Actual sunshine, leaves emerging on the trees, flying Frisbees on Ankeny: all signs that summer is coming to campus. With summer’s imminent approach we find ourselves wondering: What should we be wearing?  

Fashionising.com gives us a helpful guide to summer 2009’s fashion trends.

1.   Sheer Fabrics: see through, soft, feminine, layered and draped. Be careful to appear sophisticated rather than indecent.  

2.   Bikinis/Monokinis: one shoulder, cut-outs, summer floral and ethnic prints and sheer cover-ups

Look at Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle Outfitters for hot summer swimwear.

3.   One shoulder/backless: dresses, shirts and bikinis highlight the shoulders and back.

Think Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto in John Galliano at this year’s Oscars Red Carpet.  

4.   Grecian: flowing goddess dresses and gladiator sandals

Check out Nordstrom for an array of chic gladiator sandals that come as flats, heels and wedges. Also look at The Gap   for sandals.  

5.   Fringe: Inspired by the 1920’s flappers, fringe is in this summer. Shirts, skirts, dresses and even sandals. Be careful though pick one piece and pair it with something else that is understated, for example, a short fringed skirt with a simple tee.

Shop at American Eagle for cute, reasonably priced fringed sandals.

6.   Tribal/Ethnic: This ranges from animal prints, geometric shapes, earthy hues, turbans, Egyptian style drapery, kaftans, sheer fabrics in neutral or jewel tones and safari wear.  

Go for bold, vibrant prints and don’t be afraid to stand out.

7.   Butterfly Motifs: butterflies symbolize hope, resurrection, beauty, femininity and the ability to be ever changing.  

You will find butterflies on shirts, dresses and even accessories.  

I personally love Collette Dinnigan’s   summer collection. While out of the average college student’s price range, her collection features several trends including butterfly motifs, one-shoulder gowns, and jewel-encrusted dresses.

8.   Jewel-Encrusted: jewels are all over gowns, day jackets, day dresses and accessories.

9.   Fairy-Tale Romance: Flouncing ruffles, rosette clusters, gowns and delicate capelets.

For the most part this trend will stay on the run-ways and editorial shoots. However, try pairing a ruffled blouse with skinny jeans and heels or a full, ruffled skirt with a simple tee.

Trends like these, which come straight off the runway, are often hard to translate to labels the average Whittie would buy.   Perhaps, you don’t really care what the designers are dictating this summer. In that case, look for simple light weight fabrics. Try for bold, bright, geometric prints and patterns. And don’t forget the continued domination of the gladiator sandal, a trend that started last summer and is still going strong.