Fashion For Spring And Summer 2004

When designers showcased their creations for spring/summer 2003, fanciful flair and flounce were quite evident. The fashions were ultra-feminine, often with layers of thin fabrics, spaghetti straps and plunging necklines.

On the runways, pinks, yellows, oranges and whites were popular colors, while fabrics ranged from cool cotton to silk chiffon to enticing lace. A number of designers accented their creations with marabou and other feathers, while others accessorized with unusual jewelry. Several designers showed their fashions with interesting belts, ranging from Frost French's ornamental chain belt to Boyd's heavy, wide leather buckled belts shown with his white outfits.

Overall, the spring collections were inviting and pretty as they heralded the coming of warm weather. Take inspiration from the tips below to enhance and update your spring wardrobe.

• Make a flamboyant statement in Jessica Ogden's white cotton ensemble of sleeveless shirred top worn over full gathered, split skirt of layers of billowing cotton. Accessorized with white beaded necklace and small drawstring purse.
• Hamish Morrow accessorizes his sparkly gold T-strap top with stunning necklace of clear stones.
• Elegant salmon-hued cocktail ensemble features draped tunic tap with jeweled spaghetti straps. Matching jewel accent graces asymmetrical skirt.
• Flowing yellow and teal blue spaghetti-strapped gown has teal piping around skin-baring bodice over billowing skirt that is adorned with abstract teal blue striped design.
• Wearable, fashionable art deco is the essence of Paurice Sweeney's blue and silver halter cocktail dress that is accented with white banding. Note: Irregular lengths and cutouts.
• Pretty earth-tone rose print on cream background gives romantic air to three-button, notched-lapel jacket with complementary top, worn over abstract patterned skirt in same hues.
• Cream-colored cardigan sweater with horizontal black stripes is worn with full, cuffed pants. Accessorized with brown visor, choker and wide leather belt.
• Pale yellow dress from Frost French has one full short sleeve and one shoulder with double-strap, draped bodice and full skirt with irregular hemline. Accessorized with bold earring, chain belt and high-heeled Mary Janes.
• Quilted silk jacket in pink and green is worn over skirt of pink chiffon layers.
• White sheer spaghetti strapped dress has V-detail below waist and tiers of ruffles around skirt. Accessorized with wide brown leather belt, choker, bracelet and visor, and strands of brown and white beaded jewelry.
• For the avantgarde and daring, Fashion East Mrs Jones designs yellow fishnet minidress with an abundance of long fringe. Accessorized with boots sporting newspaper print pattern.
• Orange and tan ensemble has marabou trim on shoulder straps and bodice of lace top, worn over orange lace cropped pants. Accessorized with wide tan belt, orange hair ornament and orange shoes.
  
• Exotic gold and brown ensemble pairs interesting, sensual top with asymmetrical silk skirt with bold print pattern.
• Fanciful, daring gown has bodice with deep, angled V cut-out across the breast and high split up to one hip, with feathers and silver sequins over layers of yellow chiffon.