long time ago we all couldn’t wait until Memorial Day to shed the black patent Mary Janes, slip into white sandals, switch to halter tops and blow off the dark business suits. But as the age of fashion enlightenment has come about, we no longer have to abide by the seasonal rules and we can really lighten up, especially when it comes to the warmer months of summer.

Here are a few summer style rules that have been busted over the years:

- You can’t wear white until after Memorial Day: Well, that one’s gone by the wayside with all the hoopla over “winter white.” Don’t worry about scooting out in the white stuff whenever you want. Yes, it’s true, those white jeans and tank tops do seem to bring out the fresh air of spring and summer; take advantage of the warmer weather to wear your brightest whites.

- Long items in summer: The long dresses have made a return in fashion trend history. We did this a long time ago in the hippie days of the ’60s and ’70s, but the ankle-length sundresses are all of a sudden the chic way to be cool again. I have to agree after seeing a few wonderful renditions in Old Navy and Banana Republic. Layered over a slinky T-shirt and paired with flat-jeweled thongs, these maxi dresses are even better.

Long is great in summer even in lengthy silk pajama-like pants and linen shirts. With a huge straw-hat and oversized sunglasses, you’ve got movie-star potential no matter what your age.

- Dark colors are limited to summer: I know dark colors belong to fall traditionally, but we all have many black items in our wardrobes. It’s a win-win situation when we can mix it in with our summer favorites. Of course, white is a classic warm-weather combo for black, but navy and brown are other new colors that make black come alive for summer.

- Stash all your sweaters: I know it can get hot, but it may also be cool at night or in an air-conditioned office. You might need a sweater or two to get by in the summer months. Light-colored cashmere cardigans are a lifesaver when paired with tank tops and V-neck dresses on chilly days and nights.

- You can’t wear flip-flops all summer long: You can but just not to the office. Easily affordable for a few dollars, flip-flops in all colors offer a comfortable alternative to sandals in the hot summer months. And there are several possibilities out there: jeweled, stoned and crystallized. Pick your foot fetish and go with it. Be sure you get that pedicure first!

- Suits need to be wore at work even during the summer: You don’t have to wear those stuffy, hot suits all summer long, even in the most professional of offices. There are many ways to get creative now. Try switching out a few layers. Choose tanks for blouses, a knee-length dress or a lightweight sweater.

- Lose all your accessories: Sometimes a tank top and a pair of capris needs a long chain-link necklace, a cuff bracelet and a big straw bag to really spiff it up a bit. Don’t be afraid to pile on the accessories this season. You’ll be adding lots of personality to anything you wear.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.

COOL IT                   By Sharon Mosley