Today we bring you the second in a series of five everyday Summer outfits modeled by my beautifully elegant and graceful client, Karen. Of all Karen’s Summer outfits this year, this combination is her favourite because she’s a HUGE fan of black and white outfits. The ensemble is simple, bold, modern, crisp, polished, comfortable and covered, all of which are important components of Karen’s style. If Karen had to wear one colour palette, this would be it. 

Karen didn’t even wear jeans when we first started working together five years ago. Well, we sorted that out chop-chop. Now Karen can’t imagine her life without her jeans because she wears them all the time. We bought a few pairs of premium label blue jeans on our first shopping trip and they are still going strong many years later. But even more than blue jeans, Karen loves to wear white jeans. Like me, she feels that white jeans look graphic and pretty, and scream Summer. 

Karen enjoys wearing a tailored, high-necked, sleeved and patterned T-shirt or knit top made of substantial fabric with her jeans because the vibe is extra casual. This one is a tie dye and has a peace sign on the front. So cute. Although you can’t see the Tee on its own, it has three quarter length sleeves because Karen must feel covered when she takes off her jacket. Anything shorter than elbow length and Karen is an unhappy camper. 

The Gibson Structured One Button Jacket with built in scrunched sleeves was one of my top picks from Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale in May. Karen snapped it up because the curved “high-low” hemline really spoke to her. She likes the way it covers up the top part of her hips, thereby streamlining a thigh curve that Karen prefers to keep covered. 

Her favourite colour is black, a signature colour, and Karen’s wardrobe will never be without it! But black can look harsh, especially as you get older. So we make a point of softening Karen’s look whenever she wears black close to her face. Here, the patterned Tee works wonders to lighten the effect. The pearl earrings are the next softening  tool, as is the raspberry lipstick. And of course, Karen’s built in chic grey streaked hair is the softening cherry on top. 

The virtually flat sandals are fab find Clarks Thimble Clovers from last season, a lovely dove grey that elongate the leg line because they create a low contrast against the white jeans. We finished off the look with  earrings and cuff because Karen is not a necklace gal. And sunglasses follow Karen around most days because her eyes are very sensitive to light. 

This is another example of an ageless ensemble. Classic bootcut jeans, hip and fun t-shirt, trendy and tailored jacket, and pretty shoes. An easy, relaxed and comfy, yet pulled together outfit formula for Karen’s retired lifestyle. And in her favourite colour combination to boot. Karen, I’m so glad that you love your white jeans because they love you back. Thanks for being my white jeans kindred style spirit.

Also on Karen’s Summer Style

1. Skirt and Denim Jacket
2. White Jeans, Tee and Jacket (this post)
3. Cropped Pants and Fuchsia Flats
4. Denim Skirt and Linen Blazer
5. Cold Shoulders with Flares

I thought this would be an appropriate topic on this American Day of Independence. We’re talking any bright shade of red (no burgundies or claret), white or off-white, and any shade of blue. 

Oh my goodness. YAY! I adore outfits in this colour combination, both in solids and patterns. I love light blue and white paired with tomato red. Ink blue and white paired with red. Red and white paired with blue denim. Bright turquoise and tomato red paired with cream. A French blue combined with red and cream. And cobalt and red paired with white or off-white. I like it all.

You might be a nay vote because you DON’T want to look like an American, Dutch, French or UK  flags. Or perhaps you find the combination too nautical, or too “super-hero”. Or maybe you just don’t like the colours. Too classic, too high contrast, or too predictable. 

Well, I love bright reds matched with whites and all shades of blue precisely because it’s a classic and high colour contrast combination. Truth be told, I’m going to like any colour combination that incorporates a bright bold red. I don’t have negative flag or super-hero associations with the palette at all. To my eye it all looks fresh and fun. At the moment I am more into matching lighter shades of blue or turquoise with reds and white, but nautical looks are fab too. And I’m not one to shy away from cobalt mixed with bright red either. 

Over to you. 

Excluding countless premium denim styles that will set you back at least $200 at full price, these two styles get my top vote for fab boyfriend jeans this season: 

• Gap 1969 sexy boyfriend jeans: These jeans have had mixed reactions from my clients because the rise is pretty high, and the crotch point hangs quite low. That said, I do have happy clients in this style and it’s definitely worth a bash. 
• KUT from the Kloth Crop Boyfriend Jeans (Plus): These are a great fit. They don’t stretch out and they run true to size.

There’s also the KUT from the Kloth “Bardot” Skinny Boyfriend Jeans that I suggested on my top picks list for the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale because of their good fit. But they are unfortunately no longer available. If you happen to come across a pair at the Rack or on eBay, try them on! 

Boyfriend jeans are supposed to be baggy, so size up on these styles for a roomier effect if you need to. Here’s how to pull together the look in a casual ensemble, and how to get a flattering effect when you roll up the hems.

If these recommendations don’t work, size up a couple of sizes on a pair of straight leg jeans and roll up the hems. If necessary, have the hems tapered and add a belt to keep these babies from falling down. You could also have the waistband adjusted so that they stay on your hips.

Whether it is loud plaids and checks, or subtle snakeskin and herringbone tweed, patterns pack a vibrant punch that can add a fun finishing touch and make your outfit more interesting. Patterned footwear, belts and bags are an especially worthwhile investment because they work equally well for all levels of pattern adopters. 

To use a summery metaphor, you can…

• Dip your toes: If you prefer pattern in small doses, introduce it with footwear, belts and bags alone. This is a much more subtle effect than wearing pattern on clothing items.
• Go for a swim: If you’re starting to get into patterns a little more, but colour is not your thing, combine solid, neutral clothing items with patterned, neutral footwear, belts and bags. You will create the next level of visual interest without compromising your preferred neutral style palette. On trend, but within your comfort zone.
• Dive in head first: If you are a bold pattern mixing warrior, then use patterned footwear, belts and bags to amplify the pattern mixing that you already have going on in your clothing items. No need for subtlety if that’s not your style.

If you fancy the idea of incorporating pattern into your style, this is the year to do it. There is patterned EVERYTHING available in stores and the trend will carry through into the Fall. 

I love wearing patterned belts and shoes at the moment because they make my older clothes feel refreshed and “new”. I’ve moved over to Team Tuck, which means showcasing patterned belts with a tucked in top. Patterned satchels and clutches are close to my heart because I love to hold pretty packages of energy. 

As much as I adore solids, there is something about the boldness of patterned wardrobe items that energize my spirit and make me happy. I like to wear patterned footwear, belts and bags just as much as patterned clothing. Sometimes I mix up patterned shoes and accessories with solids, and sometimes with patterned clothing. I love it all! 

Do you wear patterned footwear, belts and bags? If so, how do you like to mix them up in outfits? If you don’t wear patterned shoes and accessories, why not?