Summer trend guidelines from Redtag

When fashion makes the transition from winter and spring to summer, there is a dramatic shift in trends. Gone are the heavy materials and various layered pieces, ushering in lightweight fabrics and clothing colors. However, it is important to keep certain trend guidelines in mind as you pull out your summer wardrobe and prepare for tons of warm-weather fun.

Summer is the best time to incorporate some of the more basic components of your wardrobe. Where fall is the time for big, bold trends, summer is the time to keep it low-key. Wardrobe staples in a summer closet should include shorts of all fabrics (including denim and linen), cool cotton T-shirts, airy summer dresses and solid-colored tank tops. Summer business attire should incorporate tank-style blouses, knee-length khaki shorts and linen pants in white, light blue, lilac or beige. Summer shoes should consist of multicolored flip-flops, wedge sandals, canvas sneakers for casual outfits, and strappy, barely-there sandals for dressier occasions.

Summer trends might include big belts and accessories, black and white combos, chic minis and super short shorts, but when it comes to incorporating trends into your wardrobe, it's best to choose one or two. If you try to follow all of the summer fashion finds, you may end up looking as though you are on trend overload, which can be a definite style don't. Remember, balance is key. If you opt for wearing big belts, then skip the short-shorts and big accessories, and instead use belts to add color to your black and white outfits.

Remember that when dealing with the summer heat, the most important aspect of being fashionable is being comfortable. You can't expect to be a savvy fashionista while sweating buckets and complaining of discomfort. So, don't overload on accessories, and search for clothing with moisture-wicking fabrics that will capture sweat and keep you cool and dry. Lighter colors are preferable, as dark colors attract and trap heat. The more simple your summer wardrobe, the more comfortable you will be.

Don't use summer as an excuse to wear the least amount of clothing possible. The best way to counteract a little extra leg or show off cleavage is to balance it throughout the rest of your outfit. For example, if you are wearing short-shorts, pair them with a crew neck tee and some canvas sneakers. Or, if you don a tank with dangerously low cleavage, throw on a pair of soft denim jeans or linen pants, a lightweight jean jacket and wedge sandals.