Must-Haves for Summer 2007

Lauren Dimet

I have been procrastinating writing this article. Plain and simple. What do I suggest are the must-haves for summer 2007. I have been lamenting and I think I just figured why. I'm not too impressed with this upcoming summer, fashionwise that is.

First, anyone who knows me can tell you I love fall fashion and would much rather invest in something I can wear nine months of the year. I get three months of summer, if I'm lucky.

Second, while I adore dresses, the plethora of trapeze, babydoll, tent and other such unflattering shapes are cause for concern.

Lastly, I am continually amazed at the poor quality and high prices of clothes this season. I am not talking about stores like Forever 21 where you get what you pay for, but apparel from designers you find under the tents at Fashionweek and in women's boutiques. The items that cost $300-600.

That being said, it's not all doom and gloom. While I have been seeing the dreaded flip-flops come out in force, I have also noticed women taking to dresses like a fish takes to water. We are finally dressing up!

Here are some items I think are essential to buy this summer as well as those to avoid at all costs.

Ballet flats - please replace your flip-flops with these.
Shirt dress - wear with a belt for more waist definition or buy one that cinches.
Short trench - this item will take you far
Lantern or bell sleeves - on dresses, tops and jackets
Cropped jacket - Layer over a longer tee or wear with a dress
Floral patterns - Go for bold
Silver metallic - I am crazy for silver, especially brocade. Just remember, if you are wearing a silver article of clothing,let that be the only piece.
Wide-leg denim or pants
Gold chains - The bigger the link the better.
Sunglasses - It's all about the shades this summer. Check out the new styles by Tom Ford, Chloe, Chanel and Dior.
Over-sized leather bag - If you don't own one yet, try blue.

What not to buy:

Unflatterig dresses - you will know as soon as you put in on. If you feel fat in it, don't buy it.
Jellies or Crocs - when I say ballet flats, I don't mean plastic ones.
Clear Vinyl Shoes - never let them see you sweat.
Flip-flops

1. Geren Ford Silk Bell Cocktail Dress shopbop.com

2. CC Skye Double Wrap Link Bracelet intermixonline.com

3. Rozae Nichols Cropped Jacket basicboutique.com

4. Tom Ford Eyewear Crisscross Sunglasses saksfifthavenue.com

5. ssi Rossi Oval Shoulder Hobo barneyscoop.com

6. Tibi Blouson Dress with Sash bloomingdales.com

7. Alberta Ferretti Silver Brocade Dress net-a-porter.com

8. Tory Burch Serena Ballet Flats saksfifthavenue.com

9. High-Waist Wide Leg Deener Jeans couturecandy.com

10. Cyndi Chan Satin Trench secondcitystore.com