This season, American and US designers continue to show sleek, body-hugging dresses, including sheaths, slip dresses and clingy summer knits with T-straps. Asymmetric, one-shoulder dresses, gowns and tops also continue to be popular, as are clothing items and accessories in tasteful animal prints with brown and black tones.
The form-fitting sheath again is a favorite with women whose lifestyles range from busy homemaker to career woman. They are available in linen, cotton and silk as well as in summer knits. There are sheaths of lace and crochet knit over flesh-color lining, and sheaths covered with sequins and beads for evening. Some are short while others are knee-length, and still others fall at the calf while some styles go all tile way to tile ankle. The longer dresses are just as popular for day as they are for evening; the key is the fabric and how the dress is accessorized.
The skimpy slip also continues to be the rage. These popular lingerie-inspired garments are a favorite of the Hollywood set and other women in the entertainment business, and in general with women with toned and fit bodies. In a solid or print fabric, and whether it is thigh-high or ankle-length, slip dresses make a statement, but not one appropriate for the office.
The slinky, strappy high-heeled sandal is the perfect complement for the sheath and for the slip dress. Designers are showing them in snakeskin, a variety of fabrics, and in patent, woven and smooth leather. Other shoes popular this spring include sling-backs and the ever-dependable pump.
Additional wardrobe staples that every fashionable woman should have include:
* WHITE COTTON SHIRT that is suitable for wearing under a suit, alone with a skirt or slacks, over a T-shirt or with jeans on weekends.
* A BIG SILKY SCARF can enhance your wardrobe. It also can be used as a shawl, swimsuit cover-up or a toga for a summer outing. And the small, silky square tied around the neck adds a nice accent to a suit, dress or even a simple blouse and skirt or slacks outfit.
* SKIRT SUIT that flatters your body and makes you feel good. Every woman needs at least one great suit that is appropriate for church, luncheons, banquets and those special presentations at the office. Skirt lengths vary from thigh-short to ankle-long this season, but many designers are showing skirts grazing the knee, which is flattering for most women and more appropriate for business meetings. The end result should be a chic, pulled together look.
* PANTSUIT with a body-flattering jacket and sleek pants are another must-have item for the working woman's wardrobe. Save the linen for weekend outings, and select less troubling fabrics for office wear.
* THE BAG you carry this spring should complement your overall look. If you are petite, don't carry a big bag or one with a long strap; it will overwhelm you. Cut out the clutter; instead of a huge, masculine briefcase, opt for an attractive, slender tote bag or portfolio.
COPYRIGHT 1998 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
