This past Saturday marked the first official day of summer. You know what that means- a new excuse to shop for summer trends! We've compiled a list of hot fashion styles that you'll definitely want to attempt rocking. We've already spotted some of the looks in our Fashion Spreads! Although some of these trends may be on the daring side for the more conservative fashionistas, they all can be incorporated into daily style in a tasteful way to add playful elements to your look. Keep checking back, we'll be breaking down some of these in further details with "How to Rock..." posts. And for you fashionistas who are already wearing these trends, submit your pics to thegatheredlady@gmail or tag us on facebook, twitter, or instagram @TheGatheredLady #getgathered and if we like it, we'll share it!
1. Graphic Prints
These bold prints take the work out of spicing up outfits. Choose your level of commitment to style-boldness with low-risk simple accessories like purses and tops or take more risks with dresses and pants. Also, graphic print shorts are guaranteed hot-ticket items this summer.
2. Leather
I'm sure you're thinking "Leather?! Ain't nobody got time for that in this heat!!". Don't worry, this trend is reasonable in that it's mainly skirts, shorts, and panels of leather that are being incorporated into clothing. Very temperature friendly. If you're still nervous, may we suggest wearing looser fitting leather, cool and roomy tops, and open toe shoes to make this style most practical. Check out how these ladies from The Gathered Fashion Spread & Nordic Poetry rock it for summer.
3. Neon
Poor Neon colors. Despite there attention seeking presence, they're only welcome in small doses and in trend cycles unlike their relatives Primary and Pastels. But seriously, neon colors can really add an amazing pop of color to your outfit. I opt for neon shoes, thin waist belts, finger nail accents, clutches and necklaces as my top choices to wear neon. I'm especially in love with my neon flats in citron color! Amazing! 
My neon fashion attempts with flats and belt4. Plastic & Lucite Accessories
Something about Plastic and Lucite that feels futuristic and metropolitan. Which is pretty cool, however this style is one to purchase in small doses. This look has been popping up since Spring, and recently was heavily featured in the Robin Thicke and Pharell music video 'Blurred Lines' by the models. Most women however don't look like 5'10 models with minimal body fat. Medium and fuller figured fashionistas may fare better with accessories rather than the plastic shirts and jackets. I've already purchase some lucite single strap sandals and am plotting when I can appropriately wear them!
5. Braids
Braids have made a serious comeback with celebrities like Beyonce and Amy Adams making them sophisticated and stylish again. Not just a hairstyle, braiding in clothing and accessories fits nicely with the tribal and graphic prints that have been a hit on the runways and in street style. I've been playing with the idea of box braids, but I may settle for braids in my sandals which is just as cool!
6. American Rugged Charm
We won't go so far as to start singing "I'm proud to be an American", but we will give props to the American flag and this daring fashion trend of incorporating it and what I've deemed "rugged American charm" into outfits. This style can be seen in Native American print work, eagle themed shirts, as well as cut off denim shorts, summer cowboy & ankle boots, motorcycle tees and American flag prints. If part of you has a hard time wearing this fashion because you're worried about the underlying narcissism of American-pride propaganda, just remember years back when Brazil flag shirts were all the rage. This isn't the first nation's flag theme to become a trend, so you might as well live it up while you have a pass and it won't be associated with any Larry the Cable Guy type fashion! LOL.
7. Nail Art
If you haven't noticed the hugely popular nail art trend, you're either a toddler, in a nursing home, or an alien. Even though you've seen it-- have you tried it? We've picked out what's popular this season, and coincidently it mimics some of the other trends like neon, graphic prints, and American. If you're too conservative to go all 10 fingernails, opt for a spicy pedicure or try the trend of painting your ring fingers a different color or design that the others. I personally love the attention to finger and toenails and have been sporting the cat and oval nails for over a year. I'm dying to try more graphic prints and neon colors, but only on my ring fingers for now!
Happy Monday! See you Wednesday. Now go get gathered with these trends!