Nan's Column

Looking chic despite the heat: June fashion tips

Nan Napier

Hot enough for you? Doesn’t it seem to you that summer has arrived earlier in May than usual this year? Right around the corner, we have June coming, and June is often El Paso’s hottest month. So it’s high time to relax, go with the flow, and keep your cool fashion-wise.

Dressing fashionably in El Paso for summer activities that vary from chilly air-conditioned offices to poolside cocktail parties requires a versatile wardrobe, my friends. You’re lucky this year as a number of the spring/summer 2009 fashion trends lend themselves beautifully to dressing for our climate.

Following are trend-right suggestions and easy tips for a great summer.

o Maxi dresses. Remember the word flowing. Avoid anything tight and clingy in the summer. Instead go for breezy silhouettes that let the air circulate. Flowing, light-weight maxi dresses are easy, no-brainers.

o White is right. At Tres Mariposas, we can’t seem to keep enough white pants in stock this year. Wearing white as your base color in the summer will make you feel cooler and look crisper. White is the perfect base for splashes of bright colors that are so fashionable this season.

o Citrus brights. Accent white with pops of sunshine yellows, bright greens, flashy oranges and vibrant pinks. Eyecatching print tops are this year’s number one seller. You can also accessorize with a bright handbag or colorful shoes.

o Easy flat sandals. Keep life simple and comfortable in the summer. Romesque or t-straps sandals are wildly popular. Make a fashion statement and be insanely comfortable this summer.

o Cardigans and layers. You know how it goes: summer in El Paso brings sudden changes from burning 100-degree heat to freezing air-conditioned restaurants. You need layers here. Citrus-colored cardigans, print popover jackets and the classic pashmina shawls are indispensible.

o Hats. Hats are sexy, flirty, and men love them. So why not use them to your advantage in the hot weather? My favorites are the Eric Javits packables.

o Stand-out accessories. Keep the outfit simple, but add a “wow!” accessory. Wind around a lighter-than-lightweight summer scarf as a necklace for fashionable color. Carry a knock-out handbag. Or go super bold with a chunky necklace or oodles of bangles. Whatever you do, overdo!

o Sunglasses. If you do nothing else, buy a pair of designer sunglasses and never take them off. It’s the number-one summer glamorizer!

In addition to these style suggestions, I recommend that you find your personal cool retreat. On a hot day, it helps to have a little oasis to escape the heat. Some people are enjoying cooling down indoors at 2900 with its high ceilings and serene waterwall. Personally, I like a lush, shaded courtyard with a cascading waterfall and find that Mesa Street Bar & Grill’s outdoor lounge with cooling misters, foliage, a waterwall, and live music is a delightful summer paradise. Just thinking about lounging there cools me off!

I hope you enjoy a fashionable and fun Memorial Day weekend.