So what’s trending in the Calvin Klein Realm this summer season? Pastels hit again, but this time around the focus is going to be soft with nude tones. Pleats and twists have been added to various garments for visual interest, yet they retain the minimalistic feel for which the designer is known. Think subtle sophistication, dresses with a barely there feel, yet structured so precisely. With slip dresses at its base, the delicate satin fabrics just make you want to reach out and touch. This collection allows women everywhere to float around with ease and femininity. With fabrics draped so effortlessly, it makes you want to slip right in.

The men’s collection also stays true to a feather light feel, with pastel pieces varying in hues. Shirts and pants contain colors that are barely visible then become more saturated, producing a gradient effect. Baggy pants and slick shoes give the looks a futuristic feel. With blacks and grays also added to the collection, this season is sure to be a classic one.

As with the majority of Calvin Klein’s collections this one is ready to wear right off the runway. With both men and women looking so chic in the summer heat, romance is bound to be in the air.

The Spring/Summer jean collection is also a buzz. Jeans that burst with intensity will have you reminiscing of lollipops and merry-go-rounds. A rainbow of colors for both men and women, these jeans are sure to please. With an updated take on classic cuts, you can add an array of color to the blandest wardrobe. Fun, flirty, and fashionable, what this season is all about.

Fashion runways are leaving drab coats behind and going for bold. Judging by recent showings, shades of red and orange are prevailing in long and short styles. They provide a bright layering with darker dressers, suits and slacks. Along with straight lines, nipped-in waists are bringing back the hourglass figure with added flaring at the hems. Fashionistas will love the sewn-on accessories that include bejeweled embroidery.

Trench coats are among the must-haves as they continue evolving. Looking to Burberry for inspiration, collections include fitted, feminine and classic styles. Odd pairings, including lace panels and wool, are becoming a trend that is working well. Mid-moderns take a bow with shorter sleeves while boxy cuts offer a full cocoon of warmth. Parkas, always appreciated for their warmth, are adding a little extra sophistication in patterns and colors.

Double-breasted coat styles are another classic look with updating for both men and women. In women’s styles, they range from warm fabrics and leathers to shiny patents. Tommy Hilfiger’s collection manages a marvelous update from 1960s designs that will wear well into the next season. Various wine shades also keep up a sophisticated note. Military is making a fashion stop as well with slenderizing coat styles for women from Ferragamo.

For men, shoulder pads appear with their strong profiles. They seem to pair well with urban punk looks, yet can be a sophisticated accompaniment for professional wear. For the ultimate in business looks, check out Kenneth Cole for trending looks. Diesel offers more casual attire that will keep men at the top of their style game for weekends.

With a brand new palate of colors and some very smart lines, the coats of Fall 2012 will hold their own in fashion. Another nice aspect is that many styles transition easily from casual to work wear.

The fashion magazines said it first: The Eighties are still in, and retro leggings are 2012′s hottest trend to date. With a huge range of prices, colors, styles and patterns, it’s never been easier to imitate catwalk style in your own home town. In the colder or wetter months, leggings are a much more attractive option than hose – and they don’t snag, either! However, as with any piece of clothing, there are a couple of key rules that you need to follow in order to maximize the impact of your leggings.

Firstly, you need to know how to wear your new leggings. Although some girls are blessed with naturally slender bodies, the majority of us can’t wear skintight leggings without some additional clothing help. Luckily, there are dozens of cute ways you can incorporate leggings into your outfit. A funky denim skirt looks great with a pair of colorful, patterned leggings underneath. A more sophisticated option would be a long neutral jersey, with leggings in a complementary tone and some stylish boots to complete the outfit. Leggings come in all patterns and color of the rainbow – so there’s sure to be a pair that goes perfectly with any skirt or jumper you own.

Leggings are so versatile, they can be worn to a number of different occasions. They’re perfect for a casual shopping trip or a coffee date, or for a regular school or college day. They’re also more comfortable than hose or trousers due to the stretchy fabric, so they’re the perfect choice for long-distance travel. Careful where you choose to wear your leggings though – they have a casual aspect that makes them perfect for most days, but if you have an important job interview or a meeting with the boss, stick with pantyhose or trousers.

A pair of stylish sandals (or two, or three) is an essential wardrobe staple for all of your favorite summer activities. When it comes to walking on the beach or hitting the pool, your favorite pair of nude pumps or sneakers simply will not do. Summer is the time for stashing your socks and showing off your newly pedicured toes. If your only pair of sandals are foam flip-flops, or if your closet is in need of some new summer footwear, try any of these styles that are trending for summer 2012:

Braided Sandals

The braided sandal is one of this year’s most popular and stylish shoe designs. You’ll see countless variations of this style from store to store. The classic braided sandal is usually a shade of brown, including cognac leather or tan faux leather. But you can also wear braided thongs in bright tones of teal, orange, and royal blue to add an eye-cathcing pop of color to your solid colored maxi dresses or swim cover ups. If you’re looking for comfort, try and find a pair of braided sandal with a zippered heel and ankle cover.

Big Buckles

This season you will be seeing more buckles on the feet than around the waist holding belts. You’ll see a ton of thongs with large buckles in the ankle straps. You can also opt for a pair of platform wedges with one or more buckles crossing the top of the foot. Choose a pair of sandals that will match your other accessories – usually the buckles will be golden, platinum, or bronze.

 Jeweled Footwear

This summer the sandals are shining harder than the sun, with a handful of different bling styles. Rhinestone studded T-straps and strappy beaded flats are just two of your options. Don’t be afraid to buy a pair of bejeweled shoes to wear with your swim suit this season.

Coachella is the premiere music festival in Indio, California, held every spring. The rich, famous and super-chic wont miss it. Though they may look like they are slumming, sporting the Coachella style almost proves they have a right to attend. For the rest of us, Coachella style is a great loose, casual and hip way of dressing that is fun to try to perfect as we head into the heat of summer.

Look to the 1950s swimsuit model or pin-up girl for a sexy silhouette. Bright hot pants will preserve your curves. Short transparent dresses with polka dots or floral pattern are distinctly feminine. The hippie ’60s is always well-represented. Even if you can only stand it for a week, try keeping your long locks unkempt and put on some fringe or crochet. Or for another rebellious age, take your inspiration from the 1980s punks. Cut-off and frayed jeans are always acceptable, so grab your old pair, or your boyfriend’s, and go to town. Throw on a retro t-shirt and already you have the base of an outfit.

Next think about some safari-ware. Sturdy ankle boots or cowboy boots are perfect for when you are pretending to rough it. Also a cargo jacket can be thrown over any outfit, from the ’80s tank top you pulled from the back of the closet to the trendy maxi dress.

Top it all off with the right accessories. Protect fair skin from the sun with a floppy-brimmed hat or any hat you would wear in the Outback. Sunglasses should add a bit of personality, or opt for the classic Ray Ban look. Add a designer handbag and you are good to go.

Remember, it is okay to keep things casual and eclectic. Call it whimsy or genius; try playing around with what feels right.

So many new styles are available from Lacoste this season! Always the trendsetting brand, Lacoste has a new line of polo shirts that are modeled after various countries’ national flags, so when you wear them it looks like you are wearing a flag. These are perfect for the patriotic and the trendy. The various flags include Spain, France, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and the United States. In addition to being stylish, these shirts are also comfortable. They are made out of cotton so they breathe easily in hot summers and layer well under a blazer or coat. They are machine washable so you do not have to worry about any high maintenance shirts, just throw them in the washer and you can wear them over and over!

Lacoste also has neon shirts available, following this season’s neon trend. They are short sleeve neon graphic tee shirts that are perfect for maintaining a trendy look during the summer. These are a men’s style and have the Lacoste logo on the front–the crocodile looks like a neon light that is glowing! These tee shirts come in three colors: white with yellow font, blue with white font, and black with white font. No matter what color you choose, you will be comfortable and looking good!

There is also a new engineer stripe polo shirt available from Lacoste. It is two toned, sometimes with a third color of stripes across the chest. This is a very modern look for the modern man, and emphasizes a toned upper body. This shirt will add some versatility to your style if you are currently sporting only solid colored polos. This shirt comes in five colors:white with dark blue stripes, capri blue with royal blue stripes, agave orange with white and summit green, summit green with capri blue stripes, and cichlid blue with dark blue and yellow.