Teen fashion turns feminine

Summer basics get touches of lace, bows, patterns

Dreamy pastel layers and pretty patterns and prints add up to a picture-perfect summer.

The laid-back, feel-good look is great for anyone, but especially nice for teens looking to put a new twist on the standard summer combo of a tank top and shorts, says Joshua Thomas, a trends spokesman for Target in Minneapolis.

The trend stems from the season.

“Summer is a time when we’re a little more willing to take risks and experiment with clothing,” Thomas says. “So those feminine touches and little bits of romantic charm, like the Victorian lace tops and bow accents, are perfect. It’s also reflected in the different patterns and the softer shades of fabric. It’s uncomplicated sophistication.”

Baby doll tanks and tunics are billowy and cool – pair them with Bermuda length shorts or rolled-up capris. Layer a few lace-trimmed tanks and wear with a skirt. Or go ultrafeminine and don a dress, says Lisa Rhodes, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Maurices. And don’t forget to accessorize. Bold jewelry and hats are a great way to infuse a bit of your personality into your wardrobe, Thomas says.

“The options really are limitless,” he says. “It really is a fun time of year. There truly is something for everyone.”

Andrea Maassen, a 15-year-old sophomore at Brandon Valley High School, loves dresses and baby doll tanks. “I just love going shopping because there is so much out there,” she says. Courtney Woolheater, a 15-year-old sophomore at Roosevelt High School, likes being able to dress up the basics and still keep cool. “When it’s hot, I don’t like to sweat.”

Reach Janna Farley at 575-3628.tterns

How to look feminine in the office

Office wear can be very masculine with your main building blocks being suits, shirts and pencil skirts and pumps. The key to a more feminine and versatile office appearance lies in contrasting the severity of your tailored pieces with feminine elements.

Choose flowing tops in stead of fitted shirts or simply add a dangly strand of pearls for a more ladylike appearance.

An easy way to create variety in your career wardrobe is by mixing and matching suit jackets, trousers and skirts.

Here are a few tips to get that office wardrobe looking ultra-feminine:
• When buying black, look for tailored jackets with decorative inner linings - like a pretty colour, or a textured fabric. It adds feminine sophistication to an otherwise very classic black jacket.

• To avoid blouses and skirts from looking too masculine, create a softer look by choosing a flowing fabric like chiffon or georgette.

• Delicate details like lace and classic soft colours like salmon or nude will tone down the severity of a very structured suit.

• Choose cardigans with pearly instead of plain buttons.

• Select shoes with a pretty buckle or trim for a more feminine feel.

• Make it interesting by mixing tops and bottoms from different suits. For example, wear a fitted jacket with a wide, 50s-style skirt as an alternative to tailored pants, or combine your white suit jacket with navy suit pinstripe pants.

• Coats are also ideal for the office: soften the military lines by wearing a dainty floral-print dress or camisole underneath.

• A tie is a great fashion accessory for the office, but with a shirt it can look very masculine. Try wearing it as a belt with your trousers or with a t-shirt under your jacket, more like a scarf.

Retha Jurgens is Fashion Editor for health and wellness magazine, Shape.