By Gabriella Bradley
Style Editor
Born and raised in California, summer is my favorite time of year—there’s the warm sun, the fruity drinks, but most of all, the fabulous summer fashion. Summer boasts the time of year when anything goes, you can stick with what you know or go bold. But who wants to play it safe in the summer? This season we are seeing hot items, trending colors and new fashion statements. So throw out the old and get ready for the new. Summer 2014 is here and I’m ready to put my most stylish foot forward.
All white everything
White jeans were hot last summer and they aren’t going anywhere this season. But don’t just stop at the jeans. All white is the head-to-toe color of the summer. This standout shade made a big statement during New York Fashion Week and was found on the runways of Calvin Klein, Reed Krakoff and Rachel Zoe. To get this pearlescent look, pair a frosty white top with matching pants for the ultimate monochromatic statement. Does the thought of going head-to-toe seem daunting? Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Throw some color in there, whether it is a bold necklace, a timeless scarf or a light wash jean vest.
The best of vests
Speaking of vests, they are my favorite item of the season. Don’t be too quick to judge this trend and write it off as something you don’t see yourself wearing. In the heart of Texas summer, layering sounds like a dirty word that is usually accompanied with a heat stroke, but a vest is the perfect lightweight-layering piece. This season they are coming out in all different colors and fabrics. Leather vests are what I’m especially excited for, and a bright color or neutral shade can round out any outfit.
Pretty in pink
There is award season red carpet fashion, and then there is Met Gala fashion. If you love the Met Gala red carpet as much as I do, then it was impossible to miss Emma Stone’s gorgeous pink Thakoon two-piece ensemble. She kicked off the pink craze, and fashion brands and houses have followed suit. This savvy color is easily one of the most flattering shades out there and makes even the palest of pale look summer bronzed. It compliments any hair color, from bleach blonde to dark brown, and is the perfect color to brighten up any outfit with feminine flair. Pair it with white jeans for a clean look or some leather skinnys for a night out. If you really want to switch it up this summer, try my favorite pairing: bright pink with camo-print pants. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Silky shorts for scorching days
It’s a pretty well known fact that Texas summers are a little, well, warm. Thankfully, the fashion gods looked down on us and said, “Let there be silky shorts.” These flowing, soft fabric shorts are the perfect item to keep you cool all summer long. You no longer have to hassle with stiff and uncomfortable jean shorts when the weather becomes sweltering. This season, it seems every brand is featuring these lightweight bottoms in a variety of different colors and patterns, so there are plenty to choose from. Throw a pair on with a graphic tee for daytime or a low-back tank top for a night out.
