Lifestyle Zone

Lifestyle Zone. BY HEATHER TOSKAN - Simple, easy dressing is one of the joys of summer and dresses and skirts create the preferred mix of comfort and style.

"Women love the feel of the summer sun on their shoulders and legs after a long, bundled winter," says Hbc fashion director Suzanne Timmins. "In the summer our wellbeing is at its peak and we feel healthy and beautiful -- the perfect time to wear uber feminine dresses and flirty skirts."

Ease is the current buzzword as sleeveless shifts and chemises feature extra fabric for a roomier fit than last year's versions.

Draped jersey knit dresses include plenty of gathering and ruching for a soft silhouette. Dresses and skirts with tiered layers also flounce into style.

At-the-knee remains classic, but A-line minis are especially popular with the young and the leggy.


Printed and patterned ankle-length maxi dresses designers such as Missoni and Pucci call "patio dresses" look casually chic paired with flip flops and a sunhat.

However, the casual maxi can be easily gussied up with dangling earrings, metallic sandals and an armload of bangles to take you from the patio to the party in a wink.

"Mid-calf length dresses present another great fashion option that can also be easily dressed up and down," says Rita Lee, vice-president of merchandising for the Melanie Lyne chain.

Asymmetrical and hanky hemlines lead the eye vertically, making mid-calf lengths more flattering to those who find that traditional, straight hemmed versions add width and weight to the fullest part of their calves.

Fit and flared sundresses of all lengths that taper gently at the waistline and flare into flattering A-line skirts are popular, as are full '50s inspired skirts, cinched and belted at the waist, and fully gathered dirndl skirts with waistbands.

"This summer, skirts have a flirty silhouette that is slightly fitted through the hips, but is also soft and full," says Brigitte Martin, a spokesman for Reitmans. "Skirts are textured with embroidery and eyelet, as well as with light crinkle effects in the material."

Summer skirts and dresses run riot with colourful explosions of colour, pattern and print. Bright shades of red, coral, yellow, aqua, royal blue, lime, fuchsia and violet vibrate and intertwine colourfully on solid and patterned styles.