Five Summer Looks You Didn't Know

Fabric PrintsIf the thought of lots of bare skin this summer makes you want tohide under a baggy cardigan, take a fresh look at how to makefashion work for you right now. Flirty Skirts: Don't be intimidated by skirts. The best skirts are cute andforgiving (not something that happens in fashion very often, sojump on this!) Try a flared, knee-length silhouette. It can be inany fabric with a soft hand (most denim doesn't qualify) likewashed linen, rayon or cotton. Gentle tiers or a fuller A-line silhouette that gently comes outfrom the hip looks great on most women. Solids and prints are bothgreat in a summer skirt. Pair with a fitted T or other soft top(washed linen, woven cotton, etc.) Wedge heels are fine fordressier looks, but flat sandals are easy for casual wear. In finding your perfect skirt length, remember that fashion wisdomsays a skirt should never be wider than it is long. Asymmetrical orhankie hems are a great camouflage treatment for bottom-heavyfigures. Pleats and flounces will you give you curves below thewaist if you lack them. Florals: If you've passed on head-to-toe blooms because you think onlygirly types can carry them off, take a look at some of the newerflorals. From watercolor to mod prints, these florals are anythingbut old fashioned. One easy way to try the trend is to pick up afloral print handbag. Keep prints in proportion to your shape: larger frames look best inbigger blooms; petite frames can carry off allover, ditsy (tiny)prints. Either way, prints that has the bloom closer together (lessblank space in between) will make your frame look smaller, whilewide-spaced flowers will make you look larger. Tank Tops: Many women keep bare arms under wraps all season just because theythink tank tops are too skimpy. One way to get rid of theskimpiness is to layer tank tops. Just pick two complementarycolors and layer away. Lightweight cotton jersey is ideal forlayering (skip the ribbed styles for this because even tiny ribbingadds bulk). Some tanks can go braless because they have a built-inbra; many manufacturers make camis with built-ins as well. Pass onthe urge to let your bra straps hang out (tacky, even if it slipsin and out of style). 2-Piece Swimsuit: Think a 2-piece swimsuit can only be a bikini? Nope, and actuallysome of the modern 2-piece swimsuits are actually more flatteringthan 1-piece swimwear. The new 2-pieces owe their flattery to alonger top and bottoms with lots of coverage. If you have a tummy bulge, then opt for a 2-piece that has a loosetop. To smooth out lower body flaws, choose a 2-piece with a shortskirt attached. If you're skeptical about the coverage of a longer2-piece, you can even find a mock 2-piece which has a fabric liningunderneath. It gives you the smooth lines, but more security. Shorts: If dimples, veins or pasty legs keeping you from airing out yourgams in the heat, opt for a compromise. There is a short for everywoman, it’s just that you just have to find your perfectlook. One of the most wearable lengths is a walking short that is acouple of inches above the knee. Depending on your body type, youcan tweak the length of shorts to flatter your figure.