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Ask An Expert: Upcoming Summer Fashion Trends In Baltimore

With summer on the horizon, it's time to start combing the Baltimore fashion scene in order to spice up your wardrobe for the brighter and hotter days to come. Of course, being on the bleeding edge of local fashion without inside connections is difficult. Fortunately for you, a local stylist and wardrobe analyst, whose work in the local fashion scene is so defining, is offering tips for 2016 summer fashion trends.
Erika Chloe Grundland
Founder of My Image Expert
(866) 807-6617
www.myimageexpert.com/image_consultation_baltimore.html

As an outstanding stylist who has created looks for celebrities, athletes, television personalities and corporate executives, it's tempting to think that Erika's gone a little corporate by now. But despite her personal success and the success of her company, Erika is still well-known for a personal, hands-on approach and her real heart for mainstream folks of every height, weight, age and size, using her skills to help them look their best in every season. Here are Erika's tips for 2016 summer fashion trends.

1950s Vintage

Made popular by the Gibson Girls in 1947, the pussy bow blouse is a big trend in women's wear for spring/summer 2016. Keep your bow blouse simple to avoid an overwhelming amount of fabric gathering around the neck and bust line. Other 1950's vintage trends for summer 2016 include embellishments, patchwork and retro silhouettes. Embellishments and embroideries can be found on many textiles. Everything from bead work, sequins, appliques, hardware and Swarovski crystals help to update classic, modern and retro silhouettes. Many silhouettes for summer 2016 take  inspiration from the 1950s, and one can easily find pleated A-line skirts, high-waisted skirts, high-waisted pants and tea length pleated dresses with button-up collars.

Barely There

Sheer and mesh fabrics are a light weight trend just in time for summer 2016! They are feminine, soft, breathable and completely relevant fabrics.  From pants to dresses, this trend can be found in most retail and specialty stores. Have fun with this trend, but be sure to wear fitted garments underneath so your outfit isn't bulky! If your style airs on the conservative side, opt for a sheer or mesh blouse with a fitted bralette or cami underneath.

Matching Prints And Solid Sets

Before this trend blew up, wearing matching sets was consider a lack of style and creativity. But times have since changed, and print sets are not only trending as stylish sophisticated summer looks, but they make getting dressed that much easier. If you're a hopeless romantic, try something whimsical like a crop top and skirt set. For those timeless and classic gals, opt for solid matching pants set in light weight silk or rayon blend. For solid sets, think tone on tone and make sure to add in a neutral colored shoe so it blends in with a tonal color story.

Related: Best Consignment Stores In Baltimore

Wide Legged And High Waisted

High-waisted pants are great for most woman as they somehow manage to make your legs run on and on.  For summer, choose a light weight, silky fabric that flows in the wind as you walk. This style screams ultimate comfort and looks great with sneakers, platforms and espadrilles! Be sure to wear a fitted top with loose pant styles, and for extra style, add in a knee or floor length sleeveless vest. Plan your wardrobe properly and you can finish this style with a pussy bow blouse or sheer/mesh top! Keep your eyes open for wide legged culotte pants as well. This shorter style will be just as popular as its longer counterpart. The culotte style can also be worn in a jumper style.

Off The Shoulder Ruffles

Nothing says summer like ruffles and bare shoulders. If you are top heavy, consider an off the shoulder look with ruffles on the sleeve instead of the neckline. This is a great style choice for weekend wear and looks great with denim and a summer sandal or heel!  For style and comfort, select an off the shoulder dress for weekend wear, and don't forget some funky gladiator sandals.

Related: Best Places For Office Wear In Baltimore

Joel Furches is a freelance writer and researcher for The Examiner and Logos Software, and also manages his own catalog of writing on Hub Pages. Joel is on the board of directors for Ratio Christi. He has a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education.
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