Published: May 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Stephanie Morgan
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Summer is here, heavy wool is finally gone and sundresses are back! We asked a few ladies who make looking good seem effortless to give us a jump start on the styles and trends for summer, and together they came up with great tips for us all.. Meet our friends: Angie Einstein, Betsy Varin, Blair Zeimetz, Jacki Thompson and Katherine Mattice, proof that no matter your age, being well-dressed is always in style.

TALK Greenville: What's the most important thing to remember about looking your best?

Einstein: I think it's important to remember it doesn't matter how much something costs or doesn't cost, if it doesn't fit well, it isn't going to flatter you and you won't feel good in it. Alterations are a must if necessary!

Varin: Let the world see you looking your best. If you have to go out, then go out aware that you may run into people and dress accordingly.

Zeimetz: Trends should not be where you spend the majority of your money. Good basic pieces will carry you far and then use your trends to accent. Don't forget to balance your look. You don't want to be too heavy on the top or the bottom. Think of your body in four quadrants and make sure that each is balanced with not too much anywhere.

Thompson: Fashion reflects your personality and your character but it doesn't define you. Clothes are fun and you should enjoy them, not worry about them.

TG: What is your favorite piece of clothing for the summer?

Einstein: Little black dresses or sundresses and two of them! You need one short one and one long one that you can add accessories to to make a perfect wow or simple and pretty.

Zeimetz: I like white jeans for summer and I don't think that I can get enough of them! I have several pairs and love wearing them all season.

Thompson: I like white jeans too. It's important to find a pair that fits well and isn't too thin, though.

Mattice: I live in cover-up style dresses in the summer. I don't like to be hot but do love to be comfortable, and I find that light dresses look good and keep me cool.

TG: So, you all put a lot into finding the best pair of white pants for the summer. How do you get to the perfect pair?

Einstein: At my height, a chunky pair of sandals will not accent my skinny jeans. I am much better off in a pair of great flats or heels.

Varin: They don't need to stretch too much, be too thin, or too short.

Thompson: I agree. They have to be the right thickness or they show too much.

Zeimetz: I try on many pairs of white pants before I find the perfect ones. Then I go back to that brand and stick with it because I know it works well for my body.

Mattice: I have to say that I think the skinny jean has replaced the capri. I tend to think that we will see less of those this season.

TG: Speaking of this style, they can be a little intimidating. What makes you feel good in skinny jeans?

Thompson: Layering your tops work well to hide what you might be self-conscious about. A couple of layers topped with a light scarf work really well over a skinny jean.

Zeimetz: If you don't feel good in skinny jeans, don't wear them. Wear what you are comfortable in. I do think that heels help legs look longer in skinny jeans instead of flats.

Varin: Balance a skinny leg with a bigger top, like a tunic or something that you can belt. T-shirts with ruffles are great to add interest.

TG: Tell us about your favorite accessories for summer. There are so many great options this season. We are seeing a ton of neutral strappy leather sandals; earrings are still bold and big; bucket bags are back; and necklaces are making statements. What's your favorite?

Einstein: I like to add a fun earring to update a simple look. I think that this is where you can get great looks for less money.

Varin: I love the cuff bracelet. It has a great punch. I am also excited about chunky sandals. They are great for balancing the outfit.

Zeimetz: Filigree is fun. I am having fun with clear necklaces this season.

Thompson: I am big fan of wraps and short sweaters. They are great to finish an outfit for people my age because we do not do tanks alone! I think that good belts are important, too. These are simple essentials. I also think it's important to say with accessories that more is not always best. Keep it simple!

We've got the latest scoop on what's new and now the inside tips to make this season's looks our own. Here's to happy shopping and your own “best dressed” season of all!