The best dresses for spring and summer

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Ahh dresses— what better way to feel flirty, fun and free? If you think about it, dresses are the fashion equivalent to the seasons of spring and summer, giving a sense of awakening, freedom, adventure, and confidence that almost makes you feel like an enhanced version of yourself. So what more appropriate combo than the spring and summer seasons and dresses to make you feel alive? Plus, it you choose the right one, a dress will beat out a pants/blouse outfit any day on the comfort-scale.

We all have our favorite dresses, you know, the default dress for a birthday dinner or a fancier Sunday brunch. But if you’re looking for something new to really ring in the warm weather seasons, here are a few styles to consider.

The little WHITE dress : Little white cocktail styles are going to be huge this spring and summer, as girls don them for graduations, bridal rehearsals, cool nights out, and hot summer days. Whether sleek and satiny, or cotton and full, the little white dress is a must have.

Denim: Denim is huge this year, with denim and denim/cotton dresses coming back in a big way. Denim is a great casual look that’s comfortable and sturdy, and so it will likely never completely go out of style. Look for full denim skirts with cotton tops, or button-up denim shirt dresses.

Wishes Halter Maxi Dress

Wishes Halter Maxi Dress

Maxi: While this style became huge last summer, it has stuck around as a great spring and summer staple. By nature, these dresses are flowy and free, so they add a lot to the overall spring/summer feel of your outfits. Wear a printed or even tie-dyed maxi for a great outside shopping day outfit (can also double as a cover-up by the pool!) or choose a solid-colored style for a night time outing.

Tiered: These dresses are a great choice for an after-5 dress that still has a summery feel to it. They are very flirty (how could they not be when they can literally flow in the breeze) and great at hiding those 5 extra pounds you didn’t quite loose in time for swimsuit season.

One-shouldered: Not to be confused with the toga, which can be worn to a whole different type of party (if you’re looking to pick up a frat boy or two), the one-shouldered dress allows for the same sex-appeal as a strapless while adding a little extra comfort to the mix. Go with a loose-fitting version and tie it up with a belt (gold-colored if you want to play on the Greek theme) or sport a form-fitting version to show off what you work so hard to maintain.

Anything Neon: Let your imagination run wild with this one. If you’re doing neon, do it right. If you couldn’t tell, neon is the hot thing (unfortunately, pun intended) for this season, which gives you the freedom to pick any style you want—from short, long, tailored, poofy, tight or flowy—just wear it in neon and you’re good to go. I dare you to tell us these highlighter hues don’t make you feel more confident—even if only for one night.

What to buy this summer

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This year’s summer fashions will definitely keep you on your toes when you are purchasing merchandise for your boutique or women’s clothing store.

A big trend next season for women’s apparel clothing is in textures: either patterns woven directly into the fabrics, or textures created by draping or folding. This look is good with not just the fabrics, but in the designs of the dresses, shirts and pants. Find styles that utilize these textures to help your clients bring balance to their figures. Ruching on shirts and tanks can create hourglass figures for those who need help on top, and draping can cover hips in flattering ways.

JFW Tangerine Embroider Dress

JFW Tangerine Embroider Dress

In style this year will be beads, studs and bright colored sequins. Pastels and bright colors will all be in vogue. Coral is emerging as one of the most popular colors. It looks great on most women, and compliments this seasons colors as well as the very popular black and white.

Dresses will once again be big this year, so keep a variety in stock that include maxi dresses in solids, florals and patterns, . The classic shift is back as well as styles that lean towards the 50s. These styles can be both office oriented and used in casual settings and situations. The summer shifts will allow for catering to all body shapes and sizes. While minis will never go out of style for those with the legs to wear them, this year’s hemlines are holding just above the knee.

Don’t forget that “little black dress” which is always in style. Look for styles that suit your figure. If you want to show off you shoulders, strapless styles look the best. If you like a looser, more comfortable look, go for a dress with an empire waist, and last but not least, if you want to conceal your hips, look for a dress that has a cinched waistband or has a sash at the waist.

Use colorful accessories, to create your own clothing style as well as changing up an outfit so you can wear any dress for many different occasions. Wide studded belts, scarfs, and patterned tights are very popular.

Pencil skirts will be all the rage, especially for those who are looking for work attire. But to transition to a more casual look, keep a stock of A-lines on hand as well, which can work well for both work and casual.

Major themes in styles include a variety of bohemian and bold prints to create a goddess look with less structure. The feminine theme speaks of elegance, in both casual and evening attire. Chanel-like suits, elegant ruffles and vibrant colors make up this theme, in dresses, skirts, tops and jackets. Less is more in the modern styles that also include bold neutrals of grays, blacks, and various shades of white.

When considering shirts, include a variety of styles in crisp white. This classic look will allow customers to easily mix and match outfits so don’t be afraid to go all out in stocking many designs of this fashion favorite. If white is not your color, bold solid color or fun geometrical patterns also dress up business and casual attire.

This year, with many shoppers will be recycling older fashions, so make sure to carry a unique and intriguing collection from your wholesale women’s clothing vendor, using a variety of colors, texture, styles and trends to keep your customers coming back for more.

Top New Spring Colors For 2010

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Anyone following the color trends of 2009 knows Spring brought an array of bright pop shades meant to inspire a breakout from the winter doldrums. But the vibrant and over the top blues, yellows and greens that were the highlights of last year make way for a much subtler more serene color sense in 2010. Designers, aware of the economic challenges of today’s economy, intend to help compliment existing styles rather than replacing them entirely.

So this Spring will take a natural turn, featuring a more subdued range of purples, pinks, grays, and browns. Many of these will also include underlying colors that complement and enhance the richness of the primary shade. This will create a more tranquil look and will refresh an existing palette.

Grays, for example will have purple or blue undertones, while pinks and brown will accent teals. For those who found

the pop pink of last season too much, this year’s trend of a soft renaissance pink will be much more pleasing, with its soft and feminine appeal.

The purples this year will have much more reds that blues. This makes a great statement for an afternoon tea dress or for early evening cocktails. A new ashy gray will be touched with a lavender undertone, allowing this color, not normally included in the season, to be perfect for Spring.

Teal replaces the shocking “vert tonic” of last season, making way for a more sober and classy alternative. The richness of this bejeweled color will lend itself well to the textured fabrics, such as jacquard. Always a great choice for the more dressy occasions, this blue-green will be stunning in formal wear and floor length gowns.

Take a cue from the top designers, and prepare yourself with these top five selections favored by New York Designers

golden colors 2010

golden colors 2010

this year:

  • Violet. The undertones will provide more warmth to this cool color and moves it to number one on the list.
  • Golden Yellow: It started as a highlight in accessories and handbag, but this season designers have moved it to a number two spot on most popular.
  • Turquoise: This year’s soften varieties will bring to mind ocean breezes and tranquil settings and pairs nicely with the understated grays and navies.
  • Coral: Designers consider this to be an extremely mellow version of orange and is appropriately flattering to a wide variety of skin tones.
  • Tomato: In keeping with the subtle themes of 2010, this subdued red retains the passion without going over the top.

Whatever your preference, this year’s colors are sure to bring out the soft and feminine side of any wardrobe. Be ready to indulge in timeless basics, in colors that are appropriate not only to the season, but in these changing and challenging times. So check out what’s currently in your closet, and grab the garments you already have in these shades for the upcoming season. They can be easily matched to put together great new looks that will remain stylish throughout any changing trend.