This summer, the dress is queen and retro rules. Your favorite new frock can evoke any era or country that suits your fancy, from Morocco's sinuous, jewel-encrusted silks, to Frida Kahlo's glamorous peasant look, to the Op Art 70s. What sultry styles will best enhance your unique appeal?
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
Sporty and no-frills is the Ram's usual signature style. This summer, though, you're ripe for a change. The new batik prints or geometric patterns will bring out the beast in you that's yearning to break free. A red print halter top dress with low-cut back or a silky, royal blue-and-purple, above-the-knee sheath dress are party-perfect options. Your appeal peaks in: Late July
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
You're ready to show off a little this summer, Taurus. How about a skillfully cut sundress that showcases your beautiful bosom and neck? A bold, Mexican silver necklace and matching bangles like Frida Kahlo might have worn in the thirties are just the right contrast for a bright turquoise or pale yellow empire-waist dress and platform shoes. Your appeal peaks in: Early to mid June
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
You Twins are feeling nostalgic for your artsy self of years gone by. The drips and splatters of the new Jackson Pollack-inspired prints are just the thing to revive your creative zest. A black, red and white off-the-shoulder dress with asymmetrical hem will make you the belle of the beach party. Accessorize with black espadrilles and a raffia bag. Your appeal peaks in: Late June to mid July
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
You've always had a soft place in your heart, Cancer, for styles that Grandma used to wear. Lucky for you, old-fashioned fabrics like eyelet, seersucker and gingham are back … showing up in sexy sundresses and skirt-and-top combos with ruffled edges, wrap waists and halter tops. Add a quilted bag and lacy white sandal and you're all set. Your appeal peaks in: Mid July to mid August
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)
This summer you Lions are coming into your own and taking charge of your lives. You'll command any audience wearing a bold woodblock batik print with low-cut neck and asymmetrical hem. Accent it with a gold belt and bag -- your power color. And the new Moroccan-inspired, bead-and-jewel-encrusted styles will showcase your inner diva. Your appeal peaks in: Early August
Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)
You've got a high-energy summer ahead of you, Virgo. Let your feminine side flourish, to balance out your warrior-in-the-world aspect. Opt for the most romantic dress you can find in one of the new gauzy, sheer florals. Its flowy, just-above-the-ankle hem and daintily-ruffled bodice will make you feel like Scarlett at home on the plantation. Your appeal peaks in: Early August
Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)
You'll be in a super soft, feminine mode this summer, Libra, especially in July. Maximize your girlish appeal with a floor-length seersucker gown trimmed with eyelet, or a silk wrap halter dress with pleated skirt in an old-fashioned floral print. Add silver hoop earrings and dainty espadrilles and you'll be the queen of someone special's heart. Your appeal peaks in: Late July
Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)
Your naturally sultry appeal is enhanced to the max this summer, Scorpio. You'll love wearing a naughty black crochet-and-chiffon baby doll dress or sensuous, Indian-print jersey number that slides over your body like a snake. Go easy on jewelry … perhaps just a pair of gold hoops or cuff bracelet, to let your magnetism shine forth. Your appeal peaks in: Early to mid July
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)
You Centaurs will be bursting out of the starting gate this July, after feeling reined in since early March. Your fashion statement is big and bold, from wood block prints to amped-up florals and geometrics. Top a simple black dress with a beaded vest to look like an exotic princess, or mix-and-match stripes and prints to knock 'em dead. Your appeal peaks in: Early to mid July
Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)
Sea Goats are figuring out how power dressing can still look feminine this summer. Here's your perfect look: a dropped waist, knee-length bubble-skirt dress with stitched-down pleats and ribbon belt. Cocoa or kelly green looks professional enough for the boardroom, and fresh enough for a summer wedding when paired with sexy sandals. Your appeal peaks in: Mid June
Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)
Bold brushstrokes of color will suit the Water-bearer perfectly this summer. Your dreamy, artistic side is coming to the fore, just in time for an explosion of layered, floaty dresses in bright, artistic patterns to hit the stores. Look for dropped waist styles, and pair with one gigantic ring or bracelet and strappy, high-heeled sandals or gold flats. Your appeal peaks in: Mid to late August
Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)
You're all about the shoes, Pisces. This summer's Roman gladiator sandals, inset with turquoise and other gems, are right up your alley. The dress should be sheer, with a subtle puff sleeve or spaghetti straps, an exotic print or eyelet fabric in a show-stopping color like pomegranate or sea green. Several necklaces worn together complete the look. Your appeal peaks in: Mid July to early August
