As the temperature starts to rise, summer fashions are out and ready to take the heat. Swimsuits, sunglasses and sandals top the list of must-have items to survive the summer and a day of fun in the sun.
String bikinis and halter tops are the top swimsuit styles for women at Old Navy for the summer.
"One pieces aren't really in," Ball State senior Melissa Reeves said, who is also a sales associate at Old Navy. Boy-short swimsuits for women, which have been popular in the past, are also fading out this season.
Old Navy is also offering a new sarong this year that comes in a small bag that can double as a purse. The sarong sells for $10.50.
For mens' swimsuits "flowers are in," Adam Holder, Old Navy sales associate and Ball State senior, said.
"We have more styles of board shorts this year," Holder said. The board shorts have been the most popular for men this year.
Holder said the cargo style has been a popular item for men. The side-stripe cargo swim trunks are $12.50.
Stephanie Sibe, sales associate at Gadzooks and a Ball State junior, said the trend for women is moving away from triangle top suits and toward halters.
"The best thing is you can mix and match styles," Sibe said. Tops and bottoms are sold separately to ensure a better-fitting suit.
"More body sizes can wear two pieces," Sibe said. "It makes girls more confident in what they are wearing."
Flip flops will continue to be a summer fashion staple and are a big seller at local retail stores.
"We have every color of flip flop you can think of," said Amy Rody, executive team leader of team relations at Target.
Gadzooks also offers various sandals, including a style made by Sugar Shoes called "floaties." The floaties are made of the material used for fishing-buoy keychains.
"We are getting away from the big clunky Doc Marten shoes and making them (sandals) more versatile and for everyday comfort," Sibe said.
Target offers swimsuits for both men and women as well as a wide selection of summer accessories.
"You could start with one great swimsuit and build an outfit around that," Rody said.
Target carries sandals, towels and beach bags that can coordinate with its swimsuit line.
This year is the first year Target will offer a line of maternity swimsuits.
Mens' swim trunks available at Target this season include more traditional styles as well as brighter Hawaiian-print styles.
For women, the basic bikini is the top fashion from Target. The suits have a basic cut but include detail work with beads. Other styles include stripes, flowers and animal-print patterns.
For oversized entertainment, game board beach towels are designed for playful competition. The towels are printed with a Twister, tic-tac-toe or checkers game and include the necessary game pieces. Game board beach towels are sold at Target and Wal-Mart.
Sunglasses with colored lenses are popular again this season as well as the big lens styles made famous by Jennifer Lopez. Both styles are available at Gadzooks and Target.
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