Summertime — a time of balmy breezes, blue skies, and freedom — maybe from school at least! Vacations with promises of golden sands, rippling waves, and maybe even a little bit of a suntan await.
Yes, summertime is pretty wonderful; BUT as we all know, picking out an outfit, a modest outfit that is, fit for everyday life during the summertime is anything but wonderful. The ever-present sunshine often provides warmth too generously and thus, all traces of hope for lovely layering in an outfit is gone.
Yet there is hope! For in the midst of all the tank-tops, mini-skirts, and barely-there dresses, one can sometimes find lightweight AND modest clothing.
A few pieces made of silk, chambray, or rayon, some in solid and others in statement patterns, can make a hopeless wardrobe become summertime (heat) ready while still making a fashion statement.
Stripes and leopard: this pattern combination makes the simplest of outfits pop. In this particular outfit, I paired a black-and-white flared midi-skirt from a local boutique (but the style is everywhere right now) with my favorite leopard purse by Fossil and a silk black button-up by Mango to provide a neutral area so the statement items do what they’re meant to do — make a statement.
On this particular occasion, I was headed to a relaxed but nice lunch-date downtown, so my Arturo Chang, heeled sandals were an ideal mix of dressy and comfortable. Also, the sandal leather matched perfectly with my handbag leather, making the outfit more cohesive while still contrasting the neutral tones.
Play with pattern mixing. Try adding floral to your stripes or color-blocking your summer/solid favorites. With a few versatile, lightweight pieces, you’re set for your summertime best.