Must-haves

The 2008 summer clothing 'must-haves' are out in the blogosphere.

Of course these 'must-haves' are only for women. And of course, there are many versions. It's anyone's guess as to whether these lists exist to increase women's guilt for not being in style or to provide a means for some narcissist to opine on what every woman must have in her summer wardrobe.

I won't indulge either by repeating the items on the various lists. I will simply say that any item of clothing that helps keep you cool on these hot, humid summer days is a 'must-have' in my book, especially if you're not only cool, but look cool as well. Somehow, I don't see scarves - however light - making that list. (Whoops! That's one of those 'must-haves' this summer, ladies! Reinvent it as a long headband and you might be onto something worthwhile.)

I have a simple little black dress that is a mainstay during the summer. It works on many levels: color - since black never left for me, it matches simple flip flops or more elegant sandals; size - this is where the clothes that are a size or two too large come in handy as they hang loose enough to not stick to your body while fitting well enough to not resemble a large trash bag; and material - cotton washes over and over and over and has other natural fiber benefits for summer wear.

Maybe we should stick to our tried and true summer essentials rather than listen to the latest from SATC maniacs wearing sheer neon blouses and ankle boots.

(Whoops again! A few more from the lists! Can you believe NEONS made the lists???)