Ask An Expert: Hottest Summer Trends In Los Angeles

Summer fashion often means adding a few key elements to your already stellar wardrobe. After all, this is the time of year to let loose. By putting on something spunky, your mood will match your style. That said, welcome a handful of on-point tips you'll cherish from a freelance stylist who practices what she preaches by wearing what she heralds. Meet Alexandra Bendana!

Alexandra Bendana
Freelance Stylist
(323) 632-8434
www.twitter.com/shakystiletto

Alexandra Bendana has that special eye for fashion that can't be learned and that is the envy of anyone who does not possess such a special asset. As both personal and celebrity stylist for the past 10 years, Bendana's prowess can be witnessed in a number of videos and all kinds of commercials. To get ready for such a fashion savvy profession, this ace style expert held a marketing job at two major retailers. These days, Bendana puts both thrift stores and ritzy boutiques on her shopping list, she stays on top of the latest trends, and she's an Angeleno who knows where to go for what she needs in order to earn her ensembles any number of compliments.

Peek-A-Boo

Va-va-voom! It's bathing suit time, but what to wear? Bendana points out, "One pieces and bikinis are sexier than ever this season with multiple cut-out panels (channeling a little "50 Shades of Grey" vibe) or sheer mesh panels for the more modest girl." She says that suits seen on the beaches of Southern California will vary in color and patterns, but she insists that "the more skin the better" is the motto for this summer season. Other aspects of this year's trend: "Bikini bottoms will be high-waisted, evoking a vintage look, but will be modernized with the zig zag, peek a boo sides." This expert supplies great examples in the Skyler Swimsuit from Herver Leger and French Connection's Saphra Strappy Swimsuit. She also likes ASOS Geo Print Mesh Swimsuit, the Motel Parrot Cut Out Topaz Swimsuit and strappy bandeau tops.

You Have Flare

"Move over skinny jeans. Flare leg pants are all the rage this season, taking inspiration from 1970s hippie bell-bottoms and 1990s flare jeans," states Alexandra, adding, "Flare pants will appear in different fabrications, ranging from denim and twill to lace, spandex and modal, and will vary in patterns."  Bendana knows that she'll see flare pants worn with lacy boho tops, off-the-shoulder crop tops, tight halter tops, and plain tees at any or all of the music gatherings happening in SoCal this summer. This expert points to Border Print Bell Bottoms by Free People, ASOS Kiss the Sky flare trouser, ASOS Daisy Street lace flares, Citizens of Humanity Charlie flare jeans, and Denim Super Flare jeans by Free People as great examples of what to put on before you rock out during festival season.

Legs For Days

"This season we will see sexy shorts made of different materials," proclaims this expert who says this garment "will showcase distinct unique characteristics such as distressing, embroidery, floral and tribal prints, fringe and lace details to evoke a sense of individuality." Alexandra tells other fashionistas, "Shorts will be worn with tees, halter and peasant tops with short boots and fringe sandals. She likes the rag & bone brand "the cutoff" denim shorts, the Bullhead Denim Co. high rise extreme fray dolphin shorts, the Ecote embroidered runner short, and the Armona shorts from Anthropologie.

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Love And Lace

Summer romance is a big theme this season, articulated through the use of lace and floral patterns. Our style pro says, "We will see lace tops and dresses that evoke a sweet and feminine twist on everyday essentials and night out options." Examples include the Woodstock mini by For Love & Lemons, the Birds of Paradise Maxi Dress, the Zara's lace top, and the Les Fleur lace top from Anthro.

Life's A Beach

Hanging out at the beach or at a festival or two means making heavy duty wardrobe choices that aren't body conscious. Alexandra says, "There are so many fun ways to up your outfit game by adding fun accessories. She adds, "Hats are huge this season," pointing to both wide brim and fedora styles "that will keep the sun out of your face." Bendana also calls out floral crowns as being popular for these warm weather moments, saying these head pieces range in size and types of flowers. "Metallic temporary tattoos are also very popular, as are ethnic chunky metallic jewelry and head pieces," says this in-the-moment expert. Examples to consider: Queen of Knives hat by Goorin Bros, embroidered band straw hat by Forever 21, and pastel stone hand chain from TopShop.

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