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Warm weather clothes are the most colorful, fun and creative of all. Winter sweaters are great, but they always get covered up by heavy coats. It’s time to embrace the summer weather and dress accordingly. The best thing about summer clothing is that there are so many options. You can wear shorts, skirts, dresses, T-shirts, tank tops and sandals.
In summer, anything goes. Summer dresses are my favorite article of clothing. They’re light and keep you cool when it’s super hot, while still looking stylish.
They’re the easiest outfit. Instead of worrying about jeans, a top, a matching sweater and all that jazz, you just throw on a dress and you’re good to go. Dresses look dressed up while still being casual. They’re not as sloppy as jeans, but you still look relaxed. Day dresses can also be extended into the evening if you acessorize them with heels, maybe some great wedges, a long cardigan or blazer and lots of jewelry.
A new spin on dresses this season is to wear them with a day scarf — a light, airy scarf, not made from wool. Day scarves add an extra element to your dress, thus creating a complete outfit.
Ruffled dresses are back in a big way and make cotton dresses seem fancier. My favorite dress options for the summer months are white ones, which look fresh, airy and fun and also make you look tan. My summertime wardrobe consists of white dresses with different colored cardigans. T-shirt dresses are gaining popularity and are cool if you’re going for a casual look. Throw a belt and a scarf over them to jazz up your look. I would warn that T-shirt dresses are super-casual and should only be worn in laid-back scenarios. It’s also hard to take T-shirt dresses into eveningwear territory.
Shorts will always be a summer staple. Colored chino material, chambray and dark denim are all good choices. My favorite shorts are madras, a pattern that has boxes of different colored checks. Because shorts tend to be fairly casual, you can dress them up with a cute tank top, with ruffles or a pattern and maybe with a cardigan. If you want to wear heels with shorts, please don’t wear stilettos. Wedges and espadrilles are a better option because they are a bit more classy and refined. Stilettos and shorts screams tacky. Shorts are a good daytime option, because they’re casual and you can just throw them on and go.
Summer shoes are awesome because there are so many options. Flip-flops are the most popular, with rubber versions like Havainnas, and dressed-up versions with ribbon straps, like the ones from J. Crew. Flip-flops are comfy, casual and can be worn with everything. For a more dressed-up look, sandals are next, such as the gladiator styles which emerged a few years ago and have stuck around. New this year are gladiator-style sandals with lots of studs. Studs toughen up any outfit and are a unique twist. Gems and jewels are also on a lot of gladiator sandals this season.
My favorite sandal is the Jack Roger — the official sandal of the prep. They go with everything, and are so cute.
Summer heels are a breath of fresh air from clunky winter shoes. These types include espadrilles, wedges and wooden heels. Espadrilles should not tie-up around your ankle — those are out.
I prefer wooden heels to actually be wood, not look like corkboard. Wedges are perfect because you can wear them during the day without looking trashy. I wish I had a different pair of wedges for every day of the week.
An unexpected option for the summer are flat ankle boots. Combined with a day dress and a scarf, ankle boots make a hippie/rocker-chic outfit that’s youthful and different. Dresses should never be worn with heeled boots, this ruins the laid-back appearance of a day dress.
I have heard women complain that dresses and skirts don’t look good on them — this is a lie. Dresses are a universally flattering article of clothing. They work with every body type, height and shape, and should be embraced by all females. Go buy a ton of dresses and have a great summer.
Bangor Daily News