Summer Style Guide Buying Guide, Stores, and Prices

Summer 2011 Style Guide

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and you've put your winter sweaters up in the attic for the season--no question about it, summer is on its way! It's time for sundresses  and flip-flops ,T-shirts  and swimsuits ...and don't forget all the barbecues and pool parties! We here at ShopWiki know that it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle trying to update your style with the changing seasons, and that's why we've created this guide to summer fashion and hot (literally!) must-have items.

This season it's all about standing out in a crowd, and that's reflected in this season's trends: bright colors, nautical stripes, florals, and prints are everywhere. A look back on fashion from decades pasts is also taking precedence, as seventies- and biker-inspired clothing is coming out into the fold. So feel free to sample different styles to create the best look for you! Read on to learn more about what was seen on the Spring/Summer 2011 runways all around the world.
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Women's Trends

Bold Colors and Prints

Stand out by wearing bold colors and prints. Tangerine is the color of choice while fruit and floral prints make a splash. Try your hand at brightly hued sandals ,flower-printed maxi dresses , or a "sun"-sational yellow shirt .

Nautical

Enjoy a trip out to the seas--or at least look like you did with nautical-inspired fashion. Striped shirts  are simple and easy to pull off, and nautical-themed jackets  can add a sense of the high seas, even if the rest of your outfit is strictly for landlubbers.

Blast From the Past!

Seventies fashions have graced runways from New York to Milan. As hemlines lengthen, maxi skirts  and dresses  replace minis, and wide-leg pants  take favor over skinny jeans. Protect yourself from the summer sun with floppy hats , a period staple.

Biker Chic

This look doesn't have to be tough and gritty. Go for a more feminine approach with cropped motorcycle jackets ,embellished booties , and chain jewelry . And if wearing leather jackets in the summer is too daunting, try sleeveless vests . 

Pajamas as Daywear

We're not talking about those Hello Kitty PJs  you secretly wear. High-fashion, pajama-inspired couture has made a showing on the runways. From jumpsuits to gowns, pajamas leave the bedroom behind. Skip flannel and choose silk and satin.

Men's Trends

Colored Trousers

A few seasons ago, colored pants were all the rage for women. Now it's time for guys to step out with this daring trend. Look out for yellows  and reds , if you dare.

Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals  return, and this time for fellas. Take a trip back to Ancient Greece and Rome with this classic style.

Slim Suits

Slim and sleek suits  are becoming increasingly popular for fashion-forward men. 

Prints

Prints are a season staple for both genders, but guys should stay away from the bright, loud fruit and florals and instead choose subtler prints .

Blazers

An often overlooked basic, blazers  have been popular on the Spring/Summer fashion runways.

Summer Makeup

Natural Makeup

A fresh, clean face works well in the hot summer sun. Choose shades of nudes and browns for eyes  and lips , but if you're craving a little color, try subtle red lipsticks or just a hint of blush .

Bold Lips

If the natural look is too plain for you, go bold with bright shades. Channel Old Hollywood with bright red lips , or take a chance on the season's hottest color, tangerine .

Smokey Eyes

Smokey eyes have become a makeup staple. They can be worn as a dramatic day look or to a smoldering evening affair. They're so popular, in fact, that there are makeup kits  dedicated to giving you everything you need to achieve them.

Bright Eye Makeup

Play up your eyes with bright shadows  and liners. Pinks ,greens ,yellows , and purples , the entire color wheel is at your disposal with this trend.

Matching Nails and Lips

Matching your nail polish with your lip color  can offer a subtle, or not so subtle, way of playing with your makeup. Go simple with reds or pinks, or for those with a little bit of a rebellious edge, blues, purples, and blacks are the way to go.

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Summer Fun

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