Summer is time to shove the coats and sweaters back in the closet and try on the new trends of the upcoming season. Last season's Bohemian look was all about throwing things on together. This summer, however, is all about color and prints to make a clean, put-together look.
FOR THE WOMEN
Valerie Birk, an instructor in apparel design and merchandising, said the look this summer is softer and more organic.
"The summer women's runway shows is a takeoff of art deco, which is an art movement," Birk said. "It's a takeoff of the flapper look."
Some items Birk recommends for women are translucent blouses, tailored shorts and high-waisted skirts. The skirts are great for women because they define the body.
Short-length shorts are to be avoided, Birk said.
"Short shorts bother me," she said. "They tend to make someone look shorter and wider unless they have extremely long legs."
Swimsuits for women this season mimic the more conservative look of the '50s. Instead of two-piece bikinis, women are wearing one-piece bathing suits that cover the midriff.
"We're moving into a conservative cycle," Birk said. "I'm not sure if it's the economy or the political environment."
Ellie Howard, a senior apparel design major, said the clean, feminine silhouette is in for the summer season.
"Last summer, thrown-in looks were in," Howard said. "This summer, the really ladylike, put-together, hour-glass figure and full-figured looks are in."
Howard suggested simple dresses in pastel or neon, belted skirts, round sunglasses and a bold-colored lipstick as must-have items for women.
"I notice when I'm wearing bright lipstick, I look more put-together," she said. "It's the easiest thing in the world."
Howard said simple looks are key to looking great during the summer.
"Lots of layers don't work," she said. "Don't overdo it."
Sarah Peters, a junior art education major, said she enjoys experimenting with items from thrift stores.
She describes her style as whatever she could get her hands on. Clearance racks and Goodwill is a part of her college lifestyle.
"My mentality when I go to Goodwill is not looking for something in particular," she said. "You have to go and just look, and you'll find weird stuff."
During the winter, Peters uses bandanas as ear-warmers, but during the summer, she uses them to hold up her hair.
"Looking nice does not take effort," Peters said. "I start with the shirt, then see what bottoms to wear. After that, I put on accessories that go with the outfit."
FOR THE MEN
Taylor Groft, a junior apparel design major, said menswear is becoming more playful.
"There's a blending of genders," he said. "People are starting to embrace androgyny."
Groft said geometric, flowing shapes along with white and neutral colors are statement trends this season.
"Tailored short shorts or a boxy shirt mess around with proportions," he said.
Groft said while trends exist, everyone has their own style.
"I want to wear nice, quality fabric shorts, whether they go below my knees or not," he said. "Make sure you're wearing shorts and short sleeves, but keep them current with trends."
Groft will wear shorter shorts, a slouchy or boxy T-shirt, a watch and his leather boots during the summer.
"I just love my boots," he said. "They make me feel like a man."
Trenton Bush, a merchandising and design instructor, said men's summer fashion is all about simple basics.
"It's taking something simple and dressing it up," he said. "It's taking that normal, white T-shirt and making it look put-together."
Trenton said people are always on the move during summer, but looking great does not take much effort.
"You can still put an outfit together without a million layers like fall," he said. "Make sure to put a swimsuit and towel in the trunk, just in case you go swimming."
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