Outside, it’s warm – OK, hot – so you can finally let your style shine without the constraints of wearing a bulky coat or heavy sweater. In these summer months, it’s simple to keep your style fresh and modern.

“It’s about the three Cs this season,” says haberdasher Hans Herman of Edmond. “Cool, comfortable and colorful.”

okcBIZ asked Herman and other local merchants to suggest some of the hottest and most vivacious fashion trends for this summer.

FOR LADIES, IT'S THE YEAR OF THE DRESS.

Hot Hues

It’s back! “The focus is on hot, fun colors like coral and turquoise,” says Mary Ann High of The Lime Leopard in Northpark Mall. “Popular designers like Trina Turk are using pretty, feminine fabrics that are designed to be soft, but not overpowering.”

Sporty Spice

For a less formal look, Marcy & Abbey’s in Nichols Hills recommends getting fresh with “an edgy boyfriend jacket with a flowing silk blouse and shorts,” says Abbey McCoy-Dickinson. “Add a cute purse.”

Sherbet Shades

In jeans, says High, “Colored denim is really hot in fashion — the sherbet colors, like the pretty shades of green.” Other popular colors are blue, pink, green and yellow. The Lime Leopard carries standard brands like DL 1961, Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s and AG. Luckily, these have a fit for all. High recommends matching the jeans with a loose, fun top for a casual look or a silk blouse with some heels for a showier look.

The Hem

The asymmetrical or lopsided hemline is a huge trend that remains not only a fixture in the dress section, but extends to shirts and jackets. This season, says High, “The hems are a little longer and give more flexibility.”

Dresses, Dresses

Lots of dresses in striking prints and patterns make a chic return. “The accepted normal is the dress,” says McCoy-Dickinson.

Vibrancy

Herman notes that this season displays the most color he’s ever seen as a retailer who has sold menswear for three decades in Oklahoma City. “The lighter shades of blue, lavender and pink are showing up in business wear and off hours,” he says.

Accessories Galore

Socks, ties and everything in between offer the perfect way to accessorize formally bland apparel items. “The tie is the accessory item,” says Steven Giles from his Classen Curve store of the same name.

Designs

From plaid-inspired prints, to bold geometric prints, step out by introducing a sense of pattern into the wardrobe. It’s certainly not boring. Herman recommends “patterns, plaids and window panes.”

Formal Fun

“The style is about what is historically correct,” says Giles. “However, the change is the detail, particularly with tuxes.”

Topmost Tuxes

David Ooley, owner of Mr. Ooley’s in Penn Square Mall, says tuxedos are now being made with lighter-weight materials. He recommends dressing the tux in combination with “a crisp, white shirt, plus a satin, white-woven tie and pocket square to elevate the light suit for a more formal look.”

Shoe In

As for shoes, Ooley has observed a shift toward longer, slimmer footwear. Color is also important. “For years, burgundy was universal with khaki,” he says. “Now, it’s more about rich mahogany tones and patina finishes.”

So Cool, They’re Hot

Even off the clock, fashion is still important. Herman says to wear “coffee-colored jeans paired with a light blue blazer for a night out on the town. Off-white linen slacks and a lightly colored sport jacket are great for poolside entertaining.”

Photos by Shannon Cornman