The Alexander Report

photo credit: Tammy Manet

How can you update your look with just 3 items from Spring/Summer 2009?

Let’s take a look at what Nina Ricci, Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior have to offer and how we can adapt the trends for our summer wardrobes.

Nina Ricci is known for romanticism. Feminine clothes that indulge the girl in you. At Nina Ricci Spring/Summer 2009

Sheer is in. With clothes merely a wisp of fabric. Chiffon gowns with gorgeous sheer, frilly skirts in the form of long trains stole the show. Worn beneath a satin jacket, the look was fairy-tale princess gorgeous.

Translate that to everyday summer wear. Strappy tops and shorts, summer’s staple were given that fairy tale princess touch through the play of fabrics. A sheer chiffon strappy top is paired with satin shorts for that wearable, ethereally beautiful effect that is perfect for summer.

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Show offers something edgier.

Again, sheer is in. This time, as sheer wraps, sheer chiffon dresses that are ethereally beautiful and cool enough for summer’s heat. The opening number showcased a red chiffon asymmetrical dress draped on a dancer/model’s body. The sheer, silky fabric was worn over models’ shoulders as a cape that trailed in a sensual, superheroine manner.

Shoes were high with straps winding sexily around the ankles.

Looks like ankle wraps, a sexy take on high heel shoes that is big this season.

Pants are fluid. Flowing as you walk. As feminine as a long, flowy skirt, but more subtle. Far from androgynous. This season’s soft flood pants hug the woman’s figure and show off her legs beautifully.

At Christian Dior Spring Summer 2009 show, black and white are the big colors of the season.

Shoulders are exaggerated with large sleeves.Jackets or halter tops are worn with short skirts. The waist is defined with belts over the tucked-out blouses or dresses.

Exaggerated shoulders go very well with skinny pants. Hmm.. you can get that look by sewing shoulder pads into your existing jackets. Pair those jackets with a new pair of fluid, leg-hugging pants for a similar look. No need to buy those jackets or skinny pants if you are short of cash.

Sheer dresses are gorgeous as are the sheer skirts in basic colors like black, white and nude.

Shoes are high, with straps wrapped around the ankle.

Dresses are minis with layers of sheer chiffon as the skirts and with sheer bodices.

Based on Nina Ricci for feminine romanticism, JPG for the edgy look and Dior for class, what are the 3 items to buy to update your look for summer 2009?

1. A sheer skirt

Sheer chiffon is cool and ethereally beautiful. Perfect for summer. Update your wardrobe with a sheer chiffon miniskirt. It would update your summer tops instantly.

Neutrals like black, nude and white are the most versatile as they go with all your tops. But if your tops are mainly neutrals, try a shock of color for your sheer skirt to spice up your look. Coral, royal blue and canary yellow are great colors to go for if you have plenty of white, black or gray tops. A sheer skirt that matches an existing top would give you the look of those gorgeous sheer dresses.

2. Ankle wrap high heel shoes

Get a pair of strappy high heel shoes with straps that wrap around your ankles. One way to look fabulous is to dress from shoes up. Start with your gorgeous new strappy heels and your summer dresses look sexier. Instantly.

3. A fluid pair of pants that drapes your body.

Forget about androgeneous. Go for a silky pair of pants that hugs your figure and drapes your legs, moving fluidly as you walk for an ethereally beautiful effect. Again, black, white and nude will give you the most mileage, but you could be adventurous and go for color. Just make sure your pants are in a color that goes with most of your tops. Even with your modified jackets for spring (sew in the shoulder pads yourself and save money)

Check out the Spring/Summer 2009 capsule wardrobe from http://www.buyclothing.net

photo credit: Tammy Manet