Previous summer fashions have seen us running around in knee length Capri’s, finding inner peace in floor length boho skirts, and even channeling our inner Brittney Spears in short shorts.  This summer, however, it’s all about the crisp, clean, cool factor.

The first thing one notices when casting an eye over the summer runways is the absence of color.  In fact, the trend of the season could be summed in that one word: absence.  Absence of color, absence of catchy details, and absence of embellishments – it may sound dismal but it actually looks quite heavenly.  Creamy whites, soft beige, pastel blue, and other barely there hues delicately tinted the no nonsense looks of the season.  Casual cruise and business wear has officially left the boats and the boardrooms to make us look classy, elegant, cool and sophisticated this summer.  There is only one small exception to this rule.  A hint of architectural styling creeps in (or up, rather!) as sleeves get puffed up to incredible proportions.  Anne of Green Gables would be so proud.

To view this minimalistic trend in action, look no further than the two designers that can always be counted on to summarize whatever is in for the season: Stella McCartney and Michael Kors. 

Stella McCartney has often been touted at “the” designer for women due to her ability to create feminine, comfortable, sexy clothes that women want to pluck directly from the runway and hang in their closets.  Her summer 2009 collection drives this point home.  Done almost entirely in light beige, the collections consist of boxy boyfriend-style jackets, slim trousers, and light throw-on-and-go dresses.  At first glance it looks like her models rolled out of bed and jumped on the catwalk looking like they embodied the factor of effortless beauty, but closer inspection shows the brilliance of mixing a close fitting piece with a slouching jacket and a jumpsuit with oversized lapels. Crisp, inviting, and innovative, Stella is not following the trends as much as she is simply creating them. 

Michael Kors favored a mostly blue, black, and white pallet in strips, blocks, and polka dots. While more relaxed than Stella’s form fitting fashions, Mr. Kors still manages to showcase female body to its best advantage while keeping the look deceptively simple.  This collection could have easily been seen strolling along a seaside boardwalk instead of a catwalk.  Kors moves away from the pencil skirts of spring by giving his skirts and dresses a bit of swing.  Cinched waists and plenty of polka dots make this collection fun and nostalgic with a hint of 50s vibe. 

This summer, even if you don’t have a house in the Hamptons or join the ladies for a spot of tea on your summer veranda in the middle of the afternoon, you can look like you do.  Upper class chic has gone mainstream for the moment so darling, won’t you join me on my yacht where we can sip champagne and look like we stepped out of a catalog as we watch the sun go down on another fashionable summer night.  Cheers.