Mix and Match for Summer

Wednesday 25th of March 2009 03:13:08 AM

Mix and Match for Summer

Spring has just arrived and retailers are beginning to put out their summer fashions. Shelves and racks are being stocked with bright and bold colors, comfortable cotton fabrics, and an abundance of mix and match wear.

Sweaters and shells, one of the most popular items for spring, are carrying over to summer. Heavier sweater weaves are being replaced by light cotton or cotton blend weaves and new silhouettes.

One trendy silhouette for summer is the ¾ length sleeve. For example, one famous designer showed a short, bolero style cotton sweater with ¾ length sleeves over a contrasting shell in her runway shows for summer. The silhouette was repeated throughout the show in many different colors such as hot pink and orange, lemon-lime and yellow, and hot pink and turquoise.

Why the popularity of mix and match pieces for summer? Many industry insiders credit the slow economy for summer’s fashions. Designers and manufacturers went into the season knowing the economy would be slow and fashion would not be a priority for many people.

In order to encourage sales they produced mixable pieces in bright and happy colors that can sell at a low price point. A woman can pick up a few mix and match pieces to incorporate into her wardrobe without spending a fortune.

Another result of the lagging economy is durable fabrics. The mix and match items you see this summer will be comfortable and will be constructed from durable cotton. Consumers want pieces that will last.

Will the trend carry over into fall? Most likely, say those in the know. As long as the economy is depressed fashion will have to cut corners in order for consumers to afford to shop. When they know they can update their wardrobe with a few mix and match items instead of a complete re-haul they are more likely to shop.

(c)Image by Alistair Williamson, www.sxc.hu/