This ensemble is based on a colour palette that combines shades of coral with shades of blue and accents of white. Feel free to use any shade of coral and blue. I’ve chosen a dark coral because it’s quite close to my beloved tomato red, but by all means use lighter corals like dark peach or more pink shades like watermelon. I’ve chosen turquoise and denim as my blues, but navy, French blue, cobalt and light blue work well too. Optic white looks extra fresh, but off-white, bone and cream are also options. 

You can wear this colour palette in a bold or in a subtle way. The outfit on the left with the pencil skirt and blouse creates the boldest look because both the top and bottom are high contrast brights. The outfit in the middle is more toned down, pairing a bright top with neutral denim bottoms. The outfit on the right is the most subtle combination, pairing neutral clothing with a coral bag.

The components of the outfit are up to you. Create casual or dressy combinations: 

Bottoms: Choose any bottom in coral, blue, or a neutral. Blue denim is an easy way to incorporate blue into the outfit. Think shorts, jeans, skirts, trousers or casual pants. Dresses will also work. I’ve chosen a dressy pencil skirt, flared jeans, and upscale track pants to represent a range of dressy and casual options. Grey and white jeans are more options. 

Tops: Choose any style of top to work with the bottoms within the colour palette. You’ll find that a white top works well with black bottoms to eliminate “Halloween” associations when matching coral with black. Pairing either blue or coral with blue jeans is easy. Wearing a denim shirt with coral bottoms works well too. 

Toppers: A topper is not essential, but if you’re looking for an option, I vote white jacket or blue denim jacket. White works better over a coral top than a black topper, and is an instant hit with blue jeans. White also looks extremely fresh worn over a Summer shade of blue. Of course, coral toppers are lovely too, but less common. Wear them over a blue or white top. 

Footwear: Choose footwear that works with the mood and proportions of the outfit. I’ve chosen neutrals because they worked best with the combinations here, but feel free to wear coral or blue shoes. I vote white or metallic shoes as slam dunk options. Black shoes work when you’re repeating black in the outfit, or bookending the colour of your hair. 

Accessories: Choose a bag colour to complete the palette. I chose a coral bag for the neutral outfit on the right as a way to bring in the coral in a subtle way. Create tones of blue or coral with your bag. I chose a light aqua for the outfit on the left instead of repeating the colour turquoise. When in doubt, add a white or metallic bag or belt to this colour palette. Add jewellery, eyewear, belt and watch as desired. 

Wearing white jeans with a coral top and blue topper is another way to go. But be careful with adding black to this colour palette because it can instantly eliminate the mouthwatering freshness that characterizes this look. 

If you’re looking for breezy Summer sleepwear options, then check out Fashionista’s roundup of lightweight PJs under $100.

More pajama ideas over at Refinery29 with their 13 PJs That Guarantee Sweet Dreams.

The Huffington Post suggests sporting these sleepwear pieces for very casual occasions. Would you?

Norwegian brand OnePiece has designed the first-ever airline onesie for Virgin Atlantic. The limited edition onesie “will be available for Upper Class passengers to wear on selected night flights from mid-June”.

Fab Links from Our Members

Laurinda found this tutorial on sewing new front pants pockets useful, not just for repairs but for replacing the pockets in two new pairs of shorts she bought this Spring that are too shallow to hold much more than a lipbalm stick.

Deb thought this history of the eyebrow was very cool.

Marlene hates shopping for “basics” because they feel boring to her. So she is always on the lookout for basics “with a twist”. And now she’s discovered that these versatile pieces have an actual name: novelty basics.

For the Scandal fans: Marlene also informs us that Kerry Washington has helped design an Olivia Pope-inspired clothing line for The Limited.

Every summer Joy is looking for the perfect sunscreen. She was intrigued by this article, and wants to try some of their choices.

Lyn* often tailors her own clothes and says this tutorial comes in handy when you love that last dress on the racks that’s a size too big for you.

MuseumGal came across an article about the 7 Deadliest Fashion Trends of All Time.

Vildy tremendously enjoyed this discussion in The Guardian about fashion followers and leaders.

Angie says that Sally’s way of narrowing down how to describe your style is a fun read.

Angie also enjoyed these fun Elle articles: 8 so-called fashion rules to break right away, fun street style at Pitti Uomo with lots of sneakers, and vintage photos of Summer Hollywood icons. No Photoshop!

Last but not least, Sylvia of 40+ Style recently did an interview with our very own Angie about how to mix modern and trendy with classic style.

Eight years and three thousand blog posts later, there’s a lot of content and many, many style tips for fashion lovers on YLF. If I had to narrow it down and choose my ten favourite style tips, these would be them. 

Assess your bra, hairstyle and specs upfront

Begin the process of a style renewal or refresher by addressing the fit of your bra, your hairstyle, and your eyewear (if you wear specs daily) before you address your clothes, footwear and accessories. Having these aspects in place gives you an effective head-start and the rest will fall into place more easily. 

Dress your body in clothes that fit today

Embrace your size and shape, and buy clothes that fit and flatter. If you’re on a long weight loss or gain journey, purchase items that fit along the way. Keep purchases to a minimum, but don’t spend months in ill-fitting clothes while your body changes.

Ask these 3 questions to troubleshoot problem outfits 

You can often identify the problem with an outfit that is “not quite right” by asking these three questions.

1. Is it the length of an item that will make the difference?
2. Is it the contrast between the items and your skin tone?
3. Do you need to add heels to the outfit?

In some instances you’ll solve the problem by actioning one fast tweak. 

Create proportions that are just flattering enough

You’ll find fashion and style a lot more forgiving and fun when you create outfit proportions that are just flattering enough instead of sticking to conventional forms of figure flattery. By using subtle techniques that create structure and elongate an outfit, you’ll find this modern way of dressing very liberating. 

Assess how you FEEL in an outfit

Sometimes an outfit looks great in the mirror, or to others, but doesn’t make you feel fabulous. Style starts from within, so listen to these feelings because it’s YOU wearing the outfit. Wear outfits with a high happiness-factor because they are the ones that will make you the most confident and stylish version of yourself.

Create brow, lash and lip definition and look after your skin

Cleanse, moisturize and use sunscreen daily because healthy skin makes your style shine more brightly. A workout does wonders for your skin too. 

You don’t need to wear lots of make-up daily, but a little goes a long way to making you look brighter and more alive. Create eyebrow definition by grooming your brows. If they are light, use eyebrow dye or eyebrow pencil. Mascara makes your eyes pop. And a little lippie, whether it’s gloss, lipstick or tinted balm, adds the final polished touch. 

Be patient with your style

It takes time and resources to build a baseline wardrobe and refresh your style seasonally. It also takes time to accurately identify your needs and refine your style preferences. And just when you think you have it all figured out, your lifestyle will change and so will your preferences. Be patient and don’t expect everything to fall into place after one season. If you’re frustrated with shopping or another aspect of your style, take a break, and revisit things later. Style is an ongoing journey with many paths and temporary destinations. Enjoy the process as much as the end result, and learn from each leg of the journey. 

Leave no retail stone unturned 

Each retailer has its good and bad points, and should be awarded a clean slate at the start of the season. Shop all price points. Shop the kids and menswear sections if you have to, and don’t forget the sporting goods store. It doesn’t matter where you shop as long as what you buy fits the bill and makes you happy. 

Keep poison eye to a minimum

We can’t help our “poison eyes” (items or combinations that we don’t like on anyone, ever), but do try to keep them to a minimum. Fashion and style is subjective, which makes keeping an open mind especially important. Your own style preferences might be narrow, but try to appreciate items and styles that are outside your personal preferences on someone else. Doing so reflects a love for fashion and style that goes beyond your own appearance.

Have fun with fashion at every age

It’s never too early or too late to have fun with fashion and style. We need a wardrobe that suits our needs and style preferences throughout our adult lives. Dressing daily is an opportunity for self expression, creativity and FUN.  Shout this from the rooftops and spread the word.

Summer 2014 retail is winding down, so it’s all about bargains at this stage of the season. Still lots to shop if your Summers are hot and long. 

1. Chelsea28 Embroidered Lace Pullover: I should be curbing my own Summer purchases, but find a pretty and sporty lace piece in white hard to resist. Gorgeous with white jeans. I love how the contrast of your skin peeking through the pattern adds texture to a white-out look. It’s in my shopping cart. 
2. Trouve Moto Vest: Fab with casual pants and peep-toe booties.
3. Chelsea28 Print Woven Track Pants: Partially tuck a roomy white tee into those babies and wear with white or metallic sandals. 
4. Trouve Pointed Hem Tube skirt: A gorgeous, sleek fit with interesting hem and plenty of length for tall gals. Very comfy. 
5. Trouve Pinstripe Reverse Lapel Jacket: A fab Summer jacket for the office. Not too formal, plenty modern, and fably polished. 
6. Sanctuary Editor Linen Moto Vest: A rough-around-the-edges layering piece for a hot Summer. 
7. Free People Topsy Turny Stripe Knit Detail Tunic Tank: Wear with cropped white skinnies and sandals. 
8. Stateside Knot Detail Heathered Tee: A tee with a marvelous built-in partial tuck that adds structure to an outfit. 
9. Stem Split Neck Sub Knit Tee: A breezy tee for the larger bust and shorter neck. Nice short sleeves. 
10. 1.State Collared Poplin Top: Oh how I love this shirt. But I do not have the shoulder width to pull off the overwhelming width of the kimono sleeves on my slight frame. I hope to enjoy it on someone else. 
11. ElevenParis Ludger Tuxedo Stripe Track Pants: Silky track pants with a structured waistband and hem are hard to find, but these fit the bill. 
12. Zella City Shorts: Think Sporty Luxe when you style these fun bottoms. 
13. Topshop Medium Clean Satchel: A retro classic that’s also available in white and grey, and tan and lilac. 
14. French Connection Carry All Hobo: A versatile casual Summer tote in a subtle animal pattern. 
15. Topshop Jelly Satchel: Super fun. 
16. Caslon Ramona T-Strap Sandal: Refined wedge sandals are NOT dated. This one is versatile and a little Retro with the T-strap. Read the rave reviews. 
17. Topshop Fancie Sandal: A Birkie lookalike in rose gold. 
18. Sole Society Anneke Pump: Similar to the Valentino Rockstud at a fraction of the price. 
19. Sole Society Sable Sandal: A deliciously comfortable suede sandal with oversized buckles. I vote lilac all the way.
20. Vince Camuto Ruched Midi Tube Skirt: Gorgeous drape and the perfect tube skirt for pear shape body types. As comfy as pajamas.

I’m glad that toppers are available year round these days because no matter how hot the temperature is outside, air conditioning can feel uncomfortably cold inside. Layering is key to making you feel comfortable both indoors and outdoors.