Now Showing at a Store Near You
Summer movies and the fashion trends they spawn.

Much is made of actors undergoing unseemly rituals to "get into character." The cast of Saving Private Ryan spent a week in boot camp, eating mealy food and being schooled by a military trainer, to better understand the brutality of World War II. Hunky Benicio del Toro packed on pounds for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The cast of 54 listened to countless hours of disco. These are admirable sacrifices, but ones we're happy not to make.

It's much easier for an audience to get into a movie: Sit back and relax--or tense up, as several summer flicks address impending doom. Unlike getting into the actors' shoes, we do want to get into the characters' clothes. With more than 100 movies coming out this season, there are many trends worth noting--and you can find them in Portland. We can't tell you where Mulder's sister is, but we do know what to wear in case you're stranded on a desert island. You've seen tube tops bouncing around, but did you realize tube socks are back, too? Skip boot camp and put on some Mary Janes--the only thing you're training for is an endless, air-conditioned movie marathon.

(opening dates subject to change)

Cousin Bette
opens June 12

Petticoats may mask tumultuous period-drama desire below the belt, but ribbon chokers can't hide heavy breathing. Jessica Lange and Elisabeth Shue use their physical charms in this Balzac adaptation.

Suede choker, $7.50 at Buffalo Exchange, 1420 SE 37th Ave., 234-1302

Six Days, Seven Nights
opens June 12

If you could take only one garment to a desert island, make it an all-purpose white button-down shirt.

Gap Woman shirt, $34, 221-0508

Deep Impact and A Perfect Murder
now showing

Dust off your graduation gift from grandma--this could be the last time to wear pearls before the apocalypse, whether it's death by comet or by husband.

Mikimoto pearls $14,310 at Carl Greve,
 731 SW Morrison St., 223-7121

X-Files
opens June 19

Go-anywhere suits can combat aliens and take you to dinner with Scully.

BCBG suit, $477 at Poker Face, 128 SW 3rd Ave., 294-0445

Godzilla
now showing

Skinning the lizard may be the only way to improve his looks or redeem this gargantuan flop.

Faux snakeskin shirt and shorts, $8 and $45 at Magpie, 324 SW 9th Ave., 220-0920

Gone with the Wind (rerelease)
opens June 28

Rhett had to get through corsets and hoops for a glimpse of Scarlett's bloomers; feel free to wear yours exposed after seeing the $1 million restoration of this classic.

Ruffled bloomers by Sam's and 26 Red Sugar, $14 and $16 at Retread Threads, 931 SW Oak St., 916-0000. Passion and Pearls lacy bloomers, $95 for set at Divine Designs, 437 NW 23rd Ave., 827-0667

Can't Hardly Wait
opens June 12

Hipsters in high school show that goggles aren't just for shop class anymore.

Fashion Victim eyewear, $12 at Retread Threads, 931 SW Oak St., 916-0000

Armageddon
opens July 1
Saving Private Ryan
opens July 24

From World War II rescue to near nuclear holocaust, patriotic heroes prove that stars, stripes and sex are always the American way.

Dumb Clothing bandeau and skirt, $24 and $26 at Retread Threads, 931 SW Oak St., 916-0000

There's Something About Mary
opens July 15

We're not that enthusiastic about a film in which a girl gets a shot of organic hair gel and the plot could be described as a slapstick stalker. But between them, Peter and Bobby Farrelly (Dumb and Dumber) must have at least one eye for fashion. Chic capri pants showcase shapely gams and hide fat knees.

Capri pants model's own, similar styles available for $38-$58 at Urban Outfitters, 2320 NW Westover Road, 248-0020

The Mask of Zorro
opens July 24

Lose the sword and mask and don a lacy Spanish-style dress while you wait for Antonio Banderas.

French Connection, $88, and Betsey Johnson, $75, at Bella Luna, 610 NW 23rd Ave., 248-0191

Madeline
opens July 24

Those French schoolgirls really know how to accessorize.

Mary Janes by Hype, $95 at Johnny Sole Deluxe, 801 SW Alder St., 223-9278

The Parent Trap
opens July 29

Girly prints with grown-up necklines mirror the fine matchmaking exhibited by pubescent twins. Of course, Hayley Mills got it right the first time.

Boatneck shirt, $35 set with pants at Avalon Vintage Clothes and Antiques, 318 SW 9th Ave., 224-7156

54
opens Aug. 7

Bare chests, disco shorts and sport socks on men: something we'd like to see more of--even if this ode to debauchery does star Mike Myers in his first dramatic role.

Shorts, $5 at Buffalo Exchange, 1420 SE 37th Ave., 234-1302. Tube socks and body model's own.

Snake Eyes
opens Aug. 7

Bad boy/bad cop Nicolas Cage gets the break of his life on the scene of a high-profile assassination in Brian DiPalma's summer offering. He manages to skirt the FBI's meddling with loud, repellent shirts.

Vintage Hawaiian shirts, $15 and $18 at Magpie, 324 SW 9th Ave.,
 220-0920

The Avengers
opens Aug. 14

Sorry, Uma--Catwoman already popularized painted-on leather. Instead, the sophisticated bowler makes a campy comeback; it's perfect for spying or styling.

Beaver Company bowler, $75 at John Helmer Haberdasher, 969 SW Broadway, 223-4976