a feminine sheer which might just replace feminine floral prints that have been invading closets for the better part of the last two years.

Because sheer skirts, shirts and dresses are available virtually everywhere, they’re gaining popularity quickly. The shirts are ethereal and flowing, just like summer should be.

Maxi Skirts

In the last year, maxi dresses have become less of a daring, “only for the bold” piece and more of a fashion staple for many people.

This summer, though, there’s a different take on this style: maxi skirts.

Take your favorite skirt, add a few feet of length and you have the skirt that’s currently lining the walls of stores as they release their summer collections.

Maxi skirts are a great alternative for usual summer skirts, especially if worn at night when it gets a little windier.

Chunky Heels

Called “Buffalo Heels” in the ‘70s, this type of summer heel is a refreshing change.

After summers of sling back wedges’ perilous heights, chunky heels provide a simpler, more comfortable option.

Rarely rising above two or three inches, these chunky heeled shoes are available in leather and/or canvas with studs or straps, and in any color — not to mention the added boost the small heel provides. But best of all, there’s no risk of toppling over on the way to the pool in 5-inch, blistering wedges.

Floppy Hats

Don’t toss out the straw fedoras yet – they’re still great, but if you tend to burn easily or just tend to own a variety of hats, consider picking up a floppy straw hat.

The wide brim silhouettes your face and doesn’t sit stiff and awkward like some of the Indiana Jones-esque hats that the coming summer season has thrown at us.

The hats are great accent for accessorizing a sundress or if you’re attending any music festivals this summer. The hats also have the benefit of keeping you from getting burnt to a crisp. That’s not to say that the floppy headwear can replace sunscreen, but the hats will shield your face while making you look fashionable and put together.

Canvas Backpacks

Canvas backpacks give the perfect transition from school to summer.

Trade in your leather backpack, your corduroy backpack, your pink Jansport or whatever type of bag you drag reluctantly to class for one of these.

Canvas backpacks are usually functional with outside and inside pockets. Moreover, the backpacks are not going to get torn up like other handbags might thanks to the durable canvas material that the bags are made of.

In addition to a sun hat, a canvas backpack also makes the perfect companion to a music festival or the beach or a road trip.

Durable, functional, adorable and even affordable with their variety of stock, canvas backpacks are the perfect way to round out your new summer fashion.