Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Alicia:

Welcome to spring/summer 2002, which is all about three main looks: Romantic&Feminine, Ethnic/Peasant, and Nautical/All American.

Here are my picks for warm-weather style:

• Anything vintage-inspired, from the 1880s to the 1980s. Sweet, feminine dresses with frills and ruffles in soft brights and pretty floral prints.
• Skirts, all lengths and shapes from mini to maxi, especially denim skirts and flounced or tiered peasant shapes
• Tops can have Victorian-inspired details such as puffed sleeves and high or low square necks. Old fashioned touches such as embroidery, smocking, ruching, gathers, drawstring necks. Lingerie details. Sheer and gauzy fabrics such as cotton, silk and polyester.
• Capris and wide-legged cropped pants
• Denim skirts and pants still reign, in all sorts of innovative washes and treatments, and embellishments such as hand-painting
• Girly fabrics such as lace, chiffon, velvet and cotton eyelet
• Color is all over the map, from bright colors such as red, turquoise and orange to soft pastels as well as classic neutrals like tan and beige or black/white
• Stripes -- nautical, men's wear and rugby, and combinations of red, white and blue
• Light embellishments on clothing and purses such as embroidery, beading, and sequins
• Handbags which have a vintage look
• Crocheted clothing and accessories
• Wedge-heeled sandals -- show off your pedicure!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl