Summer fashion tips from VCC style experts

 

Sizzling summer temperatures have finally reached Vancouver, and this season’s styles are the only things hot enough to match this heat wave.

VCC fashion insider Sarah Murray, program coordinator for VCC’s fashion arts program, has seen summer’s trends firsthand on both the catwalk and the sidewalk, and recommends these as the five must-have items for summer:

• Crop tops
• Florals
• Full-circle skirts
• Cutoffs
• Luxe sweatshirts

Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to acquire these trends. Murray has a few tips for fashionistas looking to get their hands on these styles for less:

• Transform an old T-shirt into a fab new cutoff or crop top with helpful DIY videos on YouTube. Watch VCC TV’s T-shirt hacking video to spiff up a worn-out favourite.
• Hit the racks of your nearest vintage or consignment store, like Value Village, to find secondhand gems such as kitschy sweatshirts and floral dresses. Another VCC fashion insider offers up her tips for scoring bargains from your local thrift shop.
• Take advantage of festival season. From the food truck festival to farmer’s markets, Vancouver is rife with festivals full of vendors hawking their wares. Shoppers with a keen eye can find great deals on items such as skirts, dresses and rompers. For a carefree summer hairstyle to match your new look, check out our video to help you achieve the perfect beachy waves.

A master of these flowy, bohemian looks is VCC alum and superstar swimwear designer Anna Kosturova. Her crocheted dresses and bikinis have graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, the pages of major fashion magazines and are donned by many a fashionable celeb.