Outfit Formula: Summery Trends

It’s Summer in the northern hemisphere and the trends are in full swing. Snack, fast, or feast from the buffet of trends and do your own thing. Milk the ones you love, dabble in the ones you like, and leave the rest. All items and looks have longevity when you wear them with confidence, intention, verve and sass. 

Onto some outfit inspiration:

1. Jorts and Jacket

Jorts — a jeans and shorts hybrid — are having a fashion moment, and here’s a way to dress them up a bit. A pair of light wash jorts is combined with a tucked white tee. A brightly patterned and fluidly cut blush and orange blazer is the third piece. A mismatched brown belt complements the palette and dresses up the look. Cream flat Mary Janes with matching cream boho-chic bag are the on trend finishing touches. Hoop earrings add a little glam.

Jorts and Jacket

Here are ways to dress up jorts with neutrals, and also without toppers:

2. Bubbled and Vested

Bubble skirts continue to fringe trend while waistcoats (or vests) are mainstream. Here’s an example of wearing them together. A knee-length tan broomstick pleated bubble skirt is combined with on off-white long length waistcoat. White sneakers add a Sporty Luxe touch.They match the top, while the stripes match the model’s hair. Arm candy and hoop earrings add shine and interest. A gold bag would work well too.

Bubbled and Vested

3. Patterned Pants Set

Co-ords in the form of roomy patterned tops with matching patterned pants in airy linens and cottons continue to trend. They are an easy and breezy way to dress if you like the visual effect. The sleeved versions offer effective sun protection. Here’s a version in a cream and olive pattern. The set is completed with cream and black flatform sandals, which match the cream in the pattern and the model’s hair. An on trend crochet boho-chic bag completes the look.

Patterned Pants Set

Here more versions of co-ords, generally worn with flat sandals or slides. There are ballet flats and sneakers too:

Nordstrom
DIARRABLU Una Top
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Mango
Printed Cotton Shirt
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Mango
Cotton Paisley Shirt
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Mango
Printed Cotton Shirt
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4. Boho-Lite Dress

Last, an on trend boho-lite dress in a breezy tiered silhouette is a no fuss pull-on-and-go, and there are countless variations in colour and styles. This version is a ‘70s silhouette in ‘80s colours so quite the eclectic mix. Western accents are classic AND on trend making the metallic cowboy boots a delicious addition. Add jewellerry, bag, eyewear and watch as desired.

Boho Lite Dress

More boho-lite dresses for outfit inspiration:

Fab Finds: Shoes, Bags, Beauty Products

Here are items that have been winners on clients recently. I’ve also included some of my current favourite new-to-me beauty products. Be sure to browse the colour options, and read the online reviews. You might catch some items on sale. 

1. Cole Haan Footwear

Cole Haan shoes are worth a look because they’re generally well made and comfortable. The brand offers excellent mens shoes too. Hubs Greg has several pairs that are workhorses. I usually have one or two pairs of Cole Haan shoes in my footwear capsule. Of this selection, notably, the Mirabelle Crisscross Sandal in the metallic options has awfully pretty white piping that makes it look extra refined and interesting on the feet. The Grand Pro Topspin Sneaker is fashionably platformed, works on narrow heels and higher arches, is super comfy, and comes in nineteen colour options. Some of the colours come in wide widths. The Marlee Fisherman Footbed Sandal is cushioning, has a wider footbed, and might run half a size big.

2. Calvin Klein Fay Crossbody Bag

This bag is for Team Silver Hardware, which is finally more available. The CK Fay Crossbody is small and streamlined, has an architectural boxy integrity, handy magnetic closure, great hardware, and comes in a range of colours. It’s fairly lightweight, and has a comfy broad strap.

3. Beauty Products

I’ve finally found effective dry shampoo that does not irritate my skin too much, and Act + Acre fits the bill. It’s fragrance-free, and not too drying. It’s a powder that blows out of the applicator rather than a spray. Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo is amazing! It’s shampoo you use ONCE a week to deeply cleanse hair and remove buildup from hair products, dirt, oil, and other impurities. It leaves your hair looking healthy, shiny, and voluminous for days. I repeat, this is a weekly, and not daily shampoo. Last, Ren Clean Skincare Overnight Recovery Balm has been a game changer for my facial and neck skin, which is reactive and prone to dermatitis, eczema, and intense dryness. You use it at night only – (once a day) – and without additional facial creams. It does its magic when you sleep, leaving your skin dewy, soft, soothed, rosy, moisturized and healthy. I apply regular moisturizer in the morning, and recovery balm a few times a week. I’ve been using the balm for five weeks with zero irritation. The look and feeling of my skin changed within a day, and I’m grateful.

Open Weave Knitwear: Yay, Nay, or Maybe

An open weave (or open stitch) sweater is a pullover or cardigan made with a loosely knitted pattern that has noticeable gaps between the yarn. This creates a breathable and lightweight item of knitwear that’s semi-sheer or see-through, depending on the size of the weave. Pointelle and crochet knitwear are examples of open weave knits. 

Open weave knitwear can be any colour and length, and comes in a range of silhouettes. Some weaves are more open than others. Some styles are warmer and more covered than others. Some have sleeves and some are sleeveless. Some require a camisole, bra-top, bathing costume, or tank, and some are sufficiently opaque with a regular bra. Fabrics range from cotton and linen, to wool and synthetics. Blends of these fibres are common.

This collection shows many examples.

Zara
Crochet Kimono Jacket
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Loft
Daisy Crochet Tank Top
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Zara
Pointelle Knit Top
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Zara
Textured Knit Top
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We see open weave knitwear every season because depending on the weight and style, it works well in mild, warm, and hot weather. Some like it for transitional weather. Others like it for their swimwear capsule. Generally lightweight, breathable, breezy, covered, texture-rich, and relaxed. It has the the tendency to snag if the weave is very loose and the holes are big so be mindful of that.

Open weave knitwear creates different vibes. It can look beachy, boho chic, boho-lite, sporty, preppy, pretty, or modern retro from the ‘60s and ‘70s, so take your pick. I usually have a couple of open weave Summer pullovers in my knitwear capsule because I adore the prettiness of it, and the alluring integrity of a more sheer garment. Currently I have two, of which the one requires a white camisole, and the other is fine with just a bra. The holes are smaller for sun protection.

I vote YAY. How about you?

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Outfit Formula: Summery Browns

Earth tones continue to trend with great popularity. Dark browns like chocolate have made a comeback, and are gaining momentum across the seasons. It’s wonderful to see all sorts of traditionally Autumn and Winter colours trend for Spring and Summer. As long as the fabrics and silhouettes are seasonally appropriate, sport any colour at any time of year. 

Onto some outfit inspiration.

1. Dresses

Here’s a patterned brown and cream belted shirtdress in a very breezy lightweight fabric. Classic white sneakers add a sporty touch. A raffia bag adds a beachy and carefree touch. I see earthy, cream or gold sandals, espadrilles, and ballet flats work well here too.

Dresses

Here is more solid and patterned Summer brown dress inspiration. And an easy one-and-done.

COS
Shirred Cotton Jumpsuit
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2. Browns and Blues

Dark browns look fab with all sorts of blues. Going with blue denim, light blue, turquoise, cobalt and navy are great options both as solids or patterns. Here, a pair of on trend dark blue denim jorts is combined with a simple dark brown tee. On trend black thong wedges are the shoe of choice. A black and white zebra bag matches the shoes and works well with the neutral palette.

Browns and Blues

The collection shows more ways to wear dark brown with blue:

3. Sets

Matching sets, or co-ords continue to trend with pants, shorts, or skirts as bottoms. They can be solid, textured, or patterned. Here, a dark brown summery jacquard set is VERY breezy and easy to wear. It’s completed with a back support act of trending black cord necklace, flat toe-loop sandals, and black bag. Feel free to sport a much smaller bag.

Sets

More summer brown co-ord inspiration. Most of it is casual. Some a little dressier.

4. Browns and Whites

Last, wear dark browns with all sorts of whites. From optical white, bone, oyster and off-white, to warm creams, ecrus and tans. Here, a dark brown and caramel swingy striped tee is combined with cropped white barrel pants. Cinnamon wedge sandals add an earthy touch. The top has a little more colour, which adds further interest. The palette picks up the whites and caramel running through the model’s hair. Add jewellery, watch, and bag as desired.

Browns and Whites

Here are more ways to wear summery browns with whites:

Finally a little inside info on Fall and Winter trends, which are around the corner: Dark brown is the new black.

Five Ways to Use Fashion Tape

Fashion tape is a double sided adhesive tape that is practical to keep on hand. It can prevent clothing, footwear, and accessories from malfunctioning by keeping parts of your outfit in place. It also prevents your clothes from being ruined by safety pins. Sometimes the tape is secured directly onto skin. Make sure the tape does not irritate by testing it on a small area of your skin before using it for hours at a time.

Here are ways to effectively use fashion tape:

1. Prevent Gaping

Fix button-through shirts, blouses, cardigans, skirts, and dresses that gape a little between the buttons with a piece of tape to close the gap. Works wonders. Remember to take off the tape before laundering.

2. Secure Low Necklines

Strapless styles and too-low necklines (back or front) can be held in place with strategically positioned fashion tape. Makes you feel more secure in a professional environment, or when you bend over.

3. Hold a Hem

Fashion tape temporarily fixes a fallen hem on bottoms and tops, or cuffs on sleeves when there’s no time to sew them properly. The tape is a little finicky to position on slippery fabric, but does work when it’s secure and smooth.

4. Hold Belt Straps

Sometimes the end of a belt is too long and flaps about on the midsection or hips. Apply a good amount of fashion tape to the end to hold it down. This can also work for shoe, watch and bag straps that are too long.

5. Secure Bra Straps

If you don’t want your bra straps to be visible when you’re wearing a top, attach fashion tape to the bra strap and stick it to the top so that it stays hidden. This way you can use a regular bra instead of a strapless bra or some other bra type that is less comfortable.

This list is not exhaustive so feel free to add to it in the comments section.

Currently, I’m using fashion tape to raise the neckline of my silk button-through blouses. Better than a finicky safety pin. Tape is also holding a few leather bag straps and belt ends in place so they don’t flap about.