May 29th, 2009
This post is earlier than usual because sale fever is ahead of time this year (I attribute that to our tough economic climate). You know the drill, below is a list of must-have items that cuts across all body types, age groups and budgets. It’s a question of finding the right style at the right price, AND, wearing it an appropriate and flattering way that works for you. So no “but”s or “I can’t”s unless you’re vehemently opposed to the aesthetic of the trend. Here we go:
- White bottoms: As the most logical and cost effective Summer bridging piece, white jeans, pants, walk shorts, clamdiggers, skirts or frocks are a no-brainer. If bright optical white is not your thing, try a variation like off-white or cream.
- White items: Think white or cream for tops, jackets, cardigans, camisoles, accessories, footwear, spectacles, sunglasses and watches. It screams “Summer is here”.
- An assortment of cardigans: Tailored V-necks with elbow length sleeves are especially flattering, but unstructured cascading cardigans have their place too. They work well over sleeveless tops, add coverage when needed and are super comfy, versatile, relaxed and practical.
- Day dresses: If you stick to pants and shorts most of the time, challenge yourself to mix it up and wear frocks. It’s the best solution in hot weather.
- Walk shorts and clamdiggers: These are your “go to” Summer jeans or pants.
- Leggings: I’ve tried to encourage adoption of this look and it’s been well received on our forum. I hope you give it a bash.
- Denim jacket: Great in either white, faded or dark denim blue, it’s the perfectly timeless casual cover-up for dress and skirt ensembles.
- Gladiators, or thong sandals: If I can wear this item, anyone can. Gladiators are my edgy preference, but pretty thong sandals are just as fab.
- Metallic shoes: The ideal Summery neutral. Whether it’s wedges, ballet flats or sandals, a metallic ped is flop proof in warm weather.
- Banded tops: Time to give the defined waistline a break and go for something unexpected. The right banded top has worked on all my clients so far. Stretch yourselves if there isn’t one hanging in your closet.
This list is deliberately more daring than last year’s list because it’s good to keep our wardrobes evolving. I’ve left off non-neutral shoes, handbags and accessories, assuming that you already have these covered. Summer is here – let’s get those wardrobes in shape.
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43 Replies
Posted on Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Just last night I wore my white denims with an unstructured *kind-of* cascading cardi and felt very chic in it. Always a great feeling.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 7:33 am
I am a fan of day dresses. So simple and easy. I love having that dressed up feeling. All I have to do is put on a dress, a little dab of lipstick and I am out the door. Denim jackets are nice, but once again Houston doesn’t allow us to indulge. I have a pair of white denim jeans that I get good use out of. Good list, Angie.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 7:44 am
I’m still busy hunting for a not-too expensive white handbag. I had one a few years ago and wore it into the ground, it was so perfect and not expensive. I just can’t see spending a lot on something that requires frequent cleaning and maintenance.Plus once my twin girls get their hands on it, ball game is over…
Just bought a Kenneth Cole white watch last weekend, fabulous fabulous.
It doesn’t help my resolution not to shop in June, but thanks for the list
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Thanks to the Angie & the forum, I am covered for summer – I’m already looking forward to July and the NAS, since fall/winter is our dominant season. I was excited about almost* (*with the exception of bondage boots …) every item on the list of Angie’s fall preview. Bring on the 80s revival!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 7:49 am
I think I’ve already got most of this covered! Except that my white jeans are too tight at the moment but hopefully not for long. I plan to live in dresses anyway, until these extra pounds come off. I would not mind a white pencil skirt, but I think I’m going to try and cool it until the NAS (an item on my fall list is 3-season wool pencil skirts). Banded top? I think I will give up on this one; I have enough voluminous tops as it is. Maybe next year! And I think I would rather invest in accessories than more tops at this time.
The only thing I *might* be tempted to add is a short breezy dress in a color other than black – to go over my new cropped leggings.
Great list!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 7:56 am
P.s. I’ve asked my DH for a white watch for my bday in August.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Cool! I’ve already got the following items from the list in my closet:
* White bottoms
Got a pair of white pants from the Gap. I’ve worn them once so far, and I look forward to wearing them with several other items in my wardrobe. The only negative for me is keeping them clean!
*White items
I have an off-white purse that I use a lot in the summer and I would like to get another one. I find that it is a great neutral and goes with a lot of the brighter colored items in my wardrobe.
* Denim jacket
I love my denim jacket and wear it year round. It’s great in the spring when the mornings are cool with warmer afternoons.
* Gladiators, or thong sandals
* Metallic shoes
Like many others I got the Clarks Brulees in metallic pewter. Thanks Angie for posting about them. They are so comfortable and I know I’ll be wearing them a lot when I travel to India and Singapore this summer.
* Banded tops
I have a couple in my closet, but I would like to add more. I like the look and they are very forgiving with my not so perfect tummy area.
I would love to add more day dresses to my wardrobe, but I’ve been having a tough time finding them. I looked once at the beginning of the season, but I think I need to go on another hunt to see if there is anything knew.
I really like the look of the unstructured cardigan and would like those to my wardrobe as well.
Not sure if I will try leggings this year, but I am open to them and might try them sometime. Also, I’ve never been crazy about walk shorts – at least for me. I prefer the look of a skirt, but again I might give them another try if I see a pair I like.
Thanks for the list Angie! These are great suggestions.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 8:04 am
You mean I have to buy more dresses? oh, darn.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Oh, Angie- this list will not do my bank balance any favours!
I have been thinking lately about trying to find a pair of white jeans. The only problem is I figure I shouldn’t spend too much on them, as I probably wouldn’t wear them as often as my normal jeans. However, I know with white you want the denim and fit to be the absolute best, and for me, that leads right back to premium denim. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, really.
I love day dresses and am trying to stock up on more for this summer. For banded tops, I’ll sub in the gathered-neck trapeze-style ones I’ve been loving lately. And of course, I can now check off gladiators, too!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 8:07 am
I’m up to speed, minus the metallic flats. Woot!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 8:24 am
My wish list — a white denim skirt, a day dress, white watch, and a banded top that feels fab.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I am happy to say that I got everything covered except banded tops, which are definitely not my cup of tea. I could also improve my cardigan collection, it’s a bit modest (only 2 summer cardigans, yikes!) But for the first time in a while, I got everything else ready for the summer. Now my only hope is a nice sunny summer, instead of the wet spring we’ve been having in Virginia.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 8:37 am
I’m pretty well covered except still looking for the right banded tops and day dresses. Both styles this year have the same problems for me…too lowcut and requiring a cami which isn’t great for hot weather and/or those puffy sleeves that aren’t great on a 60+ anyway let alone one with a strong shoulder line. The dresses I find that might work are all in black/white prints, which is fine but how many black/white print dresses does a person need?!
Instead of day dresses I may relie on skirts this summer and keep looking for that banded top.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Awesome list. I have everything but a banded top. I’m not opposed to a banded top by any means, but haven’t found one I liked and found flattering (I often don’t like the sleeves.) I’ll keep looking!
My favorite items that I purchased this season are two (!) cream bags: a cheap one for toting around every day and every where (from H&M) and a chic crossbody one that I use less frequently just so it stays nice and clean but that I love even more (from Fossil.) I don’t know what took me so long to “get” the joys of offwhite and cream, but now I’m there!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Great list – thanks Angie!
My shopping ban “expires” this weekend and it has been a very good experience for me. I actually filled in my time by doing fun activities (visited museum, watched movies at home, went to the gym). I must admit, I even felt more relaxed…….
I did allow myself two small purchases at thrift store – two sweaters – one off white and one elbow length cardi for a total of $5! Fits right in with today’s must have’s.
The only item that I am focused on purchasing now is banded top -I’d like to give it a try.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Super list Angie.
I’d be right on the leggings look, even at the age of 54, if it weren’t so difficult to pair tops with them. I do hope to work it out soon though.
I read a survey years ago asking what is the one thing women wish would never go out of style. You guessed it, leggings.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Dresses are my absolute priority now. They will give me more use out of my leggings and they will be a great option on their own. I have no way to wear a denim jacket for now. Once I have more dresses, it can become an option next year. Having more dresses would open up so many possibilities, but I just find it so hard to find flattering ones since they are all made for very hourglassy figures.
More banded tops would be nice too. I also really want a small white cross-body bag, but I know I’m not going to find a non-leather one easily, so I’m not making it a priority.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Ah, spring and summer dressing — I love breaking out of the darks and heaviness of fall and winter.
My top priority for this summer is white bottoms. I’m still scared of wearing them, but they look so good on everyone I need to give them a shot!
I’m also looking into banded tops. I can’t have too many voluminous tops!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 10:21 am
How would a bottom heavy hourglass pull off white bottoms? I’m serious. I feel like a house even in my dove grey pencil skirt so white seems quite a leap.
Are there things to pair white bottoms with that make them seem less like a LOOK AT MY GIANT A55 sign?
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 10:34 am
GReat list, Angie- I think I am covered!!!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Great list! This reminded me that I need a new denim jacket. I have one but I lost weight and I look hideous wearing it now.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 10:42 am
These are always my fav posts. The best of the best. Thanks!
According to the list, I’m in good shape for casual wear. What are your picks for summer office wear?
Finding suitable cardigans is always a challenge for me. Also, I’ve been looking for sleeveless turtlenecks for 3 seasons now. I’m dieing for these items.
I just bought a beautiful hot pink, orange and white dress and a new lime purse. Love the color this summer!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Really, I *must* have them? Or … what?
I’m afraid I have very little interest in white (except in T-shirts) and positively negative interest in white bottoms. I don’t wear jeans in the summer (and almost never the rest of the time) and could never keep up with the laundry demands of white jeans. And white skirts are see-through, plus, again with the laundry.
I think I will just carry on amassing my collection of colorful skirts, if no one minds!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Well, I’m pleased to know I managed to rebuild my summer wardrobe with pretty much everything on the list! I am still looking for a good white clamdigger or jean, but it’s not essential given everything else I have. I really love my white walking shorts as a suitable replacement.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Great list Angie! This helps me with my shopping list.
White bottoms: Check! I have a white skirt from last year that I love. I would like to have the waist taken in though, as it is a little large there. Though not really a bottom, I also have the cutest white mini dress. And I’m still wishing for some white clams as well.
White items: I have a white button-up, white watch, white purce, cream (glass) pearls, and several white camis. I’m still on the lookout for a white cardi and white summer sandals that make my feet happy.
Assortment of cardis: At the moment I only have one cardigan, and it’s bright yellow. I’m planning to buy several more when I find the right ones though.
Day dresses: I’m definitely covered here. I could wear a day dress for each day of the week and still have one or two left over. But I really do wear them all.
Walk shorts and clamdiggers: At the moment, I have one pair in a light denim wash. I could use a dark pair and a white pair to add to my collection, but finding them proved more difficult than it should be last year. Hopefully this year will be better.
Leggings: I have a pair, I just need to get brave and start wearing them. I actually don’t see a lot of them here in the Midwest.
I’ve got the demin jacket, and love how it goes with most of my day dresses.
I can’t stand thong sandals, but I’m looking for some gladiators with a moderate heel. I did grab a great pair of silver ballet flats this winter and am happy that it’s finally reached the season where I can wear them without freezing my feet.
I haven’t found a banded top I’m in love with, but if I happen to come across one, I’m sure I’d snatch it up.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Day dresses and bermuda shorts are my must have for the summer. I agree with Angie that adding a little white to an outfit does give it that summer feeling. I am waiting for fall to start wearing tunics over leggings( cannot wait to try it out) and jean jackets.It is way too hot down here for these looks.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Dress,skirts and longer shorts are the way I go..You reminded me to use my denim jackets with these…. hmmm ….smart:)
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Thank goodness I discovered this website…definately have alot of shopping to do! I have no fashion sense at all.
A question…is white/cream clothing flattering with pale skin (I don’t tan) and blond hair?!? Have never even considered white clothing as as option thinking I would look too “washed out”.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Okay girls….you’ll have to educate me!
What is a banded top? It’s not a term we use here in Australia.
As for ‘white bottoms’ I can’t get through a summer without my white palazzo’s …wider leg, fall from the hip…ultra flattering for my pear shape and they’ll let the air circulate around for a ‘cooler’ fit.
Gayle…fantastic question. You are not imagining things with white ‘washing you out’. Getting whites right is hard. This is what I’ve learned experimenting for myself. If your skin is pale but you find that you look great in most blues and fabulous is silver (skin has a blue tinge to it) then white is right. If your skin is pale but with a slightly warmer tinge to it (yellow to red) then beige/cream is probably going to be more flattering on you. My skin has a yellow base to it and I break up my whites and make sure that I have warmer tones closer to my face as it doesn’t was me out that way. A gold based necklace or wooden beads in warm naturals does the trick for me.
Let us know how you go!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I almost have the entire list covered with the exception of a denim jacket, which is next on my list…woohoo!! I still want to get a white watch and a couple more clamdiggers, since the heat lasts so long here. This is a great list and has worked well for my summer wardrobe.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Sounds like most of your Summer wardrobes are in super shape. Brilliant.
Like Laura, I’m champing at the bit to see what’s on offer at the NAS sale on 17th July. Our Summers in Seattle are perfectly hot and beautiful, but they are short and it won’t be long before we’re in boots and trench coats again. So my Summer shopping is also complete. But if you live in warm places like Texas, California or Florida, make sure you have enough warm weather clothing to see you through. It gets boring wearing the same stuff over and over again when the weather is the same for long periods of time.
Ele, I hear you. Once you’re used to premium denim, it’s hard to wear anything else.
Mamark, I absolutely encourage lasses to wear white bottoms despite their size. It’s all about the right fit and not the colour. You might be after a white A-line skirt or frock instead of jeans. This post might inspire you:
http://youlookfab.com/2007/05/.....-look-fat/
Joey, must-have office wear depends on the industry and climate, but skirts and frocks with heeled sandals and pumps are a good way to go.
The Other Linda, I’m going to be devil and say, yes, these are must-haves! But I really like the sound of your colourful skirts.
San, lets help you out with tops for those leggings. Post a thread on the forum.
Gayle, I am pale skinned and wear both white and cream well. Perhaps these posts will help:
http://youlookfab.com/2006/04/.....ear-white/
http://youlookfab.com/search-r.....earch#1472
http://youlookfab.com/2006/04/.....ear-white/
http://youlookfab.com/2006/04/.....ear-white/
Anita, nice explanation on how to wear white. A banded top is a voluminous top with a welt on the hem. This post has a few visuals:
http://youlookfab.com/2009/04/.....l-bellies/
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Even though the leggings are not my thing right now, I am appreciating them on others. And HOPE and am WORKING on getting back into my white jeans by mid June. Argh.
I am now on the hunt for a drapey cardigan – that item will outlast any shifts in weight (unlike jeans or a more structured item).
Loving my “madeover” white watch. I had the red band of a square silver tank watch replaced with a textured white strap. Only $10 and now I am wearing it a lot and hadn’t worn that red one for ages.
Love these Angie lists!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Love the must haves! You keep us at the top of our fashion game, Angie.
I am ready to bring back out my one pair of leggings. I have limited tops for it. For me, I like them with tunics and mini dresses.
Joey, Express has mock sleeveless turtlenecks in a variety of colors and in prints.
http://www.express.com/catalog.....goryId=391
Angie, I have a few questions. 1) You mention white and denim blue color jeans jackets. What are your thoughts on other colors? 2) Are yellow sandals in this summer? I am looking for a replacement yellow with 2 to 2.5 inch heels, but haven’t found any I like. They are either flats or way too high.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
That was good thinking swapping out the colour of your watch strap, Chris.
That’s my job, Eva! I like the idea of denim jackets in other colours. Not as versatile, but can be fun. Yellow shoes and sandals are absolutely still in. But unfortunately, our favourite one to two inch heel heights are impossible to find. Such is the nature of footwear fashion at the moment. I’m hoping Autumn will be different.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Angie I’ll be coming back to this post in a few months time when winter is on its way out here. In the meantime I am stalking the Clark Brulees. As for white denim, don’t know if I’ll go there. I have loved seeing it on yourself and others in the forum though!
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Thanks for the list! The hardest one for me will be finding some type of white pants that look good on me, but I’ll keep searching.
Posted on May 30th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Angie and Anita:
I truly appreciate your wonderful advice. A special thank you!
Posted on May 30th, 2009 at 10:31 am
You’re welcome Gayle.
Thanks Ange for the banded top tip. Must start dropping the term here in Australia and see what response I get!!
Posted on June 1st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Great list!!
i have everything except the white bottoms which I think are only for very slim women. What do you think of grey bottoms as a summer neutral instead, Angie?
Posted on June 3rd, 2009 at 5:04 am
Great list. I get the idea of the item but I would have liked to see an example for each and also a bathing suit.
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