First you saw graceful Karen look cool, calm and collected in a skirt with a denim jacket. Then her favourite outfit of the season, white jeans, a tee and jacket. Next up are cropped pants and fuchsia flats. Fun! 

Black is one of Karen’s favourite colours so there is never a shortage of black bottoms in her wardrobe. Cropped pants at this length are Karen’s Summer shorts. She will wear breezy cotton trousers at this length in scorching high dessert temperatures when she’s on vacation, and feel fabulous. At age 71, Karen is uncomfortable wearing shorter jeans or trousers unless she’s cycling, in which case the correct gear is all important.

Karen wears all sorts of patterned and solid tops with her lightweight cotton black cropped pants. From blouses and fitted button down shirts, to layering t-shirts and knitted tops. Here, we paired them with a tiered mesh top in an animal print. It has elbow length sleeves so that Karen feels adequately covered when taking off her jacket. Karen’s favourite patterns are stripes, animal print and polka dots. Her favourite colours are purples, pinks, blues and greens. It’s no wonder that she loves this top!  

The white blazer is a new, timeless classic that will be worn season after season. In Seattle, it’s often chilly on a Summer’s morning before it reaches a lovely 75 to 85 degrees during the day. That’s why toppers in all sorts of weights and styles are ideal investment pieces for our climate. Scrunching the sleeves relaxes the formal vibe of the blazer, and makes Karen feel fashionable.  

We paired the clothes with several seasons old fucshia flats because matchy-matchy is on trend. Karen calls them her “happy shoes” because the colour and comfort factor always make her smile. These shoes make me smile because before we started working together, Karen didn’t think that she could wear non-neutral shoes. They drew too much attention to her feet and were not age appropriate. Well, those thoughts are history and now, these fucshia ballerina darlings have bright yellow wardrobe friends. 

Earrings, a cuff and sunglasses are the outfit finishing touches that make Karen the most happy, so she sports those items daily. The black patent handbag is a good basic that Karen sports year after year. She is not a bag gal, which is why we’ve built “a five bag compliment” for her style. Black, grey and red for most days, a vintage wicker bag for the Summer, and a clutch for fancy occasions. Minimal and practical. 

Five years ago, Karen did not wear denim, pattern or very much colour. Today, these are the elements of Karen’s style that make her feel modern, hip and youthful. We make sure that Karen’s outfits are a mixture of both the classics, a trend, and an element of surprise. A classic blazer worn with on trend crops, a vibrant print and bright burst of fuchsia create the ageless look that puts an extra spring in Karen’s Summer step. And my goodness it is an elegant and ladylike step!

Also on Karen’s Summer Style

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

I’m sure that you receive compliments on many of your wardrobe items. But if you had to choose one or two items that draw the most compliments when you put them through their stylish paces, which would they be? It can be an article of clothing, a pair of shoes or boots, or an accessory. The compliments can come from anyone — strangers in the street, family, friends, kids, work colleagues or your partner, for example. 

I have a tie for first place. My jodhpur jeans and tomato red coat are at the moment my most complimented wardrobe items. One item is edgy, while the other is a classic. Interesting.

Over to you.

The Big Tee is huge right now and goes hand in hand with the oh so popular semi tucked look that adds a dash of structure to a very loosey-goosey silhouette. While the item has a lot going for it, there are also some drawbacks. 

First the fab. Big Tees are comfortable, breezy, and easy to pull on and go. Their boyish and slouchy look is quite fun. They are on-trend, can successfully dress down dressy bottoms, and camouflage the mid-section. When paired with the right pieces and in a great drapey fabrication, the vibe is modern and a little arty. Big Tees are an ideal “de-bombshelling” tool when worn with form fitting pencil skirts. They can also take “the sexy” out of a short shorts ensemble.  And of course, they are low maintenance when it comes to laundry.

Then the not-so-fab. The tent-like, waist surrendering shape of the big tee makes you look bigger than you are, especially on a full bust line. Their unstructured integrity can make you feel unattractive and less feminine. They can look overly casual and sloppy. Their armholes and necklines are often too wide causing them to shift around on the body. And their price points can be exorbitant for an item that is really just a big t-shirt. 

I tend to suggest big tees with high-low hemlines because the shorter front makes the silhouette less overwhelming. Sleeves that taper have the same more structured visual effect. Soft fluid fabrics with weight that drape back against the body will also make this silhouette more flattering. 

My clientele has been divided on the big tee for the reasons I mentioned above. Personally, it’s not for me because I’m just not a t-shirt gal no matter how you slice and dice it. That said, I really like the vibe on others when worn with modern conviction and other on-trend pieces. The stellar outfit below with black peep-toe booties and cropped patterned pants is a perfect example. 

Would you wear a big fashionable tee? Or does it bring back bad boxy ’80s memories? Can you feel attractive in this style of top? Can it work in an office environment? 

Havaianas asked me to create Summer ensembles with their new closed toe footwear collection. I really like the ballerina espadrille and classic espadrille from their new line because they bring back fond memories of when I wore basic white espadrilles in the ’80s. The modern Havaianas versions are better than what I wore back then because they’ve got the spongey Havaianas flip flop sole that’s pretty comfy. 

Two uber casual outfits come to mind with flat closed toe canvas espadrilles. One is with a dress, and the other with a pair of shorts. Both ensemble formulas are great for the park, a picnic, the seaside, a barbecue, or any other extremely casual setting. 

I’ve paired a bright casual midi dress with lime green Origine Ballerinas because we’re diving into Summer with bright happy colours. I added a gauzy extra lightweight Summer scarf for interest, AND because Summer scarves can feel quite soothing in the heat. As a nod to this season’s pattern frenzy, I chose a casual canvas striped tote, which picks up the canvas of the espadrilles. Add a fun straw hat, eyewear, watch and jewelry as desired. 

The shorts ensemble is neutral and even more casual. I’ve paired an oversized on trend sleeved t-shirt with a pair of denim short shorts. I love how the roominess and coverage of the Tee takes “the sexy” out of the shorts – much like how you can de-bombshell a pencil skirt. Semi tuck the tee for more shape if that tickles your fancy. The Havaianas Origine Espadrille in navy adds a classic touch. I’ve chosen an eco friendly canvas tote with a fun vintage design to complement the espadrilles, and a fedora, eyewear and leather cuff to finish off the outfit.

I sow the seed of an outfit idea with these formulas. The next important step is to substitute the items so that they are to YOUR taste and in line with YOUR style persona. Perhaps you’d prefer a mini dress and denim vest. Leave off the scarf. Add a crossbody bag in a weathered brown leather. Perhaps you’d prefer wearing longer denim shorts, clamdiggers, or boyfriend jeans. Throw in a fitted Tee if that’s more your look. Tuck in the top and add a belt. Wear a peasant blouse instead of a t-shirt. Leave off the hat. Sport a necklace. Get those creative outfit juices flowing!

Espadrilles in this post: