Spring Summer style trends 2012

This 2012 season, spring into Summer with decadent accessories. Expect stripes, crop tops, and belted purses. Clogs and kitten heels stormed the scene during Fashion Week with its Spring/Summer collections. Color blocking is still on fire, fresh off the spring/summer fashion runways. This season try mixing unexpected colors and prints. If you are weary, keep colors in the same family and you will still be able to mix, match and create new, playful trends all summer long.

2012 won't stray that much from previous seasons, so don't expect a monumental change. The trends to come are about staying with what works, only tweaking minor bits and elements. We may be tightening our belts because of the economic changes, and we may be buying less, but we will be spending more. Quality versus quantity is the mantra quickly sinking in. Maxi dresses have gone sheer this year. Following close behind are crochet, tassels and denim bell bottoms. Classic staples of yesteryear insignificantly altered and renewed this season.

When dressing for the warmer weather, the key, really, is simply a culmination of sunshine, color and comfort. Maxi skirts, scarves and crisp white complementing a new tan. Tunics and caftans playing nice with cotton shorts and gauze pants. When hitting the beach or sitting poolside remember that insulated coolers and oversize sun hats both block the rays and hit the spot. To paint a picture of Summertime, I would use pastels. Linen, sherbet, short shorts, milkshakes, sandals and long hair playing a role in my own summer memories. This year the must-haves include: bright nails, personal agendas versus wallets, chandelier earrings and above all, platform sandals. The chunkier the better. Just as the '50s and '60s are back, so too are particular elements of the '70s. Equal parts bohemian and sophisticated glamour. Noteworthy: shimmering, floor length dresses, high-waist pants, trilby hats, vests and silk blouses.

For a healthier head of hair, protect it against the sun's harsh rays and chlorinated pools with an invigorating leave-in conditioner. If you are looking to gain natural highlights this season, comb freshly squeezed lemon juice (or rinse with chamomile tea) throughout your hair before stepping outside.

The new trends for summer hair include big curls, and soft windblown locks, as well as feminine, pixie cuts. Sun kissed hair with natural highlights and light sandy blondes are also very in for the summer months. John Frieda has come out with special shampoos and conditioners to enhance and highlight blonde shades. Huge this summer are slick top knots and ballerina buns a la Black Swan. Whether high or low, make sure to wear a bun this season.

Makeup completes the look of an outfit. Manufacturers are always coming up with more and more natural ways to help us look great. As the summer heat approaches, makeup should be lighter. Bronzers and light peach blushers and natural lip tints and glosses replace the heavier plum blush and red lipsticks. The idea is to look as if the only makeup you are wearing is the sun.

As far as accessories go, bags seems to be trumping jewelery this summer. They're arriving in fluorescent, micro and structured designs. Some of the best samplings coming from Proenza Schouler, Cambridge Satchel Company and Rebecca Minkoff. It looks as though sunglasses are channeling John Lennon circa The Beatles era and bad cop meets Top Gun via Ray Ban; Cat eye sunglasses quickly following suit. The more reflective the lens, the better.

If you're tired of contact lenses, prescription glasses are also making a fashion come back with plastic and wire frames that accentuate the shape of your face. Some frames come in outlandish colors that make for fun accessorial additions brightening up, sleeker summer outfits.

Above all, have fun. Don't just follow trends.......follow the seasons!

Written by Erika Marie - Fashion Chalet