Your style evolution in Spring and Summer 2009

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Your style evolution in Spring and Summer 2009

— by Angie

on July 16, 2009

It’s fun and necessary to keep our fashion and style feet moving each season. Kendall Farr puts it well in her new book, “Style Evolution”:

The remixing of silhouettes, retooling of proportions, experimentation with new fabric technology and treatments, new combinations of color, print and texture allow new currents to break through fashion’s surface. This is, of course, why “new” is so much fun – and who wants to stop having fun with clothes at any age?”.

So true. I thoroughly enjoy trying and retrying new trends, remixing existing wardrobe pieces and pushing my fashion envelope. I’d be really bored with my outfits if I didn’t. In some instances the look isn’t completely new, but more of an evolved and often improved version of a look that I’ve sported before. Either way, my style feels refreshed when I dress a little differently each season.

This is how I recharged my look for Spring and Summer 2009:

Strappy sandals: This sounds absurd because strappy sandals are a common Summer wardrobe staple. But for years I haven’t been able to find a pair of sandals that go the distance AND look fabulous. I found three pairs this year and I adore wearing them with skinnies, leggings and dresses.
Frocks, frocks and more frocks: Our atypically beautiful Seattle weather has made me more dress focused than ever. I’m particularly into the unstructured sack dress, layering it over leggings and under cascading cardigans or a denim jacket.
Stirrup leggings and zipper leggings: Controversial, but stirrup and zipper leggings were my hands down favourite looks this season. I feel that I can take on the world in those outfits. I’ve hardly worn my blue jeans and clamdiggers because I’m frock and leggings crazy (but my white bottoms are still in full seasonal swing).
Silk safari jacket: This earthy style in a muted green is a stretch for my style, but I like the change as long as I can wear it with pearls.
Neutral shoes: I’ve hardly worn bright shoes this season after being all over the look for years. My red and yellow heels have come out to play a few times, but that’s it.
Wristlets and day clutches: These were new styles for me to sport during the day and they’ve become my go-to bag this year.
Micro cross-body bag: After years of suffering from aching neck and shoulders as a result of wearing large cross body bags, the small cross body bag is a pain-free revelation.
Bracelet: I found one that I loved and it’s been fun opting for a chunky bracelet instead of a necklace.
Gold hardware: Never thought it would happen, but I’ve started to incorporate the tiniest bit of gold hardware into my clothing and accessory assortment. This is a biggie.
Raiding Hubby’s wardrobe: After successfully incorporating Greg’s T-shirt and webbing belt into recent outfits, I’m excited to scratch around more on his side of the closet to see what else will work.
Wayfarers: I am not in the habit of wearing sunglasses, but I’m trying.

Over to you. How did you refresh and evolve your look this season? Are you liking the changes that you made?

36 comments · Add a comment

Danja

(website)

I think the biggest fashion trend for me this summer was leggings. I am really excited about wearing more leggings for the rest of the summer and in the fall. I also discovered pewter shoes, thanks to you Angie. I re-discovered my jewelry box so accessorizing has been a big deal too. Aside from that, I stayed happily within the confines of my style. The biggest thing for me this spring/summer is that I have finally started exercising again, and all the clothes have been fitting really well because I lost some weight and got toned, and that is what makes me really happy.

July 16, 2009 at 7:29 am

rae

Hrm, good question…
— boots with shorts: I’m trying, anyway. I like the look, but it’s already so hot here.
— the “Navajo” trend: American-Indian-inspired beading, and my “bring back the lobo” wolf tee.
— cut-off denim shorts: I love me my ripped jeans, so this kind of makes sense. Before you cringe, I live in southern California, and I’m 25… I don’t think it looks bad.

July 16, 2009 at 7:35 am

Ana

Because of the heat, I’ve had to figure out how to work more machine washable items into my wardrobe. I’ve got a lot more knit dresses now, which I hadn’t previously. I’ve also found several lightweight pants and crops as alternatives to jeans and clamdiggers, which are just too heavy and restrictive on the hottest days.

This is a timely post, because I’m actually thinking ahead to when school starts. Lately, I’ve felt that my look is almost “too” polished. Before, when my hair was long, ait was often pulled back in kind of a messy casual way, which actually balanced out the polish in my outfits. Now that my hair is short and “put together” everyday, a woven pencil skirt and a silk blouse just seems too formal for school days. I’m trying to figure out how to work some edgy elements in. It’s a balance because I want the overall look to be pulled together, but more casual than I have been, rather than really sharp.

I guess we’ll see what happens.

July 16, 2009 at 7:35 am

shiny

I will get back to you on that Angie, once we have more days of real summer here! This week has been great so far, but prior we were stuck in a chilly, wet rut.

I’m surprised you are incorporating gold hardware into your wardrobe!! It does seem to me that gold is going to be huge this fall. Everything I’m seeing is gold, gold, gold. Makes sense, since we’re in this 80s revival. Look forward to seeing a future post on how you’ve embraced gold.

July 16, 2009 at 7:39 am

Telly

I’m wearing white bottoms, which is huge for me. I have never done that before.

Angie, are you going to comment on Obama’s Mom Jeans debacle?

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/vid......jeans.cnn

July 16, 2009 at 7:47 am

Joy

What a great list, Angie. Have we seen that silk safari jacket yet?
Changes/evolutions for me this season have been:

* Metallic gladiator-inspired strappy wedge sandals. The heel on the pewter KC Cedars is high for me, but I love the look with everything. I also added a very comfortable pair of gold Aerosoles with a bit lower heel. My flats are not worn as much.

* Light weight cardies. I prefer the look of a jacket but these are easier to pop into a bag for air conditioning. I picked up one cascading with pencil sleeves and want more like it.

* Print knee-length skirt in multicolors that’s fuller and “flirty”. Very summer.

* Coral lipstick. Haven’t worn color for years.

* Flower broaches, long strand of pearls, casual necklace on leather string, bangle bracelets. I’m wearing earrings less often.

* Voluminous tops. (I wish they were sack dresses.) I’m still not sure about this look for me and need to post photos on the Forum for your opinion.

I’m still looking for the perfect sack dress and cargo knee-length capries.

July 16, 2009 at 7:50 am

gina

I’m wearing more skirts and dresses this summer, mainly as a result of my new-ish job. The last few summers, I worked at a firm where I had to wear a business suit everyday. Now, my work dress code is not as restricted, so I’m adding in a variety of skirts and dresses and cardigans in lieu of jackets.

I’m also incorporating more brightly colored shoes that “go with” but don’t necessarily “match” my outfit. That would be the influence of the multiple style blogs I’ve started following over the last few months.

July 16, 2009 at 7:52 am

Chris

The biggest evolution for me is wearing a smart casual wardrobe 80% of time instead of business formal. Huge difference in my lifestyle and fahsion style.

Shoes: love my new Me Too taupe brown glads. I even wore with a denim skirt.
Also been sporting my red Me Too Nadias with a variety of outfits and embracing complementary/contrasting colors. Flats have cecome my staple.

Denim: brought back to rotation a fave pair of old classic Levis in light-mid wash. Perfect shade for summer when a dark wash feels too “black”.

Banded bottom tops: love this! Gives an apple the needed structure and hides some spots perfectly. I have picked up three tanks and realized I had a few beloved knits that fit the category in the closet.

I love the seasonal recaps Angie – it helps me stay focesued

July 16, 2009 at 8:02 am

Patience

Really great question!

neutral shoes- I found a pair of yellow sandals to replace my old ones and have hardly worn them
dresses and skirts- particularly voluminous dresses and pencil skirts
more knits- this is probably more out of necessity due to a growing belly but last year I stuck with woven tops
wider belts- I’ve really been attracted more and more to wider belts
neutral bags- for some reason my colored bags have been more often on the shelf this summer
color palette composed of two neutrals and a bright- for some reason I don’t feel inclined to wear more than one bright at a time right now
more brown tones- I’m just getting into this but when I first started following YLF I think I also started eliminating brown from my wardrobe. Now I’m starting to bring it back in shoes and a leather moto vest

July 16, 2009 at 8:16 am

Lena

Definitely leggings. It’s been a pretty chilly summer over here, except for few blazing hot days. When it’s cool, I wear long or cropped leggings (didn’t wear skinnies at all this summer) or white jeans. When it’s hot, it’s skirts and dresses all the way.

I’m also wearing my dark denim jacket a lot because I need an extra layer for a/c (unfortunately it’s a bit too long). Last year I wore more cardigans.

And I’m loving my pewter Brulees (thanks Angie!). It’s the first metallic shoe I really like.

July 16, 2009 at 8:27 am

LisaP

“Statement” necklaces. In the beginning of spring, I bought a silver-and-turquoise one and a gold-with-mother-of-pear-accents one and have been wearing them frequently with last year’s outfits.

July 16, 2009 at 8:30 am

Tanya

This summer I haven’t been very style-conscious due to all the changes in my life right now and a big weight loss. Still, there are a few new things I tried:

1. Leggings – worn under shorter dresses, great solution for when your pants are too big for you
2. Voluminous tops – more forgiving about the exact fit than fitted ones
3. Woven tops – got a few earlier in the season and have been enjoying them tremendously
4. Huge wraparound designer sunglasses – might first serious accessory splurge, and it had been worth every penny, since I wear them all the time when outside

July 16, 2009 at 8:31 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow ladies. I’m impressed. I feel the need to respond to each one of you:

Danja, that’s amazing! A new body is a style evolution in itself. Love that a dancer such as yourself embraced leggings in every day wear.

Rae, I hope we see some of these looks on the forum.

Ana, this is interesting. Knit dresses are about as casual, yet polished as it gets (think back to my Tel Aviv post). I can help brainstorm with you if you like. Also, wearing flats instead of heels will help. Lets post our thoughts on the forum.

Oh no, Shiny! Looks like Boston ended up with Seattle weather. Hope it’s nice soon. Also, I haven’t worn gold since I was 9 years old, but it has been fashionable for about 8 years. It’s just not my metal of preference and I am NOT a fan of mixing metals. At all. But after posting my global HK challenge and hauling out the gold accessories, I felt inspired and sentimental about my late Mum who only ever wore gold. I think turning 40 soon has something to do with that too. I even bought a piece of knitwear at the NAS with delicate gold buttons and it’s actually my favourite piece.

Telly, fabulous! I’m proud of you.

Joy, an amazing list! I bet coral lipstick looks wonderful on you. Don’t forget your incredible leggings evolution.

Gina, dresses hold a special place in my heart. I’m glad you’re incorporating them into your wardrobe.

Chris, fantastic! Love the sound of day to day smart casual dressing AND the rebirth of banded tops.

Patience, I’m digging the earthy side that’s coming through in your style. It’s because of the curly hair and pregnancy. I’m convinced.

Lena, another leggings and white jeans convert. Excellent!

July 16, 2009 at 8:31 am

Melody

I’m pretty locked into my personal style, so my evolution is slight with tweaks here and there. In the summer, I always wear nice dresses & skirts instead of suits to work.

– Have been adding belts to dresses, or substituting for belts that came with the dresses
– Added several casual knit dresses to wear on Friday’s to work instead of jeans and to wear out to casual events instead of shorts.
– My go-to shoes this summer are my nude/tan peeptoe pumps, they look fabulous with my colorful summer dresses!
– Added white pants this year (& have been careful to keep away from the kiddies when wearing them!)

July 16, 2009 at 8:34 am

KristenKP

I’ve had a ball trying new silhouettes this spring for my new size! But a lot of the changes have also been in accessories and colors.

-Dresses. I am a total convert, and want my ratio of dresses to other outfits to be 60:40 for all seasons!
-Platform heels. I am crazy about pain-free heels, and having found ones with platforms that are still comfortable has been a revelation.
-Boyfriend sweaters. Love the drape and look of them — they can be dressed up or down!
-White jeans. Finally!
-Denim pencil skirt. A new addition to my closet, but since like Shiny we’ve barely had summer yet I am sure it will soon get a workout…through all the seasons.
-Cross-body bag. What did I ever do without it?
-Gold necklaces. I just picked up two, and have already worn them a bunch of times this week.
-Sunglasses. I had one pair for a few years which finally fell apart, so I picked up a couple of different sizes at ATL this spring. So much fun to swap them in and out!

July 16, 2009 at 8:45 am

Cricket

New for me this summer —
–clamdiggers in white and dark denim
–white jeans
— tops with a smarter style and better knit (not t-shirts this year!)
–two new day dresses
–chunky necklaces
–brand new as of yesterday … some nude ballet flats

July 16, 2009 at 9:05 am

Lannie

New for me this summer:
– bright pink cross-body bag: I’ve wanted one of these for a while but they were usually more earthy-crunchy looking and not suitable for my style; one in a more modern style in a bright colour was a great find!
– French braids: hair is always a key “accessory” for me- I’m loving French braids for keeping my hair off my face and smoothly blending in my grown-out bangs.
Freshened up from last summer:
– I’m still loving my sundresses, and bought a few more this season. I’m trying to find ways to wear my sundresses more often by dressing them down with a tank top underneath (which also gives me more coverage with my thin-strapped, skimpier dresses), wearing them belted with cardigans on cooler days, or wearing a waist belt on plainer styles to give them a bit more oomph. In fact, I was inspired by your use of Greg’s webbing belt over a dress, Angie- I have a similar style and am trying to work it in with my own dresses!

July 16, 2009 at 9:54 am

Meream

(website)

This year, I started wearing more heels. I’ve also been drawn to more 50’s vintage things.

July 16, 2009 at 10:03 am

Palm Fronds

Interestingly the big change for me was sticking to what I have discovered to be MY style.In the past I sent alot of the summer going through time and money trying out trends because they looked fun but out getting either the wear or money’s worth when they turned out to feel like costumes. So it has been smart casual, polish and Audrey-esque style all the and I have been so happy
but there have been two major things this summer that added to style evolution :
–trying leggings, which actually started in the winter but lasted through and continues.I have not bitten the bullet with the more trendy versions like the zipper or stirrups yet though…
–two days ago I lopped off my shoulder length bob for a pixie, which is the way I have felt best through the years and is now saving me from insanity in 90 degree heat. I feel FAB FAB FAB!

July 16, 2009 at 10:09 am

Ana

Angie, knit dresses are casual, and I have enjoyed wearing them. I was thinking more ahead to when the weather cools a bit and I can start layering and wearing a broader range of clothing and footwear. I’m not sure I have any questions at this point, I’m just brainstorming. But I could still make a post on the forum if you’d like. It’s mostly about playing with colors, silhouettes, and accessories/footwear. I guess I’m looking to add more of an avant garde/urban edge, rather than the ultra polished style I have been sporting. Does that make sense?

July 16, 2009 at 10:10 am

Antje

Veteran

My new looks this summer are:

– volume: I have one semi-voluminous top and an unstructured dress (though I wear it with a belt to reign in the volume)
– cream and offwhite: I got two cream bags, a lace top, and a cream/black necklace and wear all of these items a LOT. I always thought cream wasn’t a good color for me (though I might had it confused with beige) and that it was boring. I think I was wrong on both accounts!

I also wear a lot of leggings with dresses, though I started doing that a little bit last year already. But I’ve definitely worn more dresses this summer than ever before, with leggings and without.

July 16, 2009 at 10:48 am

mamark

I’ve worn more color this year. My look last summer was blacks and whites (mostly blacks) worn with pops of color in accessories (shoes, bracelets or handbags.)

This year I’m wearing neural skirts with colorful cardigans or tops, because I so dig what Michelle Obama has been wearing. I’m more into straight or pencil skirts this year as opposed to my a-line skirts of years past. And I don’t think I’ve worn a floral print once this summer. I’m just not feeling them.

July 16, 2009 at 11:13 am

mamark

uh, that’s neutral skirts, not neural skirts. (I wonder what neural skirts are. Maybe I need one.)

July 16, 2009 at 11:15 am

Maya

-Volume, volume, and more volume. I have always had some voluminous pieces in my wardrobe but not many because most fashion “experts” tend to think of it as a novelty and not a default option. When I used to try all of those waist-defining trends, my self esteem just plummeted because they always looked so bad on me. But now finally there is a waist-HIDING trend that really works with my personal style. I feel so much better now!

-Sandals. I never wore them before and now they are a welcome relief for my miserable feet.

-Short shorts (once I get them in the right length).

-New accessories: Flower pin, bracelet, and ring.

-Stirrup leggings, my hands down favorite new look. I’d wear it every day if I could.

-I haven’t done this yet but will when I have my next hair appointment: I will be sporting my bangs differently.

-Wovens. I have more woven tops in my closet than ever before in my life. They are very hard to find so I don’t think I could call myself a blousey girl, but it is definitely new for me (Tanya should get a shoutout since she was the donor of several woven items).

July 16, 2009 at 11:21 am

Vani

Everything new I have tried this summer has been post YLF. I wasn’t a total bore before, but this list will clarify
1. Skirts – Denim and black only so far, though
2. Dresses – I discovered the pleasure and comfort of dresses esp while traveling
3. Non-black/brown shoes
4. PPL clams – The difference is amazing
5. SCARVES! I LOVE incorporating scarves in my outfits
6. I re-discovered my love for funky jewelry. I’m thoroughly enjoying the recent trend of wearing mismatched long necklaces. And post YLF I actually bought a few colorful necklaces.
7. Leggings – I love the comfort and security of leggings under skirts and dresses
8. I no longer buy belts for the sole purpose of holding my pants up
9. White denim!

July 16, 2009 at 11:28 am

Sal

(website)

I finally caved on the gladiator trend, and am digging the look. Also have been going blazer-crazy – which I never thought would happen! Fitted blazers with sheath dresses and funky shoes – my favorite go-to look this spring and summer.

July 16, 2009 at 11:32 am

Marianna

Jeans have always been a staple in my wardrobe (all seasons) and this season I decided to push my comfort level and get some cute walk shorts. I LOVE them! I wear my walk shorts more than I wear any denim bottom and that is a miracle for me. I feel really chic, modern and put together in a nice walk short paired with a metallic sandal and cute top.

July 16, 2009 at 11:42 am

Nonie

Angie..
I am regular follower of your blog but I almost never leave comments or post on forum, I guess I should start doing that.

I see statement necklaces are everywhere, can you maybe address that. How easy/difficult it is to incorporate statement necklaces in our wardrobe if our style is pretty casual (but yet put together).

July 16, 2009 at 11:49 am

K Lauren

Finally a break in the action – we’re doing “The Producers” on one stage next month and “The Bad Seed” on another in two weeks! Lot’s of costumes, never enough time!
I’ve gotten that book by Kendall Farr – really interesting to me. Thinking about what I say about myself with what I wear.
New this summer – pewter and silver metallics as a neutral. Dove gray as a neutral for me. Got a dove gray JJill jacket and have been wearing it to death. Especially great worn with pewter or silver metallic shoes – have some flats and two different sandal types – also getting worn alot.
Statement specs – Chanel black with silver & pearls (real ones!) – go with everything and make me feel super cool
Leggings – not just for dance/exercise – and not flash dance style (on me – ooh scary!) I’m with Vani – like the comfort and security under skirts and dresses – love my gray ones with matching dress and a bright shrug sweater – comfortable and easy.
In my line of work, I get sick of pants everyday, so leggings offer some modesty under skirts/dresses when I’m bending and sitting or on a ladder.
Thanks Telly – the Obama “jeans” thing gave me a real chuckle!

July 16, 2009 at 11:55 am

san

First, thanks Telly for the laugh this morning with the video.

Angie, you know how to keep things shaken up with the ever evolving style. I need to remember to keep mixing and changing things up.
My changes have been too numerous to mention them all, and they have been documented on the forum. I’m having fun and just need to remember to not let it get static.
One thing I am happy to think about is neutral shoes. I am not the “pop of color” type so much. I’m very happy to know that it’s OK to not do that.

July 16, 2009 at 11:55 am

Loulou

My new summer looks are:
Leggings and stirrup tights
Skirts
Dresses
I’m loving these new looks

July 16, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Taylor

(website)

Something really different for me was volume. A few dresses that weren’t fitted. I still have to fight myself to NOT put a belt with them. But they are fun and I love to wear them.

Yellow gold has been my staple forever and only in the last couple of years have I added white gold or stearling, so I will be happy to do more yellow gold again.:)

I am working on the leggings thing….A trend I wore to death in the 80’s and early 90’s. I am a little nervous at my age…trying to do it *just right*

July 16, 2009 at 12:10 pm

Sabrina

Leggings, all the way. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I wore a pair of jeans. They are perfect for air travel!
Summer boots- not as hot as you’d think, and allow you to bare upper leg without showing it all
summer cardis (instead of jackets)
voluminous styles without a belt (I think they definitely flatter a range of sizes, especially to a flat chested, boyish body like mine)
summer scarves
(helps that NYC has been quite mild this summer)

July 16, 2009 at 1:50 pm

Kari

Oh, there are so many (partly because I became active on the forum right before spring, so got a LOT of help.) Here are the main highlights.

*Flesh colored shoes: I’ve worn them, but not quite so often. Part of this is because…
*I’m wearing skirts and dresses more often than pants (especially as the weather is warm – this will probably change quite a bit in the fall & winter.)
*Leggings: Never thought I could pull them off! Again, something that’s easier now that I’m wearing dresses so often.
*Moto jackets: I am not a biker girl, but I like bringing an edge to otherwise girly pieces
*Metallic details like snaps or rivets or zippers: see above!
*Gladiator-style sandals (mine are the pretty/delicate variety, but still – not a style I thought I’d try and like!)
*Color and pattern mixing: SO much more than what I did in the past!
*Lots of green: I’m not sure I’d say that it’s a signature color, but it’s one of my best colors and I wore a LOT more of it, especially during spring.

A more deliberate focus on accessories:
*Bright, colorful handbags (I still use the same bag for months on end except for special occasions, but having a daily bag in a gorgeous shade gives me a lift.)
*Brooches and pins (not too many so far, but I enjoy them)
*Hats: particularly my straw sun hat, but I also picked up a couple of knit hats for fall
*Wearing glasses more often than contacts: part of this is practical, since contacts have a limited lifespan and I want to save $$, and when my allergies act up contacts irritate my eyes
*Silk scarves: I used to only wear thick scarves in winter but never wore lightweight scarves in summer, and now I LOVE them.
*Adding the occasional skinny belt

July 16, 2009 at 3:27 pm

Laura

Last summer I was wearing the dreaded capri-length cargos with pockets in all the wrong places, plus t-shirts and chunky sandals — this summer is a 180-degree turn for me. Dresses with leggings, clams with voluminous tops, ballet flats and strappy sandals … these are my new staples.

I am more excited about the changes I’m making for fall, since that’s our dominant season (and since summer is halfway over and it’s been so cool here that it seems it’s barely gotten started). Sack dresses, leggings, ankle boots, moto vest and jacket, military jackets … I am trying to bring a urban edge to my look, much like Ana.

Angie, I am *very* interested in trying to incorporate gold, too. For fall I am imagining a red jumper-type dress, layered over a black turtleneck & leggings, and gold accessories … hmmmmm …

July 16, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Robyn

My season updates have been autumn-winter based (living in Tasmania, Australia) but thanks to YLF and Angie I’ve been thinking about it too:
* Shorter (knee-length instead of below-calf) skirts, with just a little gap above boots
* Adapting to middle-aged spread at middle (alas I’ve lost my lovely waist) by layering
* Adapting two little-worn black cocktail dresses as tunics to wear over trousers (cunningly concealing thighs)
* Deciding not to give away brown shoes and cardie but to treat them as neutrals and wear with black top and bottom
* Taking up the denim jacket and teaming it with a big boho-style scarf – you have no idea how un-bo-ho I am normally but it looks a treat, I think, with both pants and skirts
* Adopting a new hairstyle
And following your posts, I’m looking forward to acquiring some knit dresses and perhaps a sheath for spring/summer. Zippy leggings, way to go!

July 16, 2009 at 7:56 pm

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