A long, 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 after Labor Day — Well, that one's gone by the wayside with all the hoopla over wearing white any time of the year day or night. So don't worry anymore about scooting out in the white stuff whenever you want all year long. Yes, it's true, those white jeans and tank tops do seem to bring out the cool, fresh air of summer, so take advantage of the warmer weather to wear your brightest whites.

—OK...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. Worn by themselves or 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 long silk pajama-like pants and long linen tunics. The wide leg pants have also made a big comeback and they can give you a big change from uptight leggings and skinny jeans that seem to make you swelter in the summer heat. With a huge straw hat and oversized sunglasses, you've got movie-star potential no matter what your age.

—I know dark colors belong to fall traditionally...but let's face it...we all have lots of the black stuff in our wardrobes...so it's a win-win situation when we can mix it in with our favorite summer colors and give it some new life. Of course, white is a classic warm-weather combo for black, but orange and turquoise are other fresh colors that make black come alive for summer.

—Don't stash all your sweaters...yet. I know it can get hot...but it can also get cool...at night...or in an air-conditioned office, and you'll need a sweater or two to get by in the summer months. Light-colored cashmere cardigans (the candy-colored pastels are fun this year) are a lifesaver when paired with tank tops and v-neck dresses on chilly days and nights. And don't forget those tissue-thin pashmina scarves to wrap up in on chilly summer nights.

—Yes, you can wear flip-flops all summer long...just not to the office (and yes, there are exceptions, of course). Easily affordable for a few dollars, flip-flops and more substantial thongs in all colors offer a comfortable alternative to sandals in the hot summer months. And there are tons of possibilities out there — jeweled, stoned, and crystallized...pick your foot fetish fad...and go with it. Just be sure you get that pedicure first!

—And no you don't have to wear those stuffy, hot suits all summer long, even in the most professional of offices. There are all sorts of ways to get creative now...try switching out a few layers instead of those tailored jackets — tanks for blouses, a knee-length dress or a lightweight sweater instead of a traditional suit.

—Don't put away all your accessories. Just because it's hot out there, doesn't mean you have to forego piling on a few extras. 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. So don't be afraid to pile on the accessories this season. You'll be adding lots of personality to anything you wear.

Mix up your dark basics with brights in the summer. Bisou Bisou Lace-up peplum top with dark jeans. www.jcp.com.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.