by Sara Kosmyna

Since August is in full swing, now is the perfect time to showcase your radiant tan before cardigan and sweater weather threatens to cover up your glow. Whether your bronze skin comes naturally, from the sun, or perhaps your favorite bottle of tanning spray, now is the perfect time to show off your hard-earned color with the latest fashion.

However, in the excitement of looking fab, it can be easy to get a little carried away by revealing too much skin. Yes, despite what your single guy friends tell you, there is such a thing. The following tips should help you avoid making a major fashion faux pas.

It's All About Balance

When it comes to putting together your best summertime attire, it is important to consider which body part(s) you most want to highlight. Experts recommend keeping one or two areas the central focus of your look. Exposing too much skin can sometimes translate into looking cheap and far from chic, which some celebrities have had to learn the hard way. While you may have a killer body and the legs of a gazelle, every outfit you put on should honor those areas of focus and not make them compete for attention. For example, fit and fabulous supermodels are perfect candidates for showing off almost any body part, but creating a fashionable look is all about balance. Even the physically elite can look silly when they reveal too much skin in everyday life.

 

Crop Tops

Thanks to celebrities like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, edgier fashion pieces, like crop tops, have recently made a big comeback. This contemporary wardrobe staple is a great choice for giving everyone a glimpse of your golden midsection. Crop tops show off the arms and torso, so it is important to tone down the exposure of the legs. This will give your appearance a subtle, yet sexy, hint of skin in an unexpected way. If you’re a fan of midriff baring blouses, try pairing one with a longer skirt that has a less fitted design, like the beautiful pink and white floral piece Selena Gomez wore to the this year’s Kids Choice Awards.

All Legs

If the reverse is true, and you have a great pair of legs that you want to display, then there is no reason to hide them. In this instance, keep your blouse more conservative. One option is to pair a short skirt with a more conservative high collar shirt with or without sleeves. This allows the legs to truly stand out. Two of the best tips for fashionistas who want to show off toned and tanned legs is to exfoliate and moisturize. No matter how golden your gams are, if they look dried out it will detract your "wow" factor.

Cut Outs

Another great summer must-have is a lightweight blouse with shoulder cut outs. These gorgeous tops mimic the delicate fashion of ancient Greece, and they can make you look and feel just like a glowing goddess. Stick to lighter colors for maximum contrast. One of the biggest misconceptions people have about summer style is thinking that you have to show off every eye-catching part of your body at the same time. While that may be tempting, it is still the most flattering to choose only one or two areas to highlight when stepping out and showing off your suntan. Keep this tip in mind when putting pieces together, but don’t be afraid to get creative and try unexpected combinations. Remember, balance is key.

Glow on, girls!