Skip Navigation

Summer Drafts

The Well-Dressed Lake Woman

By Kelly Klein   Thu, Jul 30, 2009

Fashion tips for living your life on the water.

From behind the boat to dinner at a lakeside retreat, here is what is in Lakestyle. The trend seems to be varied from athletic or western looks trimmed with leather and denim, all the way to glamorous draping; sheer fabrics trimmed with beads and embroidery.

In dresses and tops the halter style is still popular and works well on hot summer days by the lake. Meshed fabrics, silks, and chiffons that drape are being used for skirts and dresses. These are easy to move in and let the summer breeze through to cool you off. Skirts and Capri's are all the rage. Also popular in tops is the camisole. This year it is being updated with lace, trim and prints. By adding a light jacket or shirt this can take you through the day and into the evening on the boat.

If you're heading out to the lake you may want to try some of the new casual designs from Chico's. We asked them their thoughts about dressing for the lake since they are a casual line and often incorporate lots of layering, perfect for the lake. Barb Zwak told us, "Layering is the way to go. Boating days can be warm and wonderful, or cool as can be when it's breezy. Start with a tank, add a shirt, and bring a jacket."

When asked about the trends this year, the answer was white, white, white; perfect for the lake. To add to your look choose casual print skirts, Capri's (to replace the short), bright electric jewel tones, garden prints, flirty ruffles, and athletic inspired gear.

Top picks from Chico's:

  • White pants and Capris; they go everywhere with everything.
  • Dressy denim jackets to cover any style or weather needs.
  • Anything pink! Just because.
  • Big and bright jewel tone accessories to accent the simple summer look.
  • Garden prints with lace and ruffles for our feminine side.

If you're heading to the lake for fun and water activities, Mary Snyder from Stearn's recommends looking for "a comfortable fit, cool fabrics, and quick drying items." Whether it is a life vest, a wetsuit, or even a pet vest, the trends seen are in reds and blues (patriotic theme is still big!), mandarin orange, and retro colors such as yellows, greens, and blues in pale shades. Because of new technology the vests are no longer heavy or cumbersome. The quick drying fabrics make them comfortable all day.

We also talked with Tommy Bahama Company as their line is based on "Life is One Long Weekend." They told us that they see casual elegance continuing to be the trend. Tops are still form fitting, blouses are breezy and sheer, and Capri pants are the rage. Fabrics are textured, patterns are floral and botanical.Add some embroidery, some beading or a scarf and you have the look of the season.

Top picks from Tommy Bahama:

  • Sleveless side-tie top
  • Crisp knee-length skirt
  • A pair of Capri pants
  • A pair of wide-leg pants with form-fitting tank top
  • Skin baring sweater

By Kelly Klein

Kelly Klein

Please login to post your comments.