Memorial Day Must-Haves

The spring fashion season is here, and summer is not too far away. With summer fashion trends approaching, it's a good time to look ahead to the likely trends for the summer while you can still take advantage of ending seasonal sales. Here are a few trends to keep in mind once Memorial Day hits and we are suddenly in the midst of summer.

Some classics are classics for a reason. When you are planning your summer wardrobe, don't overlook those basic items that form the cornerstone of your closet. If it's been a while since you've updated those parts of your wardrobe, now is a good time to snatch up some good, trusty, reliable items.

- Casual sweaters, cardigans, and pull-overs. They are comfortable, reliable and versatile. Get a few in neutral colors, such as beige, brown, black, gray, ivory, tan, etc. Neutrals can be dressed up and down as needed and they go with any color.

- Get some nice socks! They are an easy thing to overlook, but they make a big difference. Be sure to get some no-show socks as they are a must-have to wear with boating shoes and low-riding sneakers.

- Some solid accessories. Invest in a nice watch, wood sunglasses, a good belt, and a nice wallet. In this department, getting cheap items won't help you much. These items tend to get a lot of wear and use, so you want nice, reliable, classic and stylish accessories that will go with many outfits and last through many seasons and trends.

There are lots of trends this summer with bright colors and flowery patterns in men's clothing. Don't be afraid to mix solids with patterns and to pair some brighter colors with some of your basic stand-bys. Flower patterns in men's clothing tend to be reserved and to come in muted colors like blacks and grays. Colorful trends this year include bright red items as well as outfits mixing greens and blues.

Summer brings lots of festivals, beach trips, weddings, and barbecues. Be prepared with outfits for each occasion. Now might be a good time to revisit other standbys in your wardrobe like your formal wear and your swimsuit.

Summer trends are bringing chino shorts, khakis, and swimsuits both in muted and bold colors as well as bomber jackets and blazers in navy blues and grays. A nice blazer or jacket can be dressed up for a wedding or dressed down for a barbecue with friends.

And if you're shopping for the seasonal items, don't forget your festive wear for holidays and events. Adding something fun and unusual to your wardrobe is a great way to mix things up. For example, go with a pair of American Flag shorts with a smart blazer for your Memorial Day cookout, or if you will be attending a summer music festival, dress the part. Lots of festivals tend to emphasize the hippie chic trends, so why not add a little bit of hippie into your life with some faux-leather sandals and a canvas backpack?

If you don't want to completely revamp your wardrobe, do a little shake-up with some nice new accessories. Ideas might include:

- New summer shoes. Boat shoes and low-rise sneakers are very popular and good for the warm weather.

- Well-made sandals or flip-flops. Consider going with faux-leather as they are more Earth friendly and also will stand up better against water wear.

- Bags and backpacks. Invest in a sturdy backpack or messenger bag that is a lighter weight and maybe a bit less serious than something you might use during the winter. Think canvas bags or go with some unusual colors or patterns. If you will be doing any summer hiking or attending any festivals, this would be a good time to choose a reliable bag that you can use while you are traveling.

When you are getting your wardrobe ready for the summer, just remember that you don't have to wait until the stores put out the summer items. Check around for closing spring sales as many of the spring trends will carry over into summer and you can get many good, fashionable items for much less than they will cost during the summer.

Summer is all about having fun with your clothes and enjoying the sun, the parties and the people! The most important thing is to find something you like and that you can wear with confidence, as your attitude is the most important element of style!

Fraquoh and Franchomme

P.S. What summer trends do you follow? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!