The heat of summer

With the sizzling summer heat in full effect, you may be looking through your already-fashionable threads wondering what to wear. But you can always add something new to spice up your summer wardrobe. This summer you won't have to worry about not having something special to add a little pizzazz to your closet. Top European and American designers have presented an array of flirty, sassy, classy dresses and summer wear to consider. Everything from spaghetti-strapped gold to cropped jackets with lace overlays to parachute pants with sequin details to peasant-style blouses to layered chiffon were seen in this year's spring and summer fashion shows. Summer fashions for 2006 have been taken to a whole new level. Whether you are looking for a snazzy ensemble to wear to a hip and happening evening event or if you're just looking for something casually sophisticated, you'll be sure to heat things up with these stunning designs.

SUMMER 2006

Ermanno Scervino offers this dazzling red-layered evening chiffon skirt, with shirred ruffled camisole and thin straps.

Naeem Khan's formfitting, knee-length, spaghetti-strap, gold lame cocktail dress is embellished with beads and baubles." Accessorized with gold sandals.

Baby Phat designs a sassy, bold asymmetrical camisole ensemble of black and white stripes and orange knit anchored with an orange dye mink boa, worn with denim gauchos. Accessorized with orange sandals and black purse.

Carmen Marc Valvo designs this elegant strapless column gown covered with opaque circle sequins.

center: Black and pink cap-sleeved dress with handkerchief hemline is embellished with geometric pattern. By Stephen Burrows.

Ruffles dominate in Ralph Lauren's ensemble of a white peasant-style blouse worn over ankle-length, tiered lace skirt. Accessorized with long precious stone necklace and a wide gold belt.

Exude style and elegance in Chado Ralph Rucci's silk linen pant ensemble with a belted topstitched trench jacket over an olive-hued slim-vented pant.

Project Alabama presents this blue jacquard A-line slip dress with a scooped neckline layered atop a contrasting print slip.

Breezy spaghetti-strap sundress by Brian Reyes is designed of brown and white patterned chiffon.

Two-piece ensemble from Ermanno Scervino has cropped jacket with lace overlay worn over Capri parachute pants with sequin details. Accessorized with long necklace, belt, matching handbag, and sandals.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning