It’s August – and even though the calendar says that summer doesn’t end until late September, it does seem like the summer season is winding down. The kids are heading back to school, Labor Day is looming, and you’ve worked your warm weather wardrobe for what may feel like forever. But the truth is that (depending on where you live) warm temps are here to stay for at least another month or so, so you need to figure out how to keep cool, and glide through the end of the season in style. If you’re maxed out on maxi dresses, and the white jeans + solid top combo has seen it’s day (and it’s fair share of spills) – it’s time for a little inspiration to wear what you may already have in a slightly different way.
Check out how to beat the heat and your ‘Summer Wardrobe Fatigue’ at the same time by creating looks that don’t depend on layers to pack a major style punch. Get ready to play with prints, combine colors like never before, and work your accessories!
PLAY WITH PRINTS
What’s the easiest way to use print and pattern to your advantage? Two words – go bold! A bold print can make a standout statement, even if it’s just one piece of your look. How do you choose summer prints? The most warm-weather feeling ones are based in white, and from there it’s your call – classic black and white, attention-getting brights, or something in-between.
Photo credits (clockwise from top left): bestfriendsforfrosting.com, marilynsclosetblog, anthropologie
If you’re already using prints to your advantage, kick it up a notch and combine two or (gasp!) three in one outfit. It’s an amazing way to create something visually stimulating, without adding layers or bulk – AND prints are waaay more forgiving than solids if you want to camouflage anything or if you’re prone to stains (think late summer barbecues).
Photo credits (clockwise from left): evolvingyourimage, stylishwife.com, westcoastcapri.com
COMBINE COLOR
The easiest way to play with colors in the warm weather months is to wear them with white. I do love this look – but if you want to get exponentially more mileage out of the colors in your wardrobe, how about wearing them together??? Pairing unexpected hues expresses your sartorial know-how and your personality at the same time. As a first step – try adding a colored accessory to your already colorful look. Pale blue heels with a peach shift dress, or yellow and blue accessories with red are just the beginning…
Photo credits (from left): findingpaola instagram, jenny.gr, thelocals.dk
Once you’ve mastered adding a pop accessory, you’re ready to wear two colors at once. This isn’t the time to be subtle – strut your stuff in bright on bright, or pair pale tones with saturated shades. Either way, you’ll be expanding your closet possibilities and inspiring everyone you see.
Photo credits (from left): theserenasaga, stilkolik instagram, pinkpeonies.com
STEP UP YOUR SHOES (& BAGS)
Did you know that it’s possible to be supremely fashionable in a super simple outfit? It is – you just need to let your accessories do the heavy lifting for your look. This is the time to grab a simple t-shirt and jeans, and break out that fringed bag, those neon sandals, and the killer heels that have been hiding at the back of your closet, just waiting to see the sun…
Photo credits (clockwise from top left): matchesfashion, thecoveteur instagram, majeofficiel instagram, seewantshop instagram
JUST JEWELS
In the same way that shoes and bags can make (or break) your look, attention-getting jewelry can elevate a blouse and pants into something completely lust-worthy. Choose pieces with a strong presence – leave your delicate chains and barely-there studs at home, and opt for a playful pendant or chunky cuff. And if you only have smaller pieces in your jewelry box – think layers. Tiered necklaces and stacked bracelets make a statement all their own – it’s the ultimate ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’!
Photo credits (clockwise from left): whowhatwear, turquoiseandteale.com, withlovefromkat instagram, neimanmarcus instagram
