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Ask An Expert: Hottest Summer Trends In Chicago

Courtney Pohlman, a Macy's personal shopper, said summer fashion is all about fun patterns, colors and textures and the key to dressing for summer 2015 is to mix both fashion and comfort for an overall trendy look. "A mixture of modern styles with past inspirations from the 1970's dominates the style scene," Pohlman said.
Macey's
(Photo Credit: Macys.com/MBA)

Courtney Pohlman
Personal shopper - Macy's By Appointment
111 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-3802
www.Macys.com/MBA

Coutney Pohlman is one of those fashion lifesavers. She not only offers shopping service at Macy's via Macy's By Appointment, she helps you out and it doesn't cost you a dime. Going to a wedding or another special occasion and you need to look fabulous but understated? Is your wardrobe out of date and you must figure out what to keep and what to toss? Perhaps you just need help in locating the perfect gift. Pohlman and the other Macy's personal shoppers are ready to make shopping quick, easy, and fun. Here are her top tips on looking stylish this summer.

Soft Pants 

Summer isn't just about denim cut offs anymore. Stay comfortable by wearing a pair of soft pants. This trend takes on inspiration from other style influencers of the season in a variety of ways. The 1970s influence is seen in the high waisted bell bottom style of the Jessica Simpson Kingston High Waisted Soft Pant. Another trend in the soft pant is the athletic influence of a jogger pant. "One of my favorite looks is the INC International Concepts Printed Jogger Soft Pants in a great snake skin pattern," Pohlman said. "Pair this look with a blouse and sandals and you can stay comfortable and fashionable all day long."

Earthy Vibes 

Keep your style comfortable, cool, and casual this summer with colors, patterns and textures influenced by the natural elements of the earth. The 1970s influence that is impacting this season's fashion inspires this trend with earth tone colors and exciting new combinations of patterns and textures. Expect to see earth tones such as olive and khaki contrasted against tribal prints with hues of yellow and orange. Other noticeable traits of the trend include fringe, animal prints, tribal and native prints. "A great way to sport this trend is by combining a few of the characteristics in one piece," she said. "Some of my favorite looks are the MICHAEL Michael Kors Paisley-Print Fringed Crop Top paired with a cropped destroyed denim pant. Or try a Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Printed Tank Dress with a flat sandal."

The Jumper 

Pull together the perfect outfit in one easy step by rocking the Jumper trend. Whether it's the shorter romper style or the longer jumpsuit, this trend is comfortable, stylish and perfect for those hot summer days. "Some of my favorite Jumper looks are the Surplice Neck Jumpsuit from Macy's brand Bar III and the Sleeveless Band-Collar Printed Jumpsuit from Rachel Roy.  Pair them with a cage heel and a couple of bangles and you have a complete look," Pohlman said.

Related: Best Places For Bridesmaid Dresses In Chicago

Black And White

Think about color in a whole new way this summer. Black and white is one of the hottest new trends and it is being done in a fun new way such as large floral prints, striped matching sets and color blocking. "A few of my favorite looks are the Rachel Rachel Roy Stripped Crop Top and Skirt, and the Lauren Ralph Lauren Three-Quarter Sleeve Border Print Dress. Add a pop of color with a colorful clutch or vibrant lip and you are good to go," Pohlman said.

Fun Footwear 

Say goodbye to painful heels and embrace the flat footwear trend for the summer. Styles such as espadrilles and gladiator sandals dominate the season bringing fashion and comfort to your outfits. "Rock a casual t-shirt and boyfriend fit jean with the COACH Rhodelle Espadrille Logo Flats," Pohlman said. "Or, take a more bold approach by pairing a mini skirt with a lace up gladiator sandal such as the Bar III Violet Gladiator Sandal. You can also style a maxi dress with a jeweled gladiator sandal like the Thalia Sodi Women's Pilar Gladiator Sandals."

Related: Best Places For Waxing In Chicago

Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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