Styles Of The Season

Today's Trends

According to McDowell, these are some of the season's hottest trends:

• Dresses are by far the most effective way to update your wardrobe for both work and play. The season's best: baby doll, sundress, shirt dress, wrap dress, A-line shift-the choices go on and on.

• Skirts and shorts are key, with shorter options now available. Choose from "barely there" short shorts or chic miniskirts with a fuller silhouette. Longer city shorts or to-the-knee skirts are also still popular.

• Blouses: Look for kimono sleeves, ruffles, bows, lace trim and draping. The nautical influence is back with a vengeance. Pair classic navy and white with a vibrant-colored sweater.

• Jackets and blazers are either cropped and fitted or boxy and tailored, worn with menswear flat-front shorts, capris or trousers. Pair voluminous tops with narrow legs, or cropped jackets with slouchy pants, to achieve a sense of balance.

• Accessories: Look for sparkling silver and gold metallic accessories. Also, a variety of colorful patent leather handbags, shoes and belts adds shine to day and evening looks. Graphic black-and-white combinations are superhot, as well. Fabrics are light in texture, often with a high-gloss shine.

• Bags: One is never enough-especially this season. Consider the oversized tote, dramatic in white and often embellished with gold or silver hardware (grommets, chains and buckles). Other good choices include "squashies" (large and soft leathers), drawstring and double ups (bags with two handles).

• Shoes: Peep-toe pumps, often with high heels; wedge sandals; plastic/Lucite platforms; loafers and always-in-style sling-backs are among the most popular.

• Jewelry: Think subtle accent pieces: antique looks, nautical details, black and white, garden themes, gold-and-silver combinations and timeless, understated gold necklaces, rings and earrings.

• Ms. McDowell is a fashion consultant with T.J. Maxx, an off-price retailer where new fashions arrive every day.

For the nearest store, call 1-800-2TJ-MAXX or visit tjmaxx.com. This season, dress options abound in career, weekend and evening styles.

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