OUTFITS TO TRY BEFORE JULY
how to: Sizzle during summer, stun on the sidewalks, and strut on the sand.
Summer is right around the corner. It’s getting hotter, the leaves have turned a pretty bright green, and the girls are wearing skirts again, thank god. With this being said, it can be tough to actually get through the sizzling summer and hot sand while trying to appear trendy and fashionable while also trying to not sweat through your clothes. I am as much of a Sex and the City fan as the next fashion-obsessed woman, but Carrie's hotter-month outfits are not always realistic for a truly sweltering summer.
white & flowy will keep you cool.
Stick to linens and cotton if you want to be able to breathe this summer. You’ll feel cooler in lighter-colored clothing because dark clothing absorbs more sunlight and converts it into heat. This is due to a phenomenon called albedo, where light colors reflect more sunlight and thus stay cooler, while dark colors absorb more sunlight and trap heat. A set is a dangerously easy way to look put together when you’re really not. They’re so easy to throw on and dress up or down. Accessorizing with brown, gold or turquoise will really bring that summery feel home.
go sexy. go sheer.
This could be a controversial take outside of beach attire, but I am a total sheer advocate. Having the guts to defy societal standards and actually wear it in public sans saltwater and sand is impressive in it of itself, so styling sheer isn’t even the actual hard part. Underneath sheer: for skirts, I really favor a bikini or mini-short type of undergarment. For tops, I truly respect some girlies’ decision to free the nip — though for me, a larger-chested gal — that is something I don’t have the guts for. I personally prefer a bralette, light cami, or even bikini top (sometimes they’re honestly cuter than bralettes) underneath a sheer moment. I am actually still learning how to style sheer tops myself in ways I feel comfortable and confident. I will keep you updated.
babydoll, doll.
Say what you want, but I think a babydoll silhouette is more than flattering on any body and everybody. I particularly enjoy a babydoll dress paired with cowgirl boots or wedged flip-flops, but loafers for a more professional look or heels for a girly, flirty one will also do the trick. It is such a versatile item to have in your closet, and better yet — comfortable. If you want to go a more modest route, you can also pair a babydoll with jorts or even jeans underneath and make it look and feel like a tunic. Though they need no embellishment or accessory, it’s always fun to add some jewelry (I particularly love wearing stones or crystals with them for a super feminine vibe. Too cute!).
capris with your caprese
I am sick and tired of the capri hate. I get it, they’re not very conventional nowadays, but they are just ADORABLE. It’s a quick and easy way of giving your leggies some extra breeze, and they leave room to show off your cute shoes (and anklets). I absolutely adore outfits #2 and #3 here, giving the silhouette some fun and uniqueness with material and pattern that you don’t really see as much anymore. I think we need to bring capris back with no shame. Free the shin!
So don’t forget to carry water around with you and wear sunscreen.
Because when you’re walking around in any of these suggestions, you’ll have everyone else melting, too. Also, melanoma isn’t cute. Why has everyone been normalizing burning their skin to a crisp recently? Like let’s not actively try to look like raisins in our old age. Point being: look hot, feel hot, just don’t choose to burn.
