Summer 2014 Fashion Report

The classic Grecian sandal has been flying off shelves for nearly half a decade, but the traditional flat footwear is becoming a bold calf-climbing statement. These tall and structured looks are inspiring designers to offer natural and breezy pairings. From chiffon skirts to light gathered dresses, the Grecian gown is the perfect elegant escape from summer heat.

Chanel concluded its 2014 resort collection with gathered beige crepe tops and gowns. The bohemian drape was paired with strings of pearls for a more classic Chanel image. Lanvin embraced the Grecian muse fully for its resort 2014 collection. Full-length gowns in black, cream and petal pink wrapped gracefully around necks and waists, creating a mood of timeless romance.

Debra Messing showed off her inner Grecian gal in an orange Kaufmanfranco number. The twisted knot neckline and full silhouette evoked a rich summer ease. Heidi Klum recently worked a white bias cut number by Versace, revealing her softer and more graceful side.

Bring this fanciful and flattering look to the dance floor this summer! These twisted and gathered gowns are sure to make you shine like a Grecian goddess.

Bold prints, tribal prints, graphic prints—each summer more prints enter the market with a bang, sweeping out the muted monochromes of winter and girlish florals of spring. This summer it is all about the linear perspective! Increased interest in African culture and expression is inspiring designers to embrace bold lines and squares. British fashion house Alexander McQueen ditched frothy feathers for tribal warriors in the spring 2014 show. Checks in blue, red, and black made a bold global statement. Akris, inspired by the powerful forces of nature, rendered a print of sweeping lines in sand and cream for its spring 2014 collection.

Never missing a chance to stand out, stars all over the red carpet have gleefully parade these new prints. Lupita Nyong’o shined in a satin striped Suno jumpsuit at CFDA awards. January Jones beamed brightly in a Topshop black and white striped crisscross cocktail dress.

This African-inspired trend ranges from prints to silhouettes. Strips of fabric warping around the torso and organic curving seam lines offer a modern approach to the tribal Sahara.

Think strips, stripes, and squares and bring these global gowns to the dance floor!

This summer is the time of the tummy. Now is not the time to cancel that gym membership! From angular cutouts below the bust or along the hips, to ‘90s-inspired mini-tees, this is a trend that won’t cool off fast.

Calvin Klein filled his 2014 resort collection with black and white abs-revealing ensembles. Clean silhouettes and fitted pencil skirts gave the ‘90s trend a fresh modernity. Emilio Pucci introduced knit crop tops with a sense of playful tropical flavor. Full printed pants and colorful maxi skirts offered coverage where the tops did not.

Stars are not fearful of this head-turning trend. Emma Watson dropped jaws at the GQ man of the year awards, displaying her fit midsection in a futuristic Balenciaga top and trousers. Kim Kardashian’s May wedding is sure to continue the cutout trend within bridal wear as well. Her custom Givenchy dress featured sheer lace panels under the bust and back, showing off her newly slimmed waist.

This trend, while revealing, offers shoppers more versatility. Full pants and gathered skirts stay youthful with a strip of skin along the waist. Bring this sexy fun look to ballroom this summer with these bare-bellied beauties!