"The upcoming season is all about ease," says Lindsay, marketing manager for Water Tower Place at 835 N. Michigan, Chicago. "The key to the season is to be comfortable while maintaining your individual style – which is easy with a broad range of new collections featuring everything from casual and active looks to feminine and romantic fashions."
To update your wardrobe this season, Lindsay recommends adding the following items to your closet:
A Skirt – Skirts are making news in mini, full and pleated styles. Bubble hems are still in, as are styles that define the waist.
Dress – The season's dresses are all about ease. Add a trapeze, chemise, shift or elongated day gown to your wardrobe. Look for fluid fabrics boasting creative prints, from florals and dots, to animal and safari prints.
White Blouse – White is a predominate color this season and the white blouse dominates. Look for a shirt style or something boasting a full, puff, bell or tiered sleeve.
Shorts – Shorts from super short to super full are all the rage and are showing up in a variety of collections, from business-wear to weekend-wear. You can pair full, cuffed shorts with a double breasted jacket for a professional look, or short-shorts with athletic-inspired layers for a casual expression.
Wide-Leg Pant – This season pants ease up and become more fluid with wide-leg styles that flatter any body-type. Paired with a belted blouse, this look is perfect for the office and easily moves into evening when matched with a more causal top.
Accessories–Accessories that top the season's "must have" list include charms on necklaces, wedge shoes and gladiator sandals, hats, headbands and printed scarves and super sized handbags. Look for pieces in patent leather, organic materials such as straw and canvas, or styles sporting athletic overtures.
A jacket – The safari jacket is by far the stand-out in this spring/summer "must have" category. The new look is longer or short and boxy.
Throw-over Coat – As an accessory item, this piece is especially chic in the trench style. Go for a style in black or white or for a bold look choose one in this year's hot accent color – cobalt blue.
Fashions show on ABC 7 News at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.shopwatertower.com
MODEL 1 – Emily
Store: Nine West
Cobalt blue trench coat $129.99
Black wide-leg pants $89
Blue/Black print blouse $69
Ivory wedge shoe $89
Ivory tote bag $99
MODEL 2 – Pamela
Store: Eileen Fisher
Pink linen shift dress $168
Cropped pink linen-knit sweater $128
Slim ankle pant $108
Scoop-neck white cami $68
MODEL 3 – Jackie
Store: Ann Taylor
Green safari jacket $168
Wide-leg brown pant $88
White shirt $68
Scarf $42
MODEL 4 – Ashley
Store: White House|Black Market
White cotton top $78
Garden skirt $88
Black platform wedge $88
Black clutch purse $54.99
Black necklace $24
Black earrings $29.99
MODEL 5 – Annick
Store: MNG by Mango
Bermuda short $39
Safari jacket $79
Brown flat shoes $89
Teal sport tank $9
