What’s the best below-the-belt style to keep you cool, calm and collected as things turn seasonally steamy?
Whether it’s romantic, tailored, trendy, retro or sporty — or all of the above — we’ve got the skirts of summer covered.
Read on for the latest style details, plus trendy tips on what to wear underneath it all so you’ll feel comfortablel when the temperatures soar.
It’s all here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion update.
Return to romanceYou know you’re a hopeless (fashion) romantic if your heart breaks every time menswear-inspired looks are back in style. Can’t bear to lose your feminine advantages? You’re in luck! The number one skirt to own this season is a fluttering, flirtatious chiffon number that whispers “come hither” with every ladylike step. You’ll find them in solids or prints, ranging from lovely pastels to all-out garden florals. Soft-seaming at the waist that gives way to a flared flutter is one very flattering choice. Or go for more fashion “oomph” with a multi-tiered, layered version slit as high as you dare. Pair your romantic skirt with everything from tanks and tees to blouses with feminine details like scarf-tie necklines. Add pearls and sexy sandals, and it’s a date!
Chiffon is the “it” fabric of the season, but what should you wear underneath something so sheer and so delicate? Chiffon panties, of course! Seamless high-cut briefs by Barely There are so lightweight, your chiffon skirts and dresses will glide right over them. Choose the shade closest to your natural skin tone, and — voila! — your panties are virtually invisible.
When all eyes are on your waistline, it’s time for some serious support. Luckily, shapewear has come a long way over the decades! It’s possible to hold your tummy in — and keep your cool — by choosing light-as-air, firm control shapewear that incorporates the latest technological advances. Our favorite: Bali’s sheer yet ultra-powerful shapewear with tummy flattening panels that are fused, not stitched. The result? A perfectly smooth look that’s perfectly right in any season!
If your super-trendy, full skirt isn’t lined, you may find yourself with a bit of inappropriate cling here and there on a hot summer day. That’s why slips where invented! This season, you will find flared full and A-line slips that were designed with these trendy skirts in mind. Slip one on (we’ve spotted them from Wacoal) and instantly, your problem is solved.
Strappy sandal alert! If your dress code calls for hosiery-clad legs, you can still wear sandals — with toeless hosiery. These modern miracles from Hanes (under $10!) are equipped with a specially-designed toe thong that leaves tootsies bare. You breathe easy, yet you’re still following the rules. For the trendy look of a bare, polished, sheer leg, match the shade of hose to your natural skin color.
What to wear with your trendy tennis skirt? Please, no sneakers and pom pom socks! We’ve spotted this fun style on the streets paired with everything from tailored ghillies to sandals. To keep feet clean and dry when legs are bare, check out the new footwear line from Stepz Collection. You’ll find foot covers, toe covers and foot bands in different colors and for every shoe style, whether you’re wearing sandals, slingbacks or slides. Downright practical — and adorable!
Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America.
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