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Summer Fashion Finds

Must-have clothing and accessories from local boutiques and retailers

Summer is the season for sandals, and the big trend this year is the wedge. We chose two different styles to illustrate the different ways the wedge can be worn. The Jack Rogers shoe (left) is great for parties or shopping days thanks to the comfortable design, making it easier to walk in than your stiletto heels. The Madeline wedge (right) sports a metallic sheen on the straps and a rope-style heel that makes it a perfect match for any outfit or occasion. The Madeline design has the added bonus of an ankle strap, which helps support the leg and makes it easier to walk in. Jack Rogers shoe, $188; Madeline wedge, $68 at KC Shoes at the Pier, 20 Pier Market Place, Narragansett. 401-788-0895

This gorgeous sea foam green floral pattern dress is from Laundry by Sheli Segal. It is made of a light sheer fabric sporting the uneven hemline trend. It’s a great summer piece because of the lightness of the material and the fun print, and it is versatile enought to wear for an evening out or a day of casual fun. Laundry dress, $165, at Zuzu’s Petals 165 Main Street, East Greenwich. 401-398-1199

In Wickford, we stumbled across these Free People high-waist lace shorts. At first we thought that they were a skirt, but upon closer inspection, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that they were actually a fresh new take on this ready-wear style. They have all the cute and flirty benefits of a skirt, without the boxy, drab look of the original skort. Obviously, shorts are a must for hot weather, so you might as well strut your stuff in something both fashionable and comfortable. Lace shorts, $78 at Gossip 16 Main Street, North Kingstown. 401-294-7333

This blue beach tote is made of recycled plastic. These bags from the Sevya company are handmade by Indian women, and the profits are used for development programs throughout India. This one is great for trips to the beach because it’s large enough to carry your towels, sun block, and whatever else you need to enjoy a sunny day by the water. The bright colors are perfect for summer, making it an ideal beach-day accessory. Sevya Bag, $37 at Bags by Iris 111 Main Street, East Greenwich. 401-885-3557

If you don’t want to get stuck with sunburn on your face this summer, you’ll need some serious UV protection. This sun hat has an SPF of 50, and features a brown base with threads of bright pink, green and yellow to give it a quirky quality that agrees with everything in your closet. The San Diego belted floppy hat is perfect for outdoor activities, whether it’s a casual event or a formal affair. The Ultrabraid design allows it to bend and fold, but still maintain its original shape so it’s always a ready to wear accessory. Floppy Hat, $44 at JW Graham 26 Brown Street, North Kingstown. 401-294-0757

Just when you thought neon was dead – it’s back (at least for the summer). This style isn’t about any specific article or type of clothing, but more about eye-popping colors and their new sense of wearability outside of those ‘80s films. The bold new ways to wear neon allows anyone to make their presence known. Whether you just want to add a little bit of pop to your outfit, or you want your whole outfit screaming colors, neon is the way to go this summer. Neon crop tops, $12 at Crosswynds Traders 1175 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett. 401-782-1110

Next we have the bold collar necklace. We couldn’t pick a favorite between the bright coral gemstones or the tribal-theme beads because they’re both hot right now. Summer is a time for lower necklines to accentuate your tan, which leaves just enough room for the perfect statement piece. Coral is a popular color, and equally so, the tribal pattern is rather chic. Coral necklace, $34; Tribal necklace, $38 at Janeeska 343 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-284-1880

You can’t go to the beach without a bathing suit, and you certainly can’t go anywhere else without a cover-up. This one from Johnny Was is anything but boring, made of a sheer material that still shows off that cute suit, and it’s a flattering style for any body shape. The hemline pattern gives the piece a tribal feel, which makes it trendy. It’s a fashionable, practical, must-have for the beach. Johnny Was cover-up, $168 at Therapy Clothing Boutique 330 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-783-9400

Every girl needs a small handbag for those nights when she doesn’t need to bring her phone charger, make-up, sunglasses and tube of sun block. There are a lot of reasons why this little clutch fits the bill. The colorful floral explosion pattern is eye-catching and vibrant, while the top zipper keeps all your belongings where they should be. It’s also worth mentioning that the purse can unfold and stand taller, and you can attach a strap to change it from a clutch to a shoulder bag. Desigual bag, $69 at Therapy Clothing Boutique 330 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-783-9400

A cool and useful accessory adds a funky color accent to your outfit. This watch is ideal for the individual that doesn’t want the same boring band you see on every other wrist. The face is square, and the faux turquoise stones don’t completely wrap around. This feature, plus its slim design, gives the unique illusion of a bracelet instead of bulky wristwatch. Watch, $30 at Spangles 324 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-788-1032

Flowers go hand-in-hand with warm weather and tropical locales, and present a fun, new way to express the quirky side of your personality. These flower fashions come in clips, combs, and brooches to wear with any outfit. Flower accessories, $10-$12 at Spangles 324 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-788-1032