how to wear: 15 items, 20+ summer looks – part 2
June 10, 2011 
9 Comments
What 15 items should you have in your closet to create a multitude of outfits with? Well, part 1 of this series covered the first 4 items and today I’m adding 5 more. Here they are:
5. White jeans. White jeans aren’t as sheer as other white pants and can easily work for business casual or the weekend – just make sure to still wear a nude thong underneath! (oh, the things I’ve seen!) These James Jeans slim bootcuts ($163) are known to make your butt look good due to their pocket placement. Plus, they have an 8.5″ rise.
6. Lightweight cardigan. This seafoam-colored draped linen cardigan ($69.50) is 100% soft linen and it’s perfect for work or play. It’s pretty gorgeous in person and if you’re near a Banana Republic store it’s worth checking out. You can wear this with the khaki pants from the 1st post, the white jeans, and much more — it’s that versatile. It also comes in a nice soft white.
7. A neutral-colored knit. Anything goes here as far as style but here I show a crochet sleeveless top in a stretch cotton by Maggie Ward ($198). The crochet detail is a big trend right now and can be worn sheer for a hot date out but probably best with a nude or white tank underneath.
8. Hat. A cool, straw fedora hat ($45) looks good on a lot of women and this one is the best I’ve seen and tried on. It’s perfect for those bad hair days or for channeling your inner hipness. The color shown looks great on cool skin and cool-eyed gals. The olive color is fantastic on those with warm skin and eyes.
9. Print top. You just can’t go through the warm months without wearing some prints! From stripes to graphical prints to florals, there is a print for everyone. This silk striped top ($195) shown is by Cynthia Steffe (pronounced STEF-EE) and works great alone or underneath that cardigan. If you’re petite, Nordstroms has a Halogen floral top ($58) that works really well with this set.
Total Outfits = 10: 5+7+8; 5+6+7+8; 5+8+9; 5+6+9; 5+9+2; 5+7+4; 3+9; 3+7+4; 3+1+6+8; 3+6+7
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With the 3 eclipses happening this month, realignment is in the air! To take advantage of this energy, I’ve decided to launch a 21-day makeover challenge! Join me for $125 and you’ll receive daily emails directly from me that will guide you in refocusing your style.
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Will the crochet tank be out of season next year or could you see this for a longer time working in someones wardrobe?
I think it’s a great modern version in a sophisticated color so it will last for many seasons.
I am so excited to see this post. I purchased my first pair of white pants ever for this season and also found an adorable fedora that I have received lots of compliments on. I have recently lost over 50 lbs. and have just a few more to go to my goal. I have been trying to not spend too much on new things until I get to my goal, but just couldn’t pass up some of the cute new trends that I feel fabulous in! Thanks for this post!
So, I’m trying to follow your suggestions here–I’m moving to another state this summer and need to be ready for casual as well as more formal interview situations and will need to start building a whole new social circle–and I’m eagerly awaiting part 3… Anytime soon?
I’m just another reader here, but wanted to say “congratulations!!” to Maria. What a wonderful accomplishment.
I love this and can’t wait for part 3 ! I live in hot, humid south so sometimes even lt weight cardigans and jackets are not an option- leaving the tanks and tops looking like an “unfinished outfit.” Any tips?
I have broad shoulders and strong arms, including biceps which are not unfeminine, but are larger than most. Usually, in order to have a top fit me, I am forced to buy a size so large that it then makes me look bigger around the middle than I truly am. I wear a size 8 from the waist down, but usually need a 12 to be comfortable on top. This is a problem with fitted tops like the knit you show here, but it is sometimes even worse with tops that are already flow-y or ruffly. Any suggestions of styles, cuts, materials or prints/patterns which might minimize that issue? [PS-You tweeted 2 weeks ago that part 3 would be "tomorrow"; anytime soon?]
Is there any chance that part 3 of the Summer Wardrobe series will be added soon?
Well, I Googled and didn’t find an obituary… so she’s not dead!
Perhaps we’re going to skip the rest of the summer wardrobe suggestions and just go into fall or winter?