In Fashion by Sharon Mosley

It's time to lighten up and soak in the sunnier side of life. Whether you're packing for a beach getaway or hitting the city streets of the corporate world, everyone needs to give their wardrobes a summer break.

You may not have big bucks to spend on clothes this season, but guess what? Summer clothes are usually a lot less expensive and a perfect way to experiment with trendy new items.

Here are some hot fashion flashes to warm up your summer wardrobe:

— The maxi dress: A long dress in summer, you squeal? Well, you don't have to sweat the small stuff. The maxi dresses this summer are like a tall, cool glass of water. In comfortable knits, floral chiffons or whimsical cottons, the longer dresses give you plenty of room to move around in, whether you're taking a barefoot walk on the beach or lounging at a pool cocktail party.

— The sheer skirt: The next best thing to a long dress is a long skirt in a lightweight fabric. Those broomstick skirts are now dressed up in polished cottons and metallic silks to shimmer all through summer. There are also many shorter sheer skirts out there, too, in flirty and flippy styles; they pull on as easy as your swimsuit. Or better yet, why not wear one over your bikini bottom?

— The tunic top: Another favorite that has stood the test of time and continues to be a winner in the hot summer months, especially in breezy styles that slip over tanks and swimsuits. In floral chiffons or solid knits, choose from many styles. Pick one that suits your particular body type and buy them in multiples.

— The soft crop pant: OK, when you can get away with wearing pants that feel like your pajamas, then why not? The newest cropped pants are floating into our wardrobes in the softest silks and cottons. Pair them with fitted tops and tanks for the best results.

— The white jean: It's always a big favorite at this time of year, especially since it goes with absolutely everything.

Whether you like a cropped version or a skinny ankle-length, you'll never regret buying a pair.

— Shorts: Shorts are always a summer staple. From dirty denim to starched linen to shimmering satins, this year they come in all lengths and can be dressed up or down depending on where you'll be wearing them. Just one request please: Ditch the boots!

— A colorful tote: Who wants to keep up with several handbags, beach bags or shopping bags when the weather is hot and humid? Instead, pick up one of the biggest and brightest bags you can find and make it do multiduty. You don't have to pay a month's mortgage for one of these ... you'll only need it to last a few months. Stash your expensive black bag until next fall.

— A strappy sandal: Gladiator-inspired looks are all the rage this year, and you can have yours in high-heel glamour or low-heel comfort. Just try something a little different. Even if you always flip over flip-flops, you can still add one pair of trendy sandals to your summer footwear wardrobe. Go for a metallic bronze or silver for a dash of newness.

— A bold gem: I know the huge necklaces are so NOW, but really, unless you're in a very cold office, who wants to be weighed down with all that jewelry around your neck in the sweltering heat? But if you still want major bling, opt for a great pair of swingy earrings or a few chunky bangles. Skip doing the big neck thing during the summer.

— A straw hat: From big-brimmed, floppy hats to jaunty, menswear-inspired fedoras, the hat has become a necessary fashion accessory to protect against harmful sun rays. There are so many to choose from — you can even find fun "fishing" styles in hardware and garden stores at great prices. It is a perfect item to top off the summer and catch some sun in style.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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