The Carson City catwalk

For most Nevada fashionistas, the elements of style versus comfort always seem to create quite a competition on the Carson City catwalk. The hot climate of the desert state does not always allow for hot and happening fashion trends. But judging from the sidewalk runways, Carson residents have managed to maintain a chic compromise between utilitarian and aesthetic purpose for their summer attire.

One of the season's most popular items seems to be the return of the tunic. This particular shirt pattern first became popular during the late 1960s, early '70s. Hugging the upper torso and then curving outward in a bell shape just above the thighs, the tunic style reflected the nonrestrictive attitudes of the time. The same flared cut of summer 2006 communicates a similar casualness as it did decades before, while it also incorporates flattering and modest femininity. The form-fitting bodice gives justice to a woman's signature busty-ness. Comparatively, the flared middle section of the garment strategically de-emphasizes the less attractive curves of certain voluptuous figures.

And everyone knows that second hot dog at the summer barbecue is a lot easier to accept when a full tummy is safely hidden behind forgiving fabric.

Just as Carson stylists are rummaging through clothing piles of the past, so, too, do their accessories present a hint of history.

Visits to the optometrist won't be such a high commodity this summer because shielding the eyes from ultraviolet rays all over town are oversized sunglasses. Making a name for themselves sometime during the '70s, large-rimmed sunglasses became notorious for making their wearer recognizable as "Bug Eyes." Obviously the nickname must not have stimulated too much offense because lingering among Carson civilians are fashion Bugs fully equipped with optical exaggeration. Even certain metro males have been caught sporting the wide-rimmed aviator glasses, giving the term "Spider-man" a whole new meaning.

Other popular accessories of the summer include bold beading on both necklaces and bracelets. 'Tis the season for baring skin; contrarily, today's fad of gaudy and excessive jewelry compensates for a fair amount of actual clothing - or lack thereof.

Nevada's simple "Silver State" motto is not legitimate, at least in this season's fashion sense. Dangling from people's necks are not mere elegant chains with single stones, but rather heavy strands ornamented with beads, bells and cockle shells. Modern jewelry wearing is not just for fancy occasions anymore.

Parading along Tahoe's shorelines are beach bums in bikinis who layer on bangle bracelets instead of sunscreen. Not only does the beach glitz and glam provide further excuse to gawk, but the tan lines created by such treasures will surely be the topic of conversation for weeks to come.

Besides focusing on the "new old fashion" of Carson's summer trends, the capital city has invented a few modern ensemble ideas of its own. Needless to say, the desert's grueling heat can sometimes have unpleasant effects on people's psychological state. Ironically, too much hot can often result in a few bad cases of cold shoulders.

Fortunately, fashion designers are trying to eliminate the climate-induced contempt by creating shirts that bare the skin of the previously antagonist anatomy. This season, shirts designed with little or no backsides should attract rather than offend their audience. Although the center of attention on women has too long remained on the upper façade of the body, it is time now to shift the attention toward the other side. This summer, low-cut shirts will not refer as much to the provocativeness of bosom buddies. Rather, fashion will accentuate the skin of the opposing viewpoint in order to achieve a new, more humble perspective on sexuality.

Now unwavering eye contact won't be as much of a struggle to maintain during conversation. Not to mention, double-take lookers will be doubly vulnerable to a gaping backside that implies subtle seductiveness.

The rest of the season's fashion predictions remains only in the patterns of the weather: whether the current trends continue at a steady stream, or an unseasonable fashion front is ahead in the distance depends entirely upon the style sense of the western Nevada wind.

• Milan del Vecchio is a 19-year-old fashionista who began clothes shopping at a young age. A 2005 graduate of Carson High School, she plans to attend the University of Cincinnati in the fall to study design. E-mail her at italiandancer358@sbcglobal.net.