This is the fourth in a series of everyday Summer looks modeled by my stunning client, Karen. First we shared how much Karen loves to wear a printed skirt with a denim jacket. Then we shared her favourite look of the season. After that it was cropped pants and fuchsia flats! Today, a nautical vibe with a denim skirt, striped tee and linen jacket.
It’s vitally important to Karen that, at age 71, she feels adequately covered in her clothes. All tops must be at least elbow length, and skirts must be knee-covering no matter how scorching the outside temperature. These lengths are non-negotiable.
I can’t tell you how long it took for us to find a flattering, non-distressed, denim skirt that was knee-covering. We had almost given up on the item! We found one years ago in black, but Karen really wanted a blue denim skirt too. Well, thank you J. Crew for giving us a little length on our skirts this season and leaving off the whiskering. Karen is thrilled with her new short Summer skirt, which has a little stretch to boot. Comfy.
Karen bats for Team Stripe so stripes feature strongly in her wardrobe in all shapes and colour contrasts. This navy and white tee has a fab contrasting tan stripe on the neckline that adds just that extra element of surprise, and softens the look. We picked up the tan in low heeled, peep-toe nude patent wedges (fab find Cole Haan Talis) and a vintage wicker handbag.
The stars align when Karen wears green because her beautiful green eyes light up like bright glowing stars and its MAGIC. Talk about wearing a colour that brings out the colour of your eyes. My word. Here, Karen is wearing the Gibson linen one-button blazer, scrunched at the sleeve for a more relaxed look. It’s a perfect Summer topper for Seattle, breezy and lightweight, and creases in a sculptural way that we both think is divine. As it heats up during the day, Karen takes off her jacket and feels fab in her tailored tee with elbow length sleeves.
Karen is a huge lipstick and gloss gal. She likes green paired with magenta so on went the magenta lipstick and gloss to complement the jacket. We finished off the look with brown pearl earrings and for a change – bare forearms. No cuff this time round, just for fun.
This is another example of an ageless and timeless outfit. It is chic, crisp, graphic, bold, simple and comfortable. It also has just the right amount of modern and classic elements for Karen’s style persona. The tailored integrity of the classic silhouettes are flop proof. The shoes and bag add a little unexpected fun, as does the colour of the blazer. Top it off with Karen’s edgy grey streaked hair and Bob’s your uncle. You’ve got a fabulous look.
Karen’s new love for pattern and colour hit an all time high this year, which I thought was particularly appropriate given that it’s the season for pattern and colour. That said, when we shopped the preselections at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last week, Karen reverted back to her favourite colour palette: black, white and grey. It’s time to amp up the neutrals for Fall.
Also on Karen’s Summer Style
- Skirt and Denim Jacket
- White Jeans, Tee and Jacket
- Cropped Pants and Fuchsia Flats
- Denim Skirt and Linen Blazer (this post)
- Cold Shoulders with Flares
