The Only Ten Pieces You Need This Summer
Ughhh. The options seem slim. But not for us. We know where to look for the best deals that fit our philosophy of classic and modern style for any age.
Here are the 10 pieces you need this summer to stay cool and stylish.
1. Neutral tees.
My favorite tees have a little man-made fabric in them to preserve their shape, are thick enough not to be see-through and they are always v-neck. And they are inexpensive. My best ones are in the April, May and June Style Vaults. (members sign in here) Buy neutral so you can wear them with your fun skirts and shorts.
I'll make room on your list for a tee in a pretty non-neutral color because you probably want something else besides neutrals to wear with your white jeans all summer! Coral and turquoise are almost universally flattering to most skin tones. Wear it with the white denim skirt and jeans now, and with blue jeans in the fall.
2. Loose blouse.
You know all those skinny ankle pants you have? You need to pair them with a looser, fuller top to balance the look. Go longer if you want to cover your bum, but just make sure it still has some shape. This seems like an oxymoron, a fuller top with shape. But I know of what I speak. There is such a thing, and there are plenty in the June Vault.
Here's an example of what I mean when I say loose and full, but with some shape. This blouse is not a square box. It is cut on the bias, which helps, but it is also not a long rectangle of fabric. It drapes and moves with the body instead of hanging there like on a rod.
3. Gauzy open sweater.
Everyone has been asking me about gauzy summer sweaters since I first mentioned I was packing one for Turks and Caicos. They are perfect to stuff in your handbag and pull out at the drop of an overactive AC in a museum or restaurant or your BFF’s frigid house. Great for wearing over a tank top when you need to be cool but covered. The proportions are key when you are layering. The perfect lightweight open sweater is in the June Vault (check it out here, members sign in here), plus all the things you need to wear with it.
4. Full skirt.
So you'll have to trust me when I say I'm wearing a full skirt. It's a cotton blend that fits me through the waist and flares out from about the hips down to my knees. A fuller summer skirt is a great shorts-alternative.
Yep there it is playing hide and seek with the walls. No judging for the pic, please :). But at least you can see a bit of what I'm describing. And for your very perfect linen-blend fit and flare skirt, that comes in so many pretty neutrals and colors, check out the June Vault (learn more here; members click here). It's one of my 6 "must-haves."
5. White denim skirt.
I think it goes without saying that the basis of classic and modern style is to have as many white clothes as possible. HA. Kidding. But you do need a white denim skirt. To wear with everything you own and for when it's too hot for your white jeans. It will even go to the office with the right heels and blazer. All that and of course the perfect white denim skirt, available in the June Vault.
6. White jeans or pants. Duh.
Since I really can't justify buying any more white jeans (last count 11 pairs), I've moved on to textured white pants. I'm starting with bootcuts, but surely my hunting will spread to ankle pants. These gorgeous pants are in the June Vault's Style Notes (members click here) where you can purchase them for your very own. I heart them so much.
7. Neutral wrap.
I'm nothing if not consistent, right? The basis of any good wardrobe at all is the perfect wrap. For you boho girlies, it's going to have fringe. For you always cold ladies, it's going to have cashmere, for you who travel all the time, it's going to be a weight fabric. For me, it's all the above. During the summer months, don't criss-cross your pashmina over your shoulders so that it covers your neck. Just let it hang nicely over your shoulders. You can even drop it off your shoulders down to your forearms for a chicer-than chic look. Take it with you for nights out and for chilly indoor settings (i.e. everywhere during the summer).
8. Nude summer sandal.
You need to know something about me. I have no problem buying used shoes. IF they are clean and not smelly and in near unused shape. It's like buying a used car the way I see it. I snagged these at Flip (where I got those Lucchese boots I showed you last week). Nine West. Never worn. Twenty-something dollars. I'm currently wearing them about every day. Plenty good, affordable options for you inside the Style Vault.
9. Leather flip-flops.
We've talked about this. I don't like rubber flip-flops. Or bedazzled flip-flops. Except the ones my stylish friend Leeann has that seem to just work on her. But for the rest of you, you need leather ones.
10. Fun statement piece of jewelry.
Again, I turn to coral and turquoise as great summer accent colors. You don't want to spend too much money on your summer jewelry because you are more likely to lose it or expose it to damaging things like seasalt and sweat. I hunted down and turned up some great statement pieces for your summer wardrobe. Earrings, necklaces and bracelets, all in the June Vault. (Members sign in here.)
Extra Credit:
1. Sneakers.
Still lovin my pink sneaky-sneaks. The right ones are hip and chic when you're in New York or London and wearing them with the perfect ankle pants or pencil skirt. Key words right and perfect. My new favorite sneakers (not pink) are inside June's Vault.
2. Summer hat.
Hey did you happen to visit NordstromRack.com last week? This photo of Deidre and me taken in Turks and Caicos made it on their home page! Guess they loved our hats. So we made them available in the June Vault. You need a hat to protect your face. Let your hair take the fall - your smooth, young-looking skin will thank your hair one day.
