Clamdiggers and walk shorts make my must-have list for Summer 2009 as a warm weather go-to alternative to pants and jeans. One specific variation on this theme that deserves more attention is the utilitarian cargo clamdigger.

Their look is uber relaxed when offered in fabrications like crinkle cottons, terry cloth and twills. This makes them work with casual flats and sandals. But sometimes the vibe of the cargo clamdigger is a little smarter when offered in fabrications like silk and linen-rayon blends, making them work well with a dressier sandal or heel. Both are good looks on the right body type.

Unfortunately, this animal is hard to wear. It’s best on inverted triangles, racy rectangles and some adorable apples because straight-ish upper legs are a prerequisite. Stay away from the look if you don’t want to draw attention to your thighs, which means “no” for pretty pears and “be careful” for hourglasses. This does not mean that you have to be super slim to wear the style. It’s a question of having thighs that aren’t curvy at any size. I hope that makes sense.

The cargo clamdiggers worn with flats are casual. The style on the left from Banana Republic is dressy, which is why it’s shown with dressy heeled sandals (but they would work with cute flat sandals too). I like the vibe of the dressier cargo clamdigger best and I’ll stick to basic clamdiggers for casual and smart casual dressing until I find a suitable pair. If not this season, then next year will do.

This weekend Macy’s is knocking an additional 25% of the prices of clearance items. I know people find Macy’s overwhelming, but I take all my clients there because the prices are good and they have a better selection of dresses than any other department store in the United States. If someone needs a dress, it’s the first place we go.

Of course, you can just shop online to avoid the crowds.

This post is earlier than usual because sale fever is ahead of time this year (I attribute that to our tough economic climate). You know the drill, below is a list of must-have items that cuts across all body types, age groups and budgets. It’s a question of finding the right style at the right price, AND, wearing it an appropriate and flattering way that works for you. So no “but”s or “I can’t”s unless you’re vehemently opposed to the aesthetic of the trend. Here we go:

• White bottoms: As the most logical and cost effective Summer bridging piece, white jeans, pants, walk shorts, clamdiggers, skirts or frocks are a no-brainer. If bright optical white is not your thing, try a variation like off-white or cream.
• White items: Think white or cream for tops, jackets, cardigans, camisoles, accessories, footwear, spectacles, sunglasses and watches. It screams “Summer is here”.
• An assortment of cardigans: Tailored V-necks with elbow length sleeves are especially flattering, but unstructured cascading cardigans have their place too. They work well over sleeveless tops, add coverage when needed and are super comfy, versatile, relaxed and practical.
• Day dresses: If you stick to pants and shorts most of the time, challenge yourself to mix it up and wear frocks. It’s the best solution in hot weather.
• Walk shorts and clamdiggers: These are your “go to” Summer jeans or pants.
• Leggings: I’ve tried to encourage adoption of this look and it’s been well received on our forum. I hope you give it a bash.
• Denim jacket: Great in either white, faded or dark denim blue, it’s the perfectly timeless casual cover-up for dress and skirt ensembles.
• Gladiators, or thong sandals: If I can wear this item, anyone can. Gladiators are my edgy preference, but pretty thong sandals are just as fab.
• Metallic shoes: The ideal Summery neutral. Whether it’s wedges, ballet flats or sandals, a metallic ped is flop proof in warm weather.
• Banded tops: Time to give the defined waistline a break and go for something unexpected. The right banded top has worked on all my clients so far. Stretch yourselves if there isn’t one hanging in your closet.

This list is deliberately more daring than last year’s list because it’s good to keep our wardrobes evolving. I’ve left off non-neutral shoes, handbags and accessories, assuming that you already have these covered. Summer is here – let’s get those wardrobes in shape.

I love the look and feel of voluminous Summer cardigans. They are loose, cotton-rich, lightweight and extremely comfortable. They are a great little cover-up to have on hand in air-conditioned settings or when it gets chilly at night.

I was sold a few seasons ago when I purchased one in dove grey. It’s become the most used cardigan in my wardrobe because it adds the perfect level of interesting textural interest to an outfit.

Cascading cardigans look super over form fitting AND voluminous tops. They also look fab over structured sheath dresses. The key to wearing this silhouette is to keep your bottoms fitted and structured. Clamdiggers, walk shorts, pencil skirts, skinnies, straight-legs and boot cut pants or jeans work beautifully. But A-line skirts and wide-legged pants won’t work as well. Too much volume in one outfit just isn’t flattering. If you’re petite, keep the length a little shorter to elongate your look. If you’re tall, go as long as just above the knee.

This style of cardigan makes a nice change to the classic fitted cropped variety. It does wonders to camouflage extra bits that we carry around the midsection. It’s also the perfect item to grab on days when you don’t want to define your waistline (a look I’m gravitating towards more frequently just because it’s different). Don’t be afraid of volume – give the cascading cardigan a try if you see one in stores.

Some cascading cardigans are more structured than others. A style with slack waistline gathering (like the cobalt and fuchsia examples in the middle) are instantly flattering. Styles that are cut a little narrower but sans gathering on the waist (like the emerald and purple examples on the right) are also good. Completely unstructured styles (like the coral and periwinkle blue on the left) also have their place. Start experimenting and let forum member Laura inspire you with her killer cascading cardigan ensemble, complete with white jeans and gladiators.