Here are casual items that have been winners on clients, forum members, and friends recently as they refresh their Spring and Summer wardrobes. They represent a range of price points, and some of the items are on sale.
1. Wit & Wisdom Shorts
I have one pair of shorts. They are a part of my beach, pool, and swimming with doggies capsule. They are the first pair in this collection and from Wit & Wisdom. Although shorts are not my thing, I do like these long shorts! They fit well, look flattering, are very comfortable, launder easily, do not bag out, and are really robust. My clientele enjoy them too. You’ll find them across a range of neutrals, denim, cotton twills, and sizes. They run true to size or a size big. They magically fit both straighter and curvier body types. If I needed another pair of shorts, I’d get a white or light denim pair from the same brand.
2. Talbots Slub Knit Eyelet Detail Dress
A stylish and curvy petite friend sent a photo of herself wearing this dress in navy and it looks sublime. She wears it much better than the model. As a machine-washable, modal-cotton blend, it’s super soft and easy to launder. Might run a size big, and comes in a size-inclusive range. An excellent way to stay cool and covered in the high Arizona heat.
3. Veronica Beard Knitted Tops
These better-than-basic tees by Veronica Beard are more refined, interesting, and dressed-up than a regular basic tee. The fabric is lovely, and so far they’ve laundered well too. They are pricey, but do go on sale. For some of my clients, “upscale tees” are their thing because they don’t wear shirts and blouses. So having an assortment of this type of item to wear with jeans, shorts, chinos, utility pants and casual skirts works well for them. Relaxed, versatile, casual, and polished.
4. A New Day Hoop Earrings
One of my clients who wears hoop earrings every day had to unexpectedly leave them off for a while due to skin sensitivity. After an earring break, she renewed her hoops collection with this brand from Target. She’s very happy with them, and the skin irritations are under control. Affordable, super cute, and a large assortment. Most styles come in both metals, and many are nickel-free.
5. Nordstrom Rack Dresses
The Rack has been on fire over the last twelve months, especially online. My suggestion is to browse their items regularly for fab stuff at bargain prices. If you’re a frock person, look at their dresses because a gem will turn up in no time. My clients have scored beauties for a song and so have I. The first dress in the collection, a light blue linen dress by Theory, earned a place in my dress capsule. It’s gorgeous! Modern Classic, Euro, comfortable, pretty, breezy, casual, covered and alluring. It has a little back tie for waist definition if that’s your preference. It’s perfect to wear on a hot sunny day in our loft apartment that does not have air conditioning. Looks great with a denim jacket too.
6. Banana Republic Wrap-Effect Top
This item works well untucked so click the link and watch the product video to see that version in action. Great over skirts and pants. Structured with a little clever fluidity on the midsection. Waist-defining, but not clingy. Especially good on curvier body types, but it will work on straighter bodies too. Great layered under cardigans and jackets. Dress it either up or down.
