The summer essentials - clothing trends for girls

Girls' Life, June-July, 2003

TIME TO GET YOUR SUMMER GROOVE ON! WE SHOW YOU HOW TO MIX (BUT DON'T MATCH) THE HOTTEST LOOKS SO YOU CAN STAY WAY COOL ALL SEASON.

TUBE TOPS & CROPPED PANTS

Show off that tan with shoulder-baring knit tube tops and cute cropped pants.

Tube, $36, ltsus. Capris, $17, TJMaxx. Bag, $16, and shell choker, $6, Claire's. Hoops, $26, Alex &Ani. Macrame belt, $8, Wal-mart. Sunglasses, $20, David & Young. Shoes, $55, Hot Kiss.

TUBE-ULAR

1. Hot Kiss, $26

2. Wal-mart, $4

3. Hot Kiss, $29

4. Necessary Objects, $32

5. Wal-mart, $4

CREAM OF THE CROP

1. TJMaxx, $15

2. H&M, $39

3. Tommy Jeans, $45

4. Kmart, $19

5. Tractor Jeans, $40

MINI SKIRTS & TANK TOPS

Can't decide on which top to wear? Go for double duty by layering two contrasting tanks together--and even add some fun pins.

1. DKNY Jeans Juniors, $29

2. Wet Seal, $22

3. Eye Shadow, $28

4. J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, $45

5. H&M, $15

1. Joe Boxer for Kmart, $17

2. TJ Maxx $10 3.

3. Blue Plate, $32

4. Op Juniors, $22

5. Necessary Objects, $42

Side drawstring tank, $16.50, Wet Seal. Tie-dye ribbed tank (underneath), $36, Banzai. Skirt, $24, alloy.com. Pins, $6 for set. My Generation. Bracelet and necklace. $8 each. 'ZAD Earrings, $6.25, Claire's.

Polo, $13, Kmart. Shorts, $20, alloy.com. Visor, $13, Op. Necklace, $5.25, Claire's. Bracelet, $4, Bonda Beads. Hello Kitty terry wristbands, $27 for the pair, Sanno.

POLO SHIRTS & SPORT SHORTS

Preppy polos with sporty shorts are practically a summer uniform.

MARCO POLO

1. H&M, $12

2. alloy.com, $18

3. Tommy Jeans, $35

4. Dickies Girl, $14.50

5. Kmart, $12.99

A SHORTS STORV

1. Tommy Jeans, $25

2. JCPenney, $15

3. Arizona by JCPenney, $25

4. Classic Girl by American Apparel, $27

5. H&M, $12

TANK DRESSES

What can you toss over a swimsuit, layer up for day and party in at night? A simple but fabulous tank dress! Consider it the instant cuff it.

TANKS A LOT

1. Tommy Jeans, $39

2. Blue Plate, $48

3. Classic Girl by American Apparel, $27

4. Breeke, $59

5. Breeke, $59

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LUS CASCO FOR MARY KAY VELOCITY FOR SEAMINX. SHOT ON LOCATION AT KORAKIA PENSIONE, PALM SPRINGS (WWW.KORRAKIA.COM). SFECLAL THANKS TO STYLIST BRETT MCCALL OF SEAMINX.

Dress, $59, Breeke. Halter top, $15, Classic Girl by American Apparel. Cap, $7, Kmart. Watch, $40, Swatch. Rings, $6 each, and bangle, $8, both 'ZAD. Sandals, $35 Original Dr Scholl's.