The Spring/Summer 2004 Trend Report

The western trend rides into town in a big way this spring. Look for shirts with back yoke detailing, snaps instead of buttons and small floral/prairie prints - Laura Engels goes butch, boys! Jewelry and accessories reflect this trend with big belt buckles on wider straps, leather wristcuffs, bolo ties worn as necklaces and leather lacing around the neck and wrist. The most important thing to remember with this (or any) trend is a little goes a long way.

Denim remains a strong staple in your spring wardrobe. Look for lighter ounce weights for the warmer weather. The biggest news in denim is simplicity. Dirty washes and detailing such as whiskering and fades give way to a basic dark, or raw, denim and the return of black denim.

One of the biggest trends in tops this season is the v-neck. From just a small slice at the top of a crewneck to pec revealing plunges, the v-neck returns with a vengeance on everything from cotton sweaters to tees and tunics. Layer a tee under a deep cut v-neck for daytime sophistication, then lose the tee to show off that hard earned cleavage for a night on the town. Women have always known the power of cleavage, so can you!

This season, the biggest way to make the scene is with color and sheen. Turquoise, vibrant red and coral are the freshest accent colors for the season and really brighten up the khaki and olive cargo pants and shorts that are still a wardrobe mainstay. Sheen and shine in fabrics is making its mark this year. Silver and metallics emerge as color and fabrics are iridescent or have an overall sheen. Gloss is boss!

The line between active/gym wear and streetwear continues to blur. While in seasons past, sweats hit the street; the trend now is the street hitting the gym. With high-tech, moisture wicking fabrics becoming more common in sportswear, those great lightweight cargos can do double duty in the gym. Look for a great nylon blend short that goes from the beach to the barbecue with a quick stop at the gym in between. Pieces that do double and even triple duty in your wardrobe simplify your style and your life.

On the topic of the beach, nothing says it’s summer like a new swimsuit. Square cut is the suit of the season in bright colors and textures and lends a hip retro feel to your suntanning sophistication. Great microfiber fabrics bring a feel of luxury at all price points - feel as great as you look! A low-rise square cut brief is also the newest style to hit the underwear scene. A little bit boxer, a little bit brief, a little bit country, a little bit………… well, you get it!

Enjoy the season and remember, you’re always cool in hot fashion!

Courtesy of His Stuff in Andersonville. Stop by and shop today!