This summer is all about being pretty in pastels. Sorbet hues and candy-colored accessories, tops, and bottoms dominate during hot summer days and nights. Find light and lovely tops and dresses at Lily Pultizer and shop an array of designer duds who offer soft and sweet pastels at Shopbop.

White

It’s time to get white hot this summer. Adding white to your wardrobe instantly turns up the heat on any look. For a sultry white ensemble that can go from the boardroom to the beach, check out Stella McCartney’s summer 2012 collection. If you’re on the prowl for t-shirts, summer sweaters, and casual dresses stop by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Of course, White House Black Market will have the latest and hottest in white apparel.

Peplum

It’s time to get picture perfect in peplum for summer. The peplum silhouette is the ideal look for spring and summer weddings or any other occasional that isn’t quite black-tie but not as casual as cocktail hour. The designs at Alice + Olivia harness the power of peplum and for a lower-price point turn to Urban Outfitters for an edgier take on this classic look.

Transparency

Peek-a-boo, I see you this summer. Transparency is the go-to trend and an excellent way to beat the heat while adding dimension to your wardrobe. There are several ways to rock this look: for sheer skirts, long and short, visit Pixie Market and for see-through tanks and tops check out Free People.

Colorful Jeans

Thought playing with crayons was just for kids? Think again. Rainbow-colored jeans are all the rage this summer and will add a colorful pop to your closet. The Gap offers a spectrum of colorful denim options and for a variety of designers doing denim in a colorful way pay a visit to your nearest Nordstrom’s.

Stripes

You’ll find yourself behind bars this summer if you don’t partake in the stripes trend. Whether they are horizontal, vertical, wide, or thin, stripes puts an extra strut in your stylish step. Score some stripes at Uniqglo and don’t forget about Steven Alan for your stylish stripes needs.

Prints

Summer is the time to party in prints. From floral, tribal, animal, to polka dots, wearing prints is an easy way to make a fashionable statement while leaving your mark. Madewell possesses pretty print dresses, tops, and even denim. To bring out your more sophisticated side while still being playful in prints, shop at Club Monaco.

Bra-tops

Blame it on an 80’s Madonna, but bra tops are back in a big way. Bra tops allow you to cool off during the dog days of summer. If you’re into a more racy look find your top at Miss Selfridge, but if a more subdued look is your style then opt for this trend at Topshop.

Hi-top Sneakers

Ready to up your street cred? All the cool kids are wearing hi-top sneakers this summer, even the models. Nike designs the kicks in almost shade of the rainbow, Aldo offers the look in multiple fabrications like leather and suede, and Guiseppe Zanotti embellishes the sneakers with metal studs and neon colors.

Suspenders

This summer’s main accessory is the suspender. Made famous by geeky Urkel in the 90’s, suspenders add a little flair with a hipster twist to your wardrobe this season. American Apparel is stocked with varying colors and lengths, and even has a unisex option of savvy suspenders while Macy’s provides a broad range of suspenders in men, women, and kids.

Olympics

Ready to go for the gold this summer and revamp your closet with Olympic-inspired fashion finds? Be sure to stop by Topshop, a London-based store that is now a shopping staple in the heart of Soho. Topshop offers a cool ‘Made in Britain’ section, so if you can’t make it to the UK for the games, at least you can look like you did! If you’re looking to go the extra mile, pick up metallic accessories in gold, bronze, and silver. Our go-to spots are J.Crew and Rebecca Minkoff for the perfect sparkly additions that will give any outfit the Midas touch.