I love summer.
I think you can do some pretty daring stuff with fashion in summer.
You can mix so many interesting colors and pieces and textures in bold and bright ways in the summer.
My tip is to pick a focal point and build around it.
Here’s a great example I found from Pinterest:
How do you build this? You start with this adorable navy shell that features SNAILS! Seriously – is that completely fun? Then pair it with a bright color for summer – here she selected a skinny yellow cropped pant. Then top it with a nubby cardigan to add texture, but note the contrasting pattern (stripes) are in subdued neutrals so it doesn’t compete with the pop of color. (Not to mention the tone on tone necklace – perfect!). Outfit courtesy of Classy Girls Wear Pearls where she features the stores where she found each piece.
This is a perfect look for casual Friday that feels casual, without the jeans, and still reads sophisticated casual.
The key is to find your focal piece.
It could be any item, but it’s so easy to start with the blouse because it physically is central when you wear it. Here are a few options I found hunting around for cool colors or patterns (or both) last night:
Melon shell with octopus print courtesy of Anthropologie
Capri blue blouse with sailboats courtesy of Target
Burgundy sunglass print button down courtesy of J. Crew
Just remember, if you go bold on the color in your top, then select neutral colors with added texture in your other pieces. But if you chose a more subdued color in your blouse, you can go bold in your pants or skirts. There are so many fun summer colors on bottom now (check out the selection at Talbot’s or Nordstrom just to get a flavor for all the choices out there), that it might be just as tempting to try that route. And don’t match the color of your shoes or handbag to your top or bottom pieces. If you selected the capri blue blouse and paired it with an ivory pencil skirt and cardigan, then you could wear a gray heel and carry a lime clutch. To coordinate a sophisticated look, you can pick an array of colors as long as you stay away from hues that actively clash.
So take some risks this summer. Try something outside of your comfort zone. See if it doesn’t land you a half dozen compliments at your first attempt!
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