The Hottest Looks this summer (Part 2)

---By Karishma Krishna Translated by Liu Fang Ru Photos by Ian trower

The Dress
From retro '60s-inspired A-Lines and peasant gypsy tiers, to long flowing sheaths and shirt dress styles, it's easy, comfortable and an instant transformation piece. The dress is also the simplest way to look chic and sexy, no matter what your shape or size is!

How to wear it?
For a classic, chic look, I suggest you stick with bare legs, keep heavy accessories to a minimum and embellish with platforms shoes and an oversized slouchy bag. However, if it's a more "Boho Look" you are wanting, then team soft gladiator-type sandals and a chunky collar-like necklace with a very long sweeping, asymmetric (or halter-necked) sheath dress. And, if you feel that this is way too feminine for you, then jazz it up even more by adding a very wide waist belt to it.

Lastly, for those boot-wearing girls, fear not! Gypsy-inspired tiered dresses (fit and flare shaped) look best when embellished with soft American Indian-inspired riding boots (peasant-style) and, of course, chunky bracelets work as the cherry on the top.

Where to wear it?
Anywhere and any time! The dress is this season's most versatile summer pieces. My best financial advice to you is, "INVEST IN AT LEAST ONE FROCK THIS SUMMER!"

The Skirt
Again, just like the dress, skirts are varied and exciting. They follow the same trends as dresses, from knock 'em dead knee-length A-Lines and pencils to a heavy dose of volume and, of course, this season's hottest new edition, THE BUBBLE BALLOON SKIRT! It's a must!!

How to wear it?
The combinations are so varied this season that it's best for me to list a few do's and don'ts. The gypsy skirt teamed with a skinny T-shirt or vest creates a flat torso and slim hip line, thereby creating a smooth triangular shape. While this illusion helps create curves, it slims you and adds height at the same time. For curvier bodies, stay clear of flared skirts unless they are flat-fronted, as gathered waistbands bunch and create more bulk!

The frill skirt (mini or maxi) is perfect for those boyish bodies, especially if they are in soft, floaty chiffons and bold prints. Again, this a great curve-shaper skirt. For those of you that have short bodies, this skirt is great worn on the hip. The knee-length bubble skirt is this season's hottest new edition and it looks best worn in more structured fabrics, teamed with a softer, feminine blouse. But, for a more junior look, it's great mixed with denims (urban utility-like).
Well, ladies, this is all we have space for this time. Have fun putting your wardrobes together!