Putting summer together

Press, 5 September 1981, Page 10

Putting summer together

This summers fashion more than ever spells out personal choice: the vast selection of looks and ideas becoming available seem to have everything to do with wearing what suits you best. Already many stores are showing their new windows with some of the most wearable merchandise ever. Summer 1981 clothes have less gimmicks and few extremes, but that does not mean they are boring. Fabrics are light-weight in silk,- cotton, poplin, drill, linen, seersucker, crepe and gauze sheers. • These, along with lightweight jersey, open weaves and mesh can be found in

many colours from white, buff, sand rust and khaki and terracotta to the neutrals: cream, lemon, and coral through to the deeps — rich red. rust, indigo, burgundy and navy. Printed cloths are mainly confined to the primitive influence. Exotic tropical leaves and flowers, mingle with jungle foliage, over-size florals, huge diagonals, and checks with camouflage and batik to name only a few. This summer is a season of fun .... lively and very exciting clothes. Designers have played with new proportions to achieve a form of layering with jackets, tops, and bod-

ices over shorts, narrow mini skirts and cut off trousers. Different styles with one thing in common ... they are soft and wearable. There are contrasts in lengths, and shapes are generally rounder and slightly fuller. Hips are emphasised with belts or wrapped loosely with sashes. Two of the main areas both designers and fabric manufacturers have concentrated on are the tropical and Sahara/safari looks. These range from functional, sporty daytime influences to the soft, romatic touch of the desert.

But when you ‘are confronted with the mass of fashion, what do you look for? Do you just become totally confused? Don’t be. There will be something'for’everyone, but simplicity.is the key. This week and next I am going to look .at some of summer’s trends'for women and chat about the total look, and what to look for when achieving it. Then, hopefully, all you need is your summer budget .for clothes, a long mirror, and a lot of honesty in the fitting room. Firstly, you must firmly establish your needs. There is little point in adorning