Step into Sensational Style This Summer

PLANO, Texas — Spring and summer are synonymous with rejuvenation and renewal and fashion is no exception to the newness and excitement.   JCPenney challenges fashion-conscious shoppers across America to think of a color, a print, or a design direction for spring they can’t find at the store where every day matters.  And that also means pocketbook-conscious prices, to boot.

JCPenney introduces two highly anticipated exclusive fashion brands:  Charlotte Ronson, one of the most sought after designers working today, brings her trendsetting fashion savvy to JCPenney with the “I Heart Ronson” collection.   Allen Schwartz, renowned for his red carpet glamour, creates Allen B. 

Epitomizing “California cool” and eye-catching trends, this collection offers a sophisticated, elegant selection of dresses and sportswear.
Following is a checklist of summer style essentials for him, for her for juniors, swim and young men:

For Her – Dial-up her spring style with color.  A rainbow of choices abound, from luscious peach to deep coral to zesty lemon. Often used in combination with understated neutrals and pastels such as sage green, ivory and gray, the striking contrast intensifies the drama.  Floral prints and geometric patterns energize spring & summer wardrobes.

Jackets break all the rules this season in a myriad of flattering shapes and lengths designed to enhance every outfit. I Heart Ronson and Allen B. lines are great if you’re looking for that oversized “boyfriend fit” look. For a cropped, contoured silhouette, jackets from Worthington and a.n.a  are definitely a spring staple.

The “can-do” cardigan can dress up or relax both work and play outfits.  American Living and St. John’s Bay offers a range of bright colors for any occasion!

Frill seekers, look no further. Ruffles offer a fun, flirty, feminine touch and are everywhere, from dresses and blouses, to tunics, jackets and tee shirts. Both a.n.a and East 5th offer great ruffles for the season in all shapes and sizes.

Tunics are the hot toppings for spring with a diverse selection of striking silhouettes – all designed to go with the flow.  From tailored contours to cascading halters, from solids to bold prints from nicole by Nicole Miller, and delicate organza to a unique, intricate mesh, tunics give tops a fresh, new perspective.

A striking array of colorful floral prints bloom in every corner of your wardrobe on dresses, cardigans, blouses, pants and even swimwear.  A floral print Bisou Bisou maxi dress is the perfect way to show your true colors this spring!

For Juniors – JCPenney offers summer favorites that won’t break the bank.  All the key seasonal trends are translated into the perfect “mix & match” pieces,  from maxi dresses to short shorts, from skinny jeans to oversized, “boyfriend fit “jackets, from flirty, ruffled blouses to tailored vests.

Go casual in a C7P raglan tee, or go flirty in a ditsy print Decree halter top.

Fabulosity offers an array of statement pieces this season: bold colors, gold buttons, and hi-waist pants give you that unique look that will keep heads turning!

Shirtdresses and fly-away sweaters will be a go-to for any gal this season. Check out Arizona or Decree for great styles and prints!
For Swimwear – A splash of sparkle will make you shine.  From a flattering one piece or solid color suits to innovative separates including banded halters and skirted bottoms in unique metallic prints, there are swimsuits to complement all shapes and sizes.

The newest swimwear line Decree offers a range of stand-out prints with flirty ruffle detail and bold colors.

American Living offers that nautical edge that keeps it classy and sophisticated.

Be daring this season by the beach with a monokini from the Arizona line!

For Accessories – Hit your stride this spring, in strappy sandals, chunky platforms, cut-out heels and  delicate flats.  JCPenney makes it easy to get a handle on color with handbags in the key color palette of the season.  The culmination of style, function and form is evident in the updated selection of satchels, totes and hobo bags.  Fashion jewelry is big and bold, beautiful including dramatic hoop earrings to chunky, colorful, multi-strand necklaces.

For Him – Preppy is the most important trend of the season, strikingly captured in both JCPenney’s Men’s and Young Men’s collections. From striking brights to soothing pastels to rejuvenated neutrals, color energizes both the Men’s and Young Men’s collections this season.  Put a new splash on preppy nautical tones with bold washes of yellow. White is hot for spring and offers a striking contrast to the bold colors of the season.

Unique crests and patches update traditional polo’s and jackets. Young Men’s takes this new detailing a step further with the addition of some military-inspired epaulets.

Don’t fall short. Shorts are the must have, versatile item for spring.  Sophisticated flat front shorts from American Living take on an elegant flair when paired with men’s dressier sportswear. For Young Men, shorts are edgier; Arizona offers a wide range of new lengths and cuts. While traditional preppy patterns are prevalent, denim dominates with updated twists of casual destruction and rolled hems.
Pattern recognition is key this season with a fresh modern take on plaid for both tops and bottoms. Strong, repeat geometrics as well as bold florals and patchworks enhance the pattern selection.  Check out the Whitetag line for some real statement pieces!

It’s OK to be narrow minded this Spring with slim, body conscious styling that is carried through from casual  Le Tigre sportswear to deeply gorged blazers and suits for men found in both Stafford and J. Ferrar lines. Give a new touch to texture with updated seersuckers, dobbies and refreshing linens.

Pile on the layers – even for spring.  No Men’s or Young Men’s look is complete without at least three light layers which can easily be added or peeled off to accommodate the extremes of the season.  Arizona offers an array of styles and colors for this style statement!

For a quick glimpse at all the items listed above, take a look at our online photo gallery: Http://newsroom.mbooth.com/JCPenney/LookBooks/main.php

JCPenney is one of America’s leading retailers, operating 1,093 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation’s largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company’s commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as “JCP” on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $19.9 billion in 2007 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney’s “Every Day Matters” brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company’s 155,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.