Knitch Magazine

For Summer 2010 designers are definitely emphasizing sunny days and bright colors, and this trend is especially noticeable in sun-related clothing and accessories. The two must-have items in the spotlight this season are the sun dress and the sun hat. It doesn’t matter your age, your size or your personal tastes, you’ll see plenty of choices just right for you to join the “sun” parade.

Pictured above: Photo 1 - Splendido Mini Dress, Photo 2 - Vogue pattern F1646, Photo 3 - CottonTail Pinafore Dress.

From Ralph Lauren’s classic elegance to Jason Wu’s touch of whimsy, the bare-your-shoulders sun dress has come into its own and matured way beyond the apron/wrap styling of the 1950s. No matter what you call it – a sun dress, a jumper, a pinafore or something else – this style is becoming a wardrobe staple. Also as a little forecasting -- get ready for its popularity to grow as a layering piece for cooler weather because it looks great too worn over your favorite top, turtleneck or blouse.

Then you’ll want to accessorize your new sun dress with the appropriate chapeau – the sun hat. Big floppy brims, crocheted cloches, modest rolled edges, all are fun and exciting to see both as stylish accents and also as great sun protection. Even the modest headscarf has taken on a new life and is seen as a clever, multi-faceted way to accessorize your favorite outfit.

And, of course, you know a trend is really catching on when there are sewing patterns available for an item. Vogue often leads the way with the latest innovations and has several sun dress and sun hat patterns available. Several of these are from the Italian design house Marfy exclusively for Vogue, so you can enjoy that European flair you expect from high fashion.

We can’t leave out our favorite little girls from this trend either because especially sun dresses are super popular for the preteen set and younger this summer. And just like their moms, these wee fashionistas can accessorize and layer their jumpers for multi-season wear by adding a top or blouse to the mix.

From the classic Eco Bay Sun Dress by knitwear guru Debbie Bliss and Jil Eaton’s cute CottonTail Pinafore Dress to the trendy Dreambaby Tunisian Crochet Jumper and the feminine Pure Cotton Teacup Pinafore, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your favorite little girl’s tastes and personal sense of style.