Jump into the season! Fashion Trends for Summer 2013

Finally, the season most of us have been waiting for is here! It has been knocking on our doors and now we are finally ready to let it in. It is summer again!
Okay, fine. I might hate the mosquitoes and those bugs that decide it's time to come out of hiding, and yes, it does get hot, but you can't have everything, right?
Nevertheless, summer is still a GREAT season! Want to know why? It is time for summer fashion (and make up, but we'll talk about that in another post ;))! I also believe that people show their personality more through clothes in the summer.

Alright, let's cut to the main part: fashion. I have been looking through magazines and websites in order to find those trends I can recreate at home without having to spend too much money. I hope to enjoy putting different outfits and ideas together as much as I have this winter.
So the trends I are:

1. Lace
Lace has been around for quite a while now. It was here in the winter and I believe even before that. Well, it seems it is going to keep us company for a little longer. The fashion industry seems to really really like it. It appears on shirts, dresses, pants and also in various colors. Lace gives that feminine but still sexy look and that is why people love it as much.

Burberry Prorsum

Valentino

Versace

2. Sheer
I am absolutely in love with this trend! Depending on how brave you are when choosing your clothing, you can combine this with bras, slips, undergarments, etc. What I really like with this trend is that light, flowy look   that is just perfect for summer.

Versace

Chloe

Vera Wang

3. Retro
A few months ago, I posted about the very big hype that has been going on lately and it is retro style. If you would like to read it, you can look for it below. On that note, the fashion designers have come out with so many various years to be inspired by. I have noticed that especially the 20's, 50's and 60's are the ''it'' thing this season. Also, I have noticed a lot of designers bringing back the Cinderella (see through) shoe this year. It is something that was encountered a lot during the fifties and has started to govern the scene once again. Also, high waisted skirts and pants are also showing how the old is becoming new.

Givenchy

Valentino

Alexander McQueen

4. Dresses
Okay, so maybe it doesn't sound like a trend since everyone tends to wear dresses and skirts more in the summer. But I had to mention them as they seem to be the absolute hit! Long, high low, short, flowy, sheer, bright colored, lace, print, fitted, peplum.. All of the trends seem to be applicable to dresses. The fact is, dresses are so much more comfortable to wear in the summer and can often be much more flattering.

Alexander Mcqueen

Tory Burch

Valentino

Ellie Saab

5. Prints
It seems as if a lot of trends are simply transfered from winter into summer. But let me tell you, I don't hate it.  Although not new, they seem to be adjusted to the season, incorporating the seasonal colors and motives. Some of my favorite ones are flower patterns. There are also lots of stripes, geometric prints, aztec, paisley,
geometric, space, animal, dots...

Prada

D&G

Tory Burch

Mary Catrantzou

6. Crop tops and crazy cut outs
The fashion industry has really given us the chance to show more skin this year. After the crazy belly trend back in the 90's it seems that the skin showing trend was laying low. But gradually, it started growing and this year it is back. Back cutouts, sleeves cut out in the middle, and crop tops (or even bras) are very much welcomed.  If you are not so confident in showing your body, you can wear high waisted skirts or pants, and show just the upper part of your belly when wearing a crop top. That is usually the part of your belly that has least fat on it.

Givenchy

Peter Pilotto

Ellie Saab

Phillip Lim

Balenciaga

7. Peplum
After being loved in the winter, it has also been continued into the summer. It helps hide imperfections (if you have any), and brings something new to the table.

Alexander McQueen

Balenciaga

Peter Pilotto

8. Colors
Of course bright colors are a trend this summer! Has anyone ever doubted that? But isn't that what summer is for? You can combine crazy colors and contrasts without being over the top.

Versace

Christian Dior

Chanel

Etro

9. Black and white
Although it is sometimes hard to wear black in the summer, as it attracts heat and makes you feel even hotter, it is a huge hit this summer. Also, white is inevitable as it is the easiest color to use and combine. Monochrome combines both black and white and let me tell you, you can't go wrong by wearing this. Try wearing more white in the daytime, as it doesn't make you feel as hot as black. On a side note, black doesn't let sun pass through. This is why you won't get a sunburn while wearing it. Be careful when wearing white in the sun and protect yourself with spf. You don't wan't to gel burned!

Prada

Calvin Klein

Chanel

Christian Dior

10. Additions
Adding little sequins, flowers, pearls, feathers and similar details to their creations seems to be quite appealing to the designers these days. This way not only prints are actual, but also 3D decorations.

Burberry Prorsum

Prada

Chanel

Versace

Note that almost every picture has a little bit (or a lot) of another trend in it as well. Be inspired! Have fun combining different patterns and styles this summer. This is the time to let your personal style shine!
Although most of these clothes are for the runway and most people would not wear them on the street, I find it to be best to choose them as an example. This is because every clothing item made by the more affordable brands is inspired by these high end brands.
If you want to investigate the designers and what they brought this season I highly recommend to go to the Vogue UK page and check out their pictures of fashion shows.

Don't forget to enjoy your summer!
Thank you for reading!
Clarissa