By Lubna Abdel-Aziz Spring has more than sprung, with heat and humidity levels on the rise. Warm weather suddenly crept up on us, turning spring into summer sooner than we wish. LWW (Ladies who work), as opposed to LWL (Ladies who lunch), are left gaping in surprise dripping with perspiration -- or to put it bluntly, sweat. Do not get caught with tweeds and boots. A knee length black skirt or skinny black pants and a crisp white shirt with a variety of belts, scarves, cardigans, and accessories will tide you over, till you brush up on your summer fashion. Fashion is the ultimate fantasy. Fashionistas are so closely associated with it, that it becomes to them as natural as eating, drinking and grooming. Yet some of the chicest women are not necessarily wearing the latest fashion. They wear style and an attitude that exudes a message of confidence and propriety. When you conjure up visions of the most elegant women of modern times, you will discover it was their style rather than their elaborate fashion fads that endure in our memory. Fashion icons, such as Audrey Hepburn's LBL (little black dress) has been, and will continue to be, worn by millions. None will ever be as sublime as Hepburn. Jackie Onassis in white Capri pants and plain black T-shirt romping with her children on the beach, looked just as elegant as she did with her one-shouldered ball-gown at her famous Paris State dinner. Like sex appeal, elegance should be an undercurrent rather than a tsunami. That said, what does summer fashion offer us in 2010? The best look seems to be aimed at teens, tweens, models, and gym addicts. Hot-pants anyone? Mid-cut, hot pants, you know those shorty-shorts, starting at the bellybutton or high-waisted hot pants, as shown at Prada, reveal a lot of skin and require a billowing blouse or an oversized blazer to tone them down. You can combine hot pants with body suits, now a basic item in many wardrobes worn underneath miniskirts, tunics and dresses. In knit fabrics they are more reminiscent of vintage bathing suits worn by granny. Whichever way you look at it, they are suggestive and may not be your favourite item for the season. A slightly more appealing trend for your consideration is the warrior fashion trend, which combines the now familiar military fashion mixed with the more savage tribal trend. Choose from ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Celtic warriors. The historic elements are modernized with sequins and metal plating tunics. Balmain dresses his ancient Roman soldier with drapes of fabrics and shoulder epaulettes. Donatella Versace's vision is of a romantic warrior woman, part knight, part-maiden. Thigh-high splits, also a trend, rendered the Versace warrior more feminine, which is always expected from the House of Versace. High dress splits in long or maxi-dresses are big for some spring wardrobes. Out with an old full-skirted dress and split the sides mid-thigh for a breezier summer feel. Is there anything that we can get excited about in this season's fashion. Maybe the jumpsuit stirs your fancy? Every so often one-piece styles re-appear on the fashion scene. What started with bodysuits has now become a fully-fledged trend toward jumpsuits, playsuits and rompers. Alber Elbaz for Lanvin nailed this relaxed glamorous style in his single shoulder and sequin-covered jumpsuit. If you are pear-shaped, top or bottom heavy, that style would not be appropriate One more style to consider is the tomboy sporting flapper -- the rough and tumble style of a boyish athletic schoolgirl. If you do not play golf or tennis, it is hard to imagine a middle-aged business woman in a drop-waist pleated skirt. Hermes uses sport stripes in classic colours, but few can afford Hermes or the tomboy trend. Champagne, beige, and all shades of grey are summer's in-colours, which feel cool and fresh with open sandals, shorts, and skirts. If the colour trends are subdued, perhaps it is a sign of our global financial crisis. Fortunately these tones are flattering to all. Heels are still high -- very high. No doubt they are mesmerizing, beautiful, feminine and sexy. There is something about the stiletto that gives it a powerful punch, but oh for those aching feet. While well-balanced shoes are a wise choice, many of us refuse to give up the magic of a high-heeled Cinderella glass slipper. Our main concern throughout the summer months is to avoid the heat. We take time off for some fun in the sun and pursue the glow of a youthful sun-kissed tan. Styles should be easy and breezy, relaxed and without restriction. The Boho style reappears every summer to provide us with clothes that feel light and comfortable. It combines elements of vintage Gypsy and hippie trends in skirts that sway and pants that flare. The Bohemian look only needs a few bangles, chandelier earrings, or a pendant necklace, enough to make you forget all about hot-pants and warrior trends. The soaring temperature should make us more mindful of protecting ourselves from the sun's harmful effects. Avoid dark colours as they absorb the heat, and increase your liquid intake, preferably water. Why do we care so much about our dress? Is it to turn heads or step in style with our brothers and sisters and enjoy the times we live in? No doubt our clothes speak volumes of who we are. They are symbols of our social, cultural, and intellectual values. For men a clean tie and well-fitted suit, and crisp shirt; for women a string of pearls, a little black dress, a perfect suit, are images of ourselves, our styles, and our times. Every item of clothing has a narrative. A first impression invokes a lasting influence, greater weight and deeper meaning than we think. We never know when this first impression will occur. By all means we should think of how we dress, by no means should that be all we have to offer. Quality is more authentic, classic is more durable. For an easy breezy summer, Bohemian chic awaits you. It is cool, safe, and accessible. Summer's welcome breeze prefers to blow on flowing light skirts and carefree creatures drowsily sharing in the season's gift of lazy days and balmy nights. Those who see only fashion in fashion are fools -- Honore de Balzac (1799-1850)
