Take stock of what worked for summer

By MARIA BLACKBURN
BALTIMORE SUN
With Labor Day -- and the end of summer -- less than a month away, we thought we'd take a few minutes to weigh in on this year's summer fashions. Why now, you ask? Well, it's officially midsummer and it's also the time of the season when all the stuff you paid full price for is heading right for the clearance rack to make room for fall attire. So here it goes:
UBiggest surprise: Bold color. Oranges and reds are hot, hot, hot and look modern whether they're paired with black, white or khaki. One look we like is Liz Claiborne's red ginger embroidered gauze top and sateen pedal pushers. For stores, go to www.lizclaiborne.com.
UMust-have shoe: The thong. The classic summer sandal came back in a big way this year with beaded, bejeweled and floral bedecked details.
UT-shirt that tops all: The retro ringer T is a vintage favorite from the 1970s that has our nostalgic hearts singing. What's next on the comeback trail? We sure hope it's not double-knit pantsuits.
UStyle we thought we hated, but we don't: The halter. Think you can't wear a halter? Think again. Baring one's back and shoulders in a halter and balancing it with a pair of tailored Capris gives a youthful appearance that's modern and fun. We like it, we really like it.