What will we wear when the weather warms up…?

At last! Our long, cold, snowy winter is on its way out (cross fingers) and we can tentatively turn our attention to Spring style. So, as the thermometer rises, what will we be wearing?

This season is one of those that signals quite the change in looks and lines. So hold onto your hats, ladies, here’s the long and the short of style for Spring/Summer 2008. Let us know what you think of these tempting trends, and what you think you will wear once it’s warmer out there…

The long – Mama mia! What do you think of the midi dress?  It’s beautiful for the beach, one easy piece and lovely for lounging (yeah, right – when do moms ever get to do that?) This Seventies superstar is glamourous and will look gorgeous on the tall and slim. These samples are from Victoria’s Secret and Suzy Shier.

The short – Wow, are shorts ever short this season? Do they suit us moms?  Well, depends on your legs and your confidence!  Personally, I think shorts should be kept for the cottage, beach and sports. Nautical inspiration is bang up to date, like these dare-devil denims from American Eagle. Or, pretty and preppy with a patchwork pattern from The Gap. Where will you be wearing them?

Jeans go extreme – From wide legs to tropical colours, you might want to supplement your everyday denims with a new shape or eye-catching colour.  Wide-legged demin dresses up or down and provides lots of options.  The new colourful collection is a one season wonder – so invest with caution. These wide-legged wonders are from Suzy Shier and these new citrus numbers are from Joe Fresh.

Historical feet – Whether you call them Roman or Grecian –  the sandal has returned to its ancient roots.  I’m not so keen on the flat version because I don’t think it makes many legs look good (this example is from Old Navy), but I love this toned down, heeled version from Banana Republic.  Perfect for casual to formal occasions with everything from skirts to pants to jeans.

Powerful patterns – It will be difficult to get through the Summer season without getting graphic! Go ahead and get groovy with one strongly patterned piece.  Just remember to balance your patterns with your proportions and other plain pieces.  Note the simple accessories with this strong skirt from Banana Republic. And, you need to be slim to carry off the horizontal haze of this Suzy Shier salute to the Seventies.

The altered halter – When the temperature starts to soar, there’s no end of options in terrific tops.  One of my personal favourites, the halter, has undergone quite the makeover with looser lines and new ways to tie at the neck. What do you think?  Here’s a variation on the tube top from American Eagle and a hanging halter from Old Navy.

One thing you can be sure of, this Summer will see us stretching our style comfort zone!

Katie is host of the urbanmoms.ca Style File. As a public relations professional and a student of style and design, she has helped many retail and fashion clients promote their brands. She is mom to two boys (the best anti-shopping devices on the market) and now indulges her love of fashion by conducting wardrobe consultations, personal shopping expeditions and by participating in media interviews, providing advice on everything from wardrobe must-haves to accessories and footwear. Katie firmly believes that high style does not have come with a high price tag and her shopping philosophy is based on saving both time and money.

For more style musings, visit Katie at Real Canadian Style www.realcanadianstyle.blogspot.com