Summer 2010 Women's Fashion: What To Wear When The Ash Sandals Cloud Subsides

The sheer bad luck of the travel industry over the last nine months is enough to make anyone with a belief in the law of averages simply break down and weep. First of all the weakness of the pound, then the sapping bad timing of a World Cup and a general election falling close together, and then, to top it all off, throw in an angry volcanic nimbus for that extra little bit of chaos.
But bookings currently show that this has done little to detract from our hopefulness about securing our own few weeks in the sun. In many cases, especially with the ash sandals cloud having forced many to opt for ferries and other means of transport, companies are experiencing rising levels of passenger numbers for June and July.
In the same way,women's fashion for summer is throwing off all thought of seasonal disaster and getting stuck straight in at the deep end. Let's take a look at some of the new arrivals making waves in the bid for must-have wardrobe essential in summer 2010:

Maxi Dress: There's not a single item you'll hear raged more about in the fashion news of recent times, and with the embracing of a kind of revival of '80s Italian designer penchant for high-floral, paisley, and print tones, this summer's range of maxi dresses will leave you with the greatest freedom of choice in colour and pattern. Effortlessly cool but with that winning edge of glamour about it, the maxi holds its ground well as a summer must.

Playsuit: Though not for everyone, the playsuit is holding its own as a contender for vital suitcase space for women's holiday wear this year. There's something tremendously girly about the playsuit that doesn't appeal to everyone, but worn with the conviction of a Grace Kelly photoshoot, it can really turn on the charm.

ShortShorts: So we've had last year's celebrity beach snaps of long denims and boyish surfer shorts, but this year we're expecting something that is not afraid to show some leg. Tight fold-over brief-like numbers, accentuating running shorts, and anything else above the thigh. The shorter the better is the way to go this year.

Boyfriend Jeans: For the off-the-beach profile to go with some great gladiator sandals, the catwalk-heavy baggy jeans trend seems to be on its way out. The new rage at the moment is for the 'boyfriend' cut of jeans, and the permutations of that name being taken out by several brands; worn but relatively close across the thigh, and slightly tapered in the leg, worn turned up. The great accompaniment to a bikini top and camisole.

Kaftan: For covered-up chic this year when the sun's a little too fierce for your liking, the kaftan is set to be the true beach darling this summer. Coming on the back of the Global Traveller trend, the kaftan is great with plain shorts and sandals, big sunglasses, and a classic beach bag. Available this year in more bright colours than you can possibly imagine.