Civility by Diana Olson:

Every season fashion trends change. Creativity prevails. This creativity includes new colors, styles, fabrics, design lines, and fashion themes. There will be many choices, but remember to choose only the trends that will flatter and adapt to your coloring, bone structure, personality, and life style.

Here is some up-to-date summer and fall fashion ideas gathered from the Donager Report and Lucky Magazine that will help you express your special qualities.

Style emphasis: exaggerated shoulders (only for tall, slim, small shoulders), waist emphasis with waist-defining belts (for small waists), androgynous subtle undertones, Western belts, studded bucket bags, rectangle shapes, 1920s, ‘30s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s (Hippy era), and India themes, Versace, Gucci, Prada, Bohemian look—long flowing printed dresses (for the natural, artistic, creative types) and romantic styles—florals, ruffles, handkerchief hems, lace (for the delicate refined woman), safari, and schoolboy look. Scarves (tied onto handbags and around the neck) are back.

Tweed jackets: a tailored look for the corporate type.

Colors: teals, lemon-green, orange, hot pink (this can overpower unless you have black hair and light skin), yellow, gold, silver, pale gray, reds, corals, black/white, pinks, plums, mauves, all citrus colors, fuchsia, iris, jewel tones, saffron, ethereal water colors, contrast, and lots of greens.

Prints: plaids, checks, Hippy-chic tribal, slouchy chic, stripes, humorous designs, appliques on solids, Monet, polka dots and tie-dye.

Jewelry: retro cocktail rings, circle link necklaces (size depends on body structure), hoop earrings, enamel rings/ enamel bracelets, gold floral earrings (for the dainty), thin gold bangles, long necklaces (short torsos) and vintage broaches.

Blouses: tunics blouses (long legs /short torso), sequined tops, draped camisoles, puffy sleeves and ruffled blouses (for yin types with small shoulders/ fuller hips), plaid blouses (natural types), loose shirts, military look (yang), pleated tank tops, silk T-shirts, elbow-length sleeves.

Jackets: cropped leather bomber jackets, motorcycle jackets, large lapels, double- breasted (for tall, slender types), sleeveless (for slim arms) and short sleeves.

Pants: pleated pants, men’s wear trousers, skinny jeans/ boots, stove-pipe jeans, straight leg pants/ plain fronts (for full hips and abdomens).

Skirts: high-waist skirts, long skirts/ long sweaters, full skirts, pencil skirts and mini-skirts.

Fabrics: silk chiffon (for the romantic delicate type), knits, corduroy (can add weight), voile, cotton, silk, cotton crepe, denim, satin, gauze and metallics.

Shoes: wooden heels (yang—tailored), T-strap heels (tall, long legs), wedges, satin platforms, Mary Jane flats, peep-toe sling backs (yin), metallic sandals, open-toe shoes, pointed toe flats, bright colored shoes, stacked heel sandals, 4”/5” heels, black flats, ballerina flats with bows, boots, wedge sandals, patent heels, cork wedges, gladiator wedges and flats, and suede.

There are many new choices within the fashion trends. Choose wisely and enjoy!

DIANA OLSON, MA AICI CIP, is a certified image and etiquette consultant. E-mail her at diana@dianaolson.com