Summertime, and the Styling is Easy

We've waited nine long months for it, and it's finally time to break out the pool floats and strappy sandals: summer is officially here! Rising temps can mean simpler dressing and more straightforward outfits: when the temps soar, we aren't typically layering on blazers or artfully tying neck scarves. Most everyday looks for the summer are lightweight, in looser fabrics, and composed of fewer pieces.

Because they are dealing with fewer 'moving parts' of their outfits in the summer, so many of my clients say that they feel "basic", or that their outfits lack pizazz. And even I as a stylist feel their pain! While it may be the most fun time of year to dine out on a patio, summer is the most challenging styling season for me too. It's too hot for the blazers that are my signature style stamp, and I have to forgo the layering pieces that I usually lean on to keep my look interesting. But I am here to tell you- simpler outfits don't need to equal basic self-presentation.

This is the part I do need to remind you: your best summer wardrobe starts with a closet rooted in functional basics...a la LGD Essential Wardrobe checklist, where we build a versatile all-seasons foundation (we wear jeans and earrings year-round, after all). But that checklist alone may not give you all the options that you are looking for out of your summer wardrobe- even if all you have is checklist items, you're likely repeating the same outfits quite a bit in warmer temps.

While I want you to resist creating an entirely new wardrobe each season (in a truly functional wardrobe, 60-70% of your items should work year round), I encourage everyone to add a little seasonal spice to your wardrobe. Rotating in some season-specific pieces keeps you inspired and creative...as well as dressed appropriately for the temperature! Keep in mind three key ideas when you are adding seasonally- whether for summer, or any time of year:

1. Keep trend in mind. Trends have cycles: what's all over Tik-Tok right now may not be what you want to wear next year. If you buy super-trendy pieces right now (smocking, prairie floral prints, square necks) There's nothing wrong with buying the trends now, if you are comfortable that they may not be what you gravitate towards in 2023.

2. Keep fit in mind. Things in summer get shorter (naturally) and sometimes tighter. There's nothing wrong with that on ANY body type (read that again). But you do want to be aware of where lengths are the most flattering on your individual shape, or how ruched areas on a dress may emphasize certain areas. Don't buy a pair of shorts just because you "need" them- continue to be as thoughtful with fit as you would a core wardrobe piece.

3. Versatility: because you aren't buying something to wear all year, you're likely not spending a large percentage of your annual clothing budget here. Thus, you'll want to make sure that you get the most "bang for your buck" with the items you add to your closet. If your budget is a concern (raising a hand here!), pieces that can work for more than one "event" are going to ensure that you can dress confidently all summer long- rather than getting "stuck" halfway through and needing to go shop more. Look for items that can be easily re-accessorized to go from daycare dropoff to a dinner out, or from a playdate to a graduation party.

So....what the heck do you need?? Here is the breakdown on APPAREL pieces that should rotate into your closet during the summer months:

1. My number one recommendation in the summer is finding a great casual dress that has enough versatility to take you from coffee with your girls to a dinner date on a patio. Dresses on their own are a great one-and-done outfit, and if you can find a style that can take you to several different events, you're maximizing your summer wardrobe dollars and closet space. There are soooo many great "athletic" styles that can read very casual at first, but that lean much dressier with a simple swap of jewelry and shoes.

2. Shorts- and I say this as someone who has worn their first pair of shorts in over a decade TWO weeks ago. Finding the right pair for your shape can be daunting- the rise on the waist, the cut of the leg, and the length of the hem are all factors to consider, and can highlight the things that we don't like about our shapes. But finding a great fitting short not only unlocks outfit possibilities and keeps you cool (we need to be honest that cropped jeans are NOT great in 90 degree weather, and trust me I pretended that they were for a long, long time). But they ALSO can spur a level of confidence that adds swag to your step- something we all need, no matter what month of the year it is! Keep in mind: if budget is an issue and you can only get one pair, opt for a darker wash with no/minor distressing or details- this will maximize the tops it pairs with and occasions it can suit.

3. Your BEST tank: this is a style that you feel confident wearing on its own as a stand-alone top. Listen: I know that some of us don't love the tops of our arms (once again raising my hand). The same way I am making the case above for you to free your legs, we need to let our arms breathe when it's peak August heat! Start with an area of your top half that you really like, and find a fit that shows it off; if you love your posture and how your shoulders sit high, a higher-neck racerback is a great option; maybe your decolletage is what you love to show off, then a scoop neck is a great fit; hourglass shapes can highlight their waist with a more fitted style. From there, we want THREE colors: white, black or grey, and your best pop of color.

Nordstrom dress: the most versatile style you can get and quality that will last multiple years, at a great price point. I own in two colors, and dress down with neutral sandals and sneakers, but dresses up really easily. Under $50, it's a no-brainer.

Madewell shorts: a mid-rise flatters most shapes, and the wider leg is flattering for most as well. Madewell has a great selection of various rises and lengths, and their associates are fit experts. So am I...contact me for a consult!!

Loft tank: universally flattering, a basic crewneck with a relaxed fit in a zillion colors. Nautical stripes are on trend year over year!

Of course there is more fun to be had with rompers, fashion tops, skirts, etc.- but if you are seeking to maximize your budget, these can be versatile pieces that you can take you to multiple events with minimal effort. Simply put: the are "must haves".

Now, let's circle back to creating stylish, put-together outfits from relatively simple pieces. If you are living every summer weekend in a tank + shorts combo, or leaning into dresses as a one-stop-outfit-shop...how do you incorporate your individual style flair? How do you elevate summer basics to turn some heads? Fun prints, detailing like pleats, smocking, and ruffles can go far here to add visual interest to your look- but you'll likely sacrifice versatility there.

My best style advice to look cool while the temps are hot is...ACCESSORIES!! Accessories are the most-overlooked part of any closet, but you'll notice on the LGD Essential Wardrobe Checklist they feature heavily. Why?? They are instant outfit-completers, giving a level of polish to literally anything. We do it all year-round, but more than anything, we ACCESSORIZE in the summer to elevate our looks. We do this effectively by breaking down your look into THIRDS, and featuring a piece in each section. You can go big here, but even if you keep the pieces in each third on the quiet side, three thoughtful accessories will guarantee instant polish and turn head- from restaurant patios to target checkout lanes.

1. Top third: shoulders + up. Hats are a fun route to go, but you can also add spice with big, bold earrings or a colorful necklace. Even a simple necklace adds a level of thoughtful detail to your outfit that comes across so stylishly. And please don't forget- sunglasses! Whether you are aiming for a serious pop of fun or stick with classic aviators, there so many great styles at every price point.

2. Middle third: torso. I feel the need to stress how far a simple belt can take your look. When visible, it instantly adds a layer of "my life is together" that all of us want when the soaring temperatures are otherwise melting our brains. Bracelets also feature here. I know you're thinking- my arms are not part of my torso. No, but....when standing, where are your arms? The middle part of your body! A long necklace can also work here as well.

3. Botto third: south of the knees! (Why does it feel weird to just type "feet" here??) Think- fun sneakers, metallic sandals, strappy leather flats...anything more elevated than flip flops. This is also wear I make my case for the anklet- Jennifer Aniston made it essential in the 90's, and there is no reason it should have ever left!

Top third options: Roxanne Assoulin choker, Espacio Popup Shop earrings, Le Specs sunglasses (seriously, the best mid-range sunnie brand out there- Ray Ban quality at 1/4 of the cost), Target packable floppy hat.

Middle third options: Gap belt; Evereve bracelets; WHBM necklace.

Bottom third options: Madewell sneakers, Walmart sandals, Baublebar anklets.

There you have it....your definitive guide to summer dressing!! From shopping guidelines, to must-buys, to the power of accessories, we've covered all the bases to stylishly tackle these warmer months!