We all could use a little style inspiration, right? This month I’m inspiring a few clients, in the form of outfits created uniquely for them – I’m calling it their Summer Style Refresh! I’m creating outfits that work for their specific body types and lifestyles, based around events that typically arise in the summer – barbecues, weddings, etc etc etc. And if they want to buy exactly what they see – I’m providing them with all the links to do just that! If you need a little inspiration, and are interested in a Style Refresh of your own – contact me for details!
I recently worked with Angie, to give her some fun summer outfit ideas. Angie is a working mom, with two young boys and the hectic schedule that goes along with it. She’s also a personal trainer/fitness coach, so when she’s not playing mom, she’s running to and from clients and classes. At 5’3”, Angie is on the petite side – and since she works out a lot, she’s also got great shoulders. So what we focus on is creating outfits that balance her proportions, and that are stylish, yet simple – ideal for a mom-on-the-go.
ANGIE’S DATE NIGHT LOOK
A night out with the hubby is the perfect occasion to add a little sexy into your life – but that doesn’t necessarily mean plunging necklines and skintight dresses. In the summer, show off some leg!
Why did I choose this for Angie? Short(ish) shorts + high heeled wedges = legs for days! This adds length to Angie’s petite frame, and also balances out her broader upper half. Then adding a flattering color in an easy blouse silhouette keeps it from heading into overtly provocative territory.
Faux-wrap blouse by Alice + Olivia. White shorts by J. Crew. Pom-pom wedges by M. Gemi. Earrings by Sarah Briggs. Necklace by Nordstrom.
ANGIE’S MOM-ON-THE-GO LOOK
Everyday running-around leaves little time to think about what you’re wearing, especially for a working mom. So how do you up the style quotient? Take your normal pieces, and elevate!
Why did I choose this look for Angie? It’s her everyday uniform, upgraded. I traded skinny jeans for slim cotton cargo pants, changed her cotton tank to a drapey printed one, and switched simple flip-flops to suede flat sandals. Voila! Mom style, elevated!!!
Printed tank by Sanctuary. Olive cargo pants by Abercrombie & Fitch. Red suede sandals by M. Gemi. Perforated tote by Madewell. Sunglasses by Warby Parker. Rose gold watch by Nixon.
ANGIE’S GIRLS’ LUNCH LOOK
If you’re lucky enough, you get to squeeze lunch with friends into your hectic summer schedule. So take the opportunity to wear lighter colors (that might not be kid-friendly) and throw on a pair of heels.
Why did I choose this look for Angie? Wearing similar tones head-to-toe adds perceived inches to her frame, while the subtle flare at the jeans’ hem balances her worked-out shoulders. And it’s easy to put together – a simple top, jeans and stellar accessories add up to a look that’s subtly sophisticated, yet a bit edgy.
Sweater tank by All Saints. White cropped jeans by Madewell. Taupe heels by M. Gemi. Fringe bag by Hobo. Leather ‘bullet’ necklace by Sarah Briggs.
ANGIE’S SUMMER BARBECUE LOOK
It’s super easy to default to a t-shirt and shorts for a barbecue – but if you don’t wear dresses a lot, why not wear one now?
Why did I choose this look for Angie? A summer dress is the ultimate ‘one and done’ outfit – so there’s minimal stress about what to wear, especially when Angie needs to ensure that her husband and boys look appropriate, too. Then it’s easy to add neutral accessories all in a black and tan color story. And for Angie’s height, a floor-length maxi dress might overwhelm – but a high/low hem ankle–length one is just right…
Printed halter dress by Athleta. Suede sandals by Steve Madden. Straw tote from Yoins. Drop earrings by Stella & Dot. Wrap bracelet by Chloe + Isabel.
ANGIE’S SUMMER WEDDING GUEST LOOK
A wedding invite gives delight to most, and angst to some – the question of what to wear can be daunting. Luckily, summer weddings are usually less formal than their spring/fall/winter counterparts, so you can take a simple dress and jazz it up with a few doses of shine.
Why did I choose this look for Angie? It’s based in a dress that’s appropriate for a summer wedding, but also for a nice dinner with friends – so she doesn’t necessarily have to buy something new. And the accessories are attention-getters, but extremely versatile – she can wear all of them with a fancy cocktail dress, or use them to rev up a tank and jeans on a girls’ night out!
Knit dress by Enza Costa. Gold heels by Via Spiga. Tiled clutch by Sondra Roberts. Necklace by Alexis Bittar. Gold cuff by Karine Sultan.
Are you looking to upgrade your summer style? Then contact me to schedule your own Summer Style Refresh, so I can create unique looks just for you, that you can actually shop! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter, where you can get a monthly dose of style, directly in your inbox.
