7 Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Trends to Look for on Sale Racks

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Post-Christmas holiday racks and make-up counters are filled with what merchants consider to be last-year's style trends and colors for women. Fortunately, these racks often include spring and summer items from the previous years, as women's clothing stores make room for next year's fashions.

Many fashions from 2009 aren't kicking the bucket just yet, so this is a good time to update or expand your wardrobe. In addition, other styles are making a comeback and can be found at consignment and discount stores. I always try to grab these before the new spring and summer fashions appear in stores.

Here are seven carry-over styles and one "no-way" trend for 2010 you might pick up before the masses get to them.

1. Colors
Subdued make-up colors continue to be popular for spring and summer. This includes green-bases with a prevalence of pinks, blues, browns and even neon green, though I'm not to crazy about that neon green.

2. Patterned and print pants
Floral, striped, abstract and bold patterns may not be prevalent on sale racks, but you'll find plenty of them at thrift and consignment stores.

3. Boyfriend blazers
Love, love, love this look, and it's easy to find on sale racks and in second-hand stores. The slightly-oversized jacket or blazer is a simple way to look chic. Buy one-size larger than you'd normally wear. It shouldn't swallow you but the sleeves should comfortably roll or push-up to just below the elbow without cutting off circulation. Jacket shoulders should extend no more than and inch-and-a-half away from your own shoulders.

4. Shredded and patched jeans
Don't toss those worn-denim away just yet. Fashionistas have decreed they'll be in style for yet another year.

5. Military trends: While the military look is out for men, it's still in for women. I spotted lots of military jackets on sale racks the day after Christmas, so apparently some merchants haven't figured this out yet. This includes dark-colored, double-breasted blazers, camouflage and khaki. Of course, you can always pick up camouflage at your local army surplus store. Keep an eye out for army green and khaki backpacks and messenger bags.

6. Bikinis
Not exactly what I'd shop for at this time (or any) time of year, but some merchants are off-loading last year's swimwear right now. The fit is a bit looser this summer with side cut-outs still popular. Thankfully, the two-piece with tube top is still popular as this is one of the more comfortable swimsuits on the rack.

7. Bunny ears
This has to be about the silliest style fashion designers have tried to foist on us yet. In an attempt to update the headband look made popular by television's "Gossip Girl," stylists have added bunny ears, Mickey Mouse ears and oversized bows to the bands. My recommendation: Ignore it.