Your Style Evolution in Spring and Summer 2010

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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 2010

— by Angie

on September 20, 2010

I enjoy trying and retrying new trends, remixing existing wardrobe pieces and pushing my fashion envelope. That way I don’t get bored of my outfits. 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 2010:

Bracelet: My new chunky pearl bracelet means leaving off the chunky pearl necklace. Having never worn bracelets, this is a big change for me.
Messy scarf: I love wearing messy scarf looks with my one and only bracelet. No necklace required.
Flat loafers: These androgynous darlings put a new edgy and arty spin on my outfits.
Harem pants: One of my favourite looks of the season, worn both in dressy and more casual ways.
Faded denim: Giving my dark denim jacket a break in favour of the new faded one has been more refreshing than I imagined. My faded denim shirt has been fabulous too.
Jodhpur jeans: Just thinking about these crazy jeans makes me smile. So different and a fab low rise surprise.
Button down tunic shirts: As a shirt gal at heart, button down tunic shirts in both black and white are another Spring and Summer wardrobe workhorse worn in casual and smart casual ensembles, all the way to business casual and semi formal outfits.
Nude shoes: It took me a while to get my head around this colour, but as long as the nude leather is textured, I’m thrilled to sport the look. My nude Fidjis and Summer slouch boots get loads of wear.
Structured handbag: My one and only structured handbag courtesy of my London family is a pleasure to wear. Instant retro Madmen 50’s fun.

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

34 comments · Add a comment

Kyle

Veteran

Hmmm. Interesting post, Angie. I have been trying some new things as well. The military trend is one, and I’ll be wearing more of those items as weather permits. Have also tried the tunic and leggings look. I enjoy the look of cropped, straight leg pants from time to time. Of course the denim vest we’ve seen worn so successfully here on YLF has become a favorite. My next challenge is booties and a dress or skirt. I’m flirting with that look today, and the jury is out on whether I’ve gone too far afield. I try not to obsess about age, but it is definitely a factor to consider when trying new things, especially edgier or trendier looks, which I do enjoy.

September 20, 2010 at 7:47 am

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I managed to put together a summer dress capsule of all solid colored woven dresses- that was new for me. I’m having a lot more fun in transitional weather, and putting more thought into it in my wardrobe. I’m learning that I can layer and do different combo’s even when it’s warm.

September 20, 2010 at 7:49 am

Debbie

Veteran

My spring summer wardrobe is the the best I’ve ever had. Thanks to working with you and then getting advice or the forum when I added new pieces. Dresses have been a big thing for me this summer. I have loved them.

September 20, 2010 at 7:51 am

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I was never averse to dresses, but this summer I embraced them more fully than ever before. I also feel I finally got the hang of summer leggings, though I only had one top that could work with them.
The messy scarf look has been a huge change for me (though it came into effect much later in the season). I think it will be a real staple throughout fall and winter. I’m wearing it right now, in fact.
Smaller bags have also been a bit of an eye-opener. I fell in love with my smaller, pewter bag and wore it with just about everything. So much easier on my shoulder and so cute with every outfit!

September 20, 2010 at 8:06 am

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Also: I want so badly to get fully on board with tunics, but finding them in the right length for me is a nightmare. Also very eager to find the right pair of loafers (metallic or black-and-white animal print with a very small heel).

September 20, 2010 at 8:08 am

mary b

Being a non-working girl my outfits are pretty casual.
My biggest change this past summer was to try and wear skirts instead of shorts when in a casual setting. This was a refreshing change when out and about with my boys and going to their baseball games. I felt so much more put together.
Also for really casual wear I ditched the basic athletic shoes and wore Privos instead.
Also I tried harder with accessorizing all my outfits.

September 20, 2010 at 8:15 am

Marlene

This summer I will look back on as The Summer of the Black Gladiator Sandal. I wore them with dresses, tunics/leggings, bermudas, straight cropped pants. Up until now, my shoe choices have been quite conservative but between these beloved sandals and my fidji pumps, I feel like I have sassy feet.

September 20, 2010 at 8:19 am

Maya

Veteran

I feel crippled in summer. I can’t really try anything new because the infernal heat makes it impossible, and clothes are more casual and revealing than ever, which couldn’t be more off-putting and inappropriate for me. This summer was the worst in recent memory because the heat was unbearable, usually in the upper 90’s and breaking 100 for several weeks. On top of that the trending colors were awful, so I couldn’t even have fun with color. Short shorts would have been fun but where would I wear them? When I wasn’t at work, where short shorts are inappropriate, I was indoors as much as possible to stay out of the heat.

Thus I strived for basic practicality and decency and nothing more. I wore the same dress-sandals-necklace uniform almost all summer. A few days I would add leggings, or wear jeans, a tank, and sleeveless cardigan just to change things up, but it wasn’t comfortable enough to do on a regular basis. Eventually I changed my hair and started wearing earrings, just for the sake of doing something new. Really, there is nothing earth shattering because summer clothing is just inherently dull and one note unless you live in a climate where things like messy scarves, closed shoes, and layering are acceptable. It was nice to embrace dresses and sandals, but I’m really tired of them at this point…or at least tired of being forced to wear them the same way every day.

With fall collections in full swing I have really gone wild buying up new loot for my favorite season(s). I’m clawing at the walls for summer to die so I can start wearing my new treasures.

September 20, 2010 at 8:20 am

Sihaya

Veteran

For me it’s been dresses, some scarves, and booties. I wear booties with dresses, skirts, and pants and love the look.

September 20, 2010 at 8:21 am

Lisette

(website)

Active Member

This summer has been something of a retrenching since there have been so many changes in my body both good (smaller waist and hips! WhooHoo!) and bad (feet so fussy as to eliminate all but the softest sandals and the frumpiest clogs) Since I sew I am in the process of planning what to sew next and I want to take my look up a notch, so more luxe fabrics, more time consuming details but not necessarily lots of embellishment and frou-frou. My body is still “under construction” and I expect that the Hooping and weight lifting will change things up a lot more before I am done. For right now there is a lot of “customized” Eileen Fisher stretch crepe pieces and sweater knits. Actually I am looking into getting a knitting machine which is truly terrifying!

September 20, 2010 at 8:30 am

sinead

Active Member

My big summer change was wearing dresses and skirts. I can’t believe I got out of the habit of wearing these (some point in Momland) but I so enjoyed the easy breeziness of summer dresses and skirts that I am still keeping my eye out for more to add to the collection. My goal this winter: wearing my boots with skirts. Such a wild one I am!

September 20, 2010 at 8:45 am

Beth

Veteran

Easily, the biggest evolution for me has been dresses. Not only wearing far more of them, but moving away from the structured sheath silhouettes I’ve worn for years (and not all that successfully…sheaths are a challenge with my short waist) to wrap-style and knot-front dresses in jersey. Not only are these dresses more flattering on me, they’re also much more comfortable.

As for summer, it’s been too miserable and hot. Our city had the hottest summer in 110 years and I’m sad to say style took a back seat. Not to mention, my budget went to the AC bills and not to clothes:( I did find myself wearing more and different jewelry to add interest without adding a layer of clothing. Bring on autumn!

September 20, 2010 at 8:46 am

Carole

Veteran

Looking back now, the items that really helped me out spring and summer were my skinnies, Born Lovely yellow flats, Turqoise bag, and my Turqoise glass beads. Doesn’t sound like much, but I’m a slow learner! Anxious to build my wardrobe for Autumn and looking forward to the “must have” list.

September 20, 2010 at 8:47 am

Veteran

Changes I made this spring and summer:

Natural colored footwear played a big role in my outfits.

I have enjoyed the ease of a the messy scarf look with a tank or tee.

Dresses and skirts have come out to play more than shorts or jeans. THAT is a major style change for me.

However, the highlight was reading all those YLF curly hair posts and learning how to style my curls. Finally my curls and I live in peaceful harmony!

Thanks Angie and all you fabulous forum members for teaching and inspiring me to try new things!

September 20, 2010 at 8:51 am

Joy

Veteran

My Hinge vest and sleeveless black jacket were fun to wear as layers to update sleeveless tops during our hot humid summer. (It’s still that way this week).
My newest shoes have a low heel or wedge rather than being flats, a different summer look for me. Another new-to-me look is a sack dress. So breezy.
I’m looking forward to being able to wear jackets, long pants and jeans comfortably again.

September 20, 2010 at 9:02 am

Antje

Veteran

Oh that’s a fun post and thread. Trying to think about new things I tried and embraced, I realize that I actually shopped very little in spring and summer this year. Somehow I wasn’t very inspired by most of the trends out there, and I also tried to save some money. So I really can’t list a whole lot of new styles I tried/embraced. I did wear a ton of dresses this summer, probably more than ever in my life, and that felt really good. I also wore more white bottoms than ever, including my white skinny jeans that loved.

Now please please ask us about late summer/early fall styles, and I have much more to rave about (from slim cargo pants to short jackets)

September 20, 2010 at 9:03 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I got a little more boho this summer – loved my Hinge denim vest and my nude-colored, cork wedge Clarks Plover sandals. I kept up my clamdigger and tunic top look and dresses ruled, as always. Since the weather has cooled down, I’ve been wearing jeans daily, just happy to be able to enjoy them after a long, hot summer.

I agree about the button-down woven tunic trend being great. That was one I really enjoyed, especially my cream silk Kenneth Cole tunic – perfect for evenings out.

September 20, 2010 at 9:21 am

Lisa

Veteran

My style changed a lot this past spring/summer. I switched up:

Dresses: My weekend uniform of shorts and a t shirt, also started incorporating dresses, which I surprisingly found much more comfortable and less restrictive than my previous uniform of shorts and t shirt on weekends. I also started wearing dresses to work, which was a big change from everyday wearing trousers or jeans only.

Jeans: I added premium denim, skinnies, and leans to wear under dresses in a/c. Previously I would only purchase bootcut jeans and laugh at premium denim prices, now I want to purchase more of them.

Blazers: I previously would only wear a blazer when wearing a suit, now they are worn as often if not more than my cardigans with trousers and jeans. I feel much more pulled together in a blazer than my cardigans.

Scarves: I’ve always loved the look of a scarf, but rarely worn one that wasn’t with a winter coat for warmth. Now it’s my favorite look even when just wearing a t-shirt.

Button down tunic shirts: Had to add these to wear with my new leans.

BF cardigans and blazers: A new silhouette I had not tried previously.

Denim on denim: A combination I’ve tried and now wear often. So fun!

Bermuda Shorts: I purchased one pair to try for work, and now prefer these over skirts. The same leg exposure but less leg crossing to worry about. And getting out of a car is a no brainer in these.

White jeans: I went crazy trying to find the perfect pair (tried on at least 10 different brands/styles) but the effort paid off, my one pair were worn at least once a week for the past 3 months.

Can’t wait to see what new things to try out for fall.

September 20, 2010 at 9:23 am

klauren

Active Member

This has been the worst fashion time, by far, for me. What with a move to the San Jose Bay area (read: sweltering hot) from the Monterey Bay Area (read: cool and comfortable), I’ve found my fashion sense turning into how can I survive this heat without going naked? Dresses, floaty tops with linen pants have at least kept me from getting arrested for indecent exposure, but I cannot say they are in any way fashion worthy. It’s been a huge learning curve. I can only hope I get acclimated to this weather or it gets significantly cooler here during the fall and winter.

September 20, 2010 at 9:34 am

marianna

Veteran

Dresses. I moved to a insanely hot climate and dresses are the only logical and stylish outfit choice. I actually enjoyed my summer uniform of pretty dress and fun sandals (occasionally with leggings). VERY different for me, as in the past I would wear jeans all summer (all year, really). I haven’t worn jeans in months.

Also, bermuda shorts. I bought the KUT denim bermuda shorts early in the season and wore them to death. I recently duplicated and tossed the older ones. I love them. They are the perfect length, perfect color, so comfortable, and so easy to dress up or down. I almost exclusively wore these for the 6 weeks my mom was in the hospital.

September 20, 2010 at 9:35 am

Kyrania

Active Member

I went crazy buying jeans, scarves and dresses that were NOT black….I wore a few things but most of it sat on the shelf or in the closet. I WILL get outta that comfort zone…all in good time! ^__~

I REALLY enjoy reading your blog and the forum….it has my head spinning at times. I think I got so used to the Einstein way of dressing…a couple of black and white pieces that are interchangeable.

I am SO having FUN just trying and buying! It’s so funny, my husband always does a heavy cartoon like sigh rolling his eyes to the heavens and slumping over in defeat when i tell him I’m “goin’out” with the girls….I tell him he has it good because I don’t purchase many Designer pieces…that will change though! ^__~

He’s NOT that bad…it’s all in fun as he knows we BOTH contribute to the household!

Thanks Angie! ^__^

September 20, 2010 at 10:06 am

Barbara

Veteran

Angie, this has been a great summer for me – so far. It’s still 90 degrees here, so I can still hone my summer style to a razor’s edge! I have embraced surrendering my waistline, which was somewhat difficult for me because I’m a princess-seaming, fitted and tailored kind of gal. The messy scarf is fabulous and I will be wearing more scarves as the nip in the air arrives. Like you, I LOVE button-front tunics and have found two beautiful, fitted linen tunics which I have been wearing with skinny jeans and funky bead jewelry. I am REALLY trying to love dresses, but this is hard for me because I don’t feel like myself when wearing one. I did find a fierce Banana Republic knee-length, fitted, dark denim dress at a consignment shop and plan to wear it belted with tights and my beloved purple Nine West Synge boots. As always, thank you Angie, for the fabulous fashion inspiration you consistently supply in abundance.

September 20, 2010 at 10:22 am

lady

Active Member

For me, Spring and Summer was about truly embracing color mixing and the addition of necklaces to my everyday accessories.

I was not afraid of color but was very elementary in which hues i mixed. i have created many looks that I’ve been proud of by pulling up a colorwheel and putting time into jotting down color combos and looking for items that fell within the combo and WEARING them.

I also bought an adorable pair of black pointy toe flats with flowers on the toe that i’ve worn more times than not. since they were black i’m sooo glad I went with an interesting detail instead of a boring basic shoe. when i’m able to invest in shoes again i will definitely seek interesting details over bland basics.

September 20, 2010 at 10:24 am

Kate

Veteran

mine were:

– bracelet – I wear a hammered silver band everyday now. I love it!

– “real” sandals – in 2009 the entirety of my sandals were flip flops and gear! I’ve worn my Sofft Rori sandals into the ground, and I love them.

– skirts and dresses and bermuda shorts – I used to wear shorts (3″-5″ inseam) and capris during the summer. I switched entirely to walking shorts, dresses, and skirts, and I’m so happy with the change.

September 20, 2010 at 10:29 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

I think the one thing I embraced was A-shirts. Other than that, there wasn’t too much change, because military/utility has always been a style I’ve loved. It’s been more about loading up than evolving for me.

September 20, 2010 at 10:36 am

taylor

Veteran

I got alot of new accessories and a couple new handbags. I also bought some peep toe booties that I have gotten a ton of wear from…they are super cute.

September 20, 2010 at 12:04 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow! So fun to read!

Lisa, your style has turned 180 degrees and you look fabulous

September 20, 2010 at 12:20 pm

Queen Mum

Veteran

hmm, other than the concept of wearing stuff that fits and flatters I’d say my biggest style evolution was wearing dresses a majority of the time. I can’t say I’m 100% in love with my entire dress collection, but I did enjoy adding several dresses to my wardrobe this summer and learned what works and what didn’t work as well.

September 20, 2010 at 12:25 pm

shana

Veteran

I was able to partake in some of these this spring/summer:

1. Messy scarf – I did this all spring and lots in the summer too! I was so inspired by all the fab looks in Europe that featured the messy scarf last summer so I stocked up on scarves & wore one except on the hottest days!

2. Bracelets – I added a few fun, chunkier bracelets to my collection this year. Especially with the messy scarf, it was fun to wear funky earrings and a fab bracelet to accessorize.

3. Faded denim – I picked up a pair of faded denim bootcuts for a song at ATL in the spring. I figured I could always wear them for yardwork (yes, they were that cheap). Surprisingly, I found that I actually enjoyed wearing them – especially with all my saturated color knit tops where dark wash jeans might have made the overall look too dark for spring/summer.

September 20, 2010 at 12:39 pm

Mac

Veteran

I never would have imagined that I would feel anything but hatred for Jodpur jeans but I have to admit that they look fabulous on you and I’ve learned to love them… on you : )

September 20, 2010 at 4:45 pm

Lisa

Veteran

Thanks Angie!

September 20, 2010 at 5:56 pm

Patience

Veteran

Boyfriend clams – styled with simple tank, dressy heels, fun bag and necklace
Floral bathing suit – I usually go for solid but this summer saw me in a bright pink and orange tropical suit
Nude sandals
Gold – gold sandals, gold watch, gold jewelry, gold nail polish– I am obsessed although I haven’t given up silver either
Hinge sleeveless denim jacket — this seems to be a popular one and with good reason– it’s so effortless
Black and white patterned LAMB bag in YLF store
Thank you for all of your guidance, Angie!

September 20, 2010 at 6:48 pm

Marley

Veteran

Oh this is fun to think about! My style evolved in a little different direction for me this summer. A few things that come to mind off of the top of my head include:
1) Bright nail and toe polish with metalic flecks or “stripes.” It was so much fun (especially on my toes!)
2) Necklaces – and more necklaces. In fact I pretty much stopped wearing earrings this summer (something that I’ve ALways worn before) and I thoroughly enjoyed mixing it up around my neck!
3) Caged sandals – one pair in nude, one pair in brown – both with a small wedged heel. They were both very comfy and I wore them with capris, skirts, shorts and pants. I loved them!
4) Skirts! I paired them with a lot of tanks with scarfs – and I had fun with the breezy, easy style!
5) Bermuda shorts and knee high (or almost knee high) boots. This was probably my favorite style for the cool summer days (we had a lot of them!) Very fun.
6) Crossbody bags. I really got into these – Loved the smaller ones in different colors and patterns. They definitely felt like an accessory to my outfits.
7) Harem silk pants. LOVED these! I thought I would hate them until I tried them on in the store – and they just immediately made me smile when I put them on. I wore them with everything from cotton tanks, to denim shirts, to white button down blouses.
8) Oxford shoes. I got a pair of never been worn 2-tone Hushpuppies at a thrift store – they are 2 different shades of blue – and I wore them with my skirts and summer dresses. I loved the look. I felt like the shoes grounded my outfits that otherwise would have looked too girly/young for me.
There is probably more but that’s all that I can think of for now! Thanks Angie for the fun post!

September 22, 2010 at 12:07 am

Tanya

Veteran

This has been a relatively quiet summer for me, mostly due to a big move, first real job, and a lot of work dress code rules. My summer wardrobe has also been in pretty nice shape already. Sill, there was place for some new things:

1. I have built up a nice collection of sandals, since they climate here is much warmer than my old one.
2. I have finally found a perfect little sundress, and hope to find another one next summer.
3. Cross body bags – loved them.
4. Silk cargo clamdiggers – another new favorite.

October 1, 2010 at 7:16 pm

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