Summer Wardrobe Essentials
Posted on May 8th, 2008 by Kori in Fashion TrendsWelcome to our site. If you like what you see why not subscribe to our RSS feed. You can also help us by bookmarking this page with the Share This icon above or at the end of the post. Follow us on Twitter. Thanks for visiting!
As the weather changes, fashions change dramatically too. Gone are sweaters, wool suits and dark colors in favor of cotton dresses, capri pants and bright colors. It’s fun to update your wardrobe every season, but it’s not usually fiscally possible. This summer, instead of completely overhauling your wardrobe altogether, buy just few versatile dresses, tops and bottoms, then add key accessories to keep your look updated with the latest trends.
Accessories can make or break your look. You can add glitz to a basic black dress, color to a neutral outfit or funk to a conservative ensemble by choosing the right accessories.
Here are a few of our favorite accessories for summer.
Floral Print Shoes
A pair of floral print sandals or pumps will add a little pizazz to any outfit. Flowery shoes can spice up a pair of jeans, a summer dress or just about anything else you are wearing this summer.
Betseyville Victoria Wedge
This wedge espadrille features a white floral pattern that is lots of fun. These shoes have a little bit of funk to them with their ankle wrap design. What’s great about Betseyville shoes is they are not only feminine and flirty, but also quite affordable. You can get these shoes for $78.99 from Heels.com.
Dolce & Gabbana Poppy Print Pump
This modern looking shoe from Dolce & Gabbana features a bold red and white poppy print. The patent leather trim, white platform and black 4 1/4-inch heel make these pumps a very chic choice. These shoes are definitely a luxury buy at $499 from Zappos.com.
Naughty Monkey Scribble Dibbel
The Naughty Monkey peep-toe d’Orsay pumps feature floral stitched fabric accented with a big red leather and gold buckle. The stacked wood heel is a nice contrast to the rest of this very feminine shoe. You can order these flirty floral shoes at Heels.com for $74.99.
Layered Necklaces
The hottest jewelry trend right now is layering necklaces of various lengths and styles. You can layers simple chains with chunky pendants and big colorful beaded necklaces. Jewelry with tribal or safari elements is extremely popular. These necklaces from Forever 21 are very inexpensive but also very stylish.
Coiled Tribal Necklace
Assorted beads and antique finished coils come together to create this simple yet fashionable necklace. You can’t beat the price - this tribal necklace is just $7.80.
Stones and Bead Necklace
This short necklace features a variety of different colorful stones and beads for a very bold look. You can couple this necklace with longer strings of beads for a layered look. This necklace is under $7.
Aqua Bead Necklace
Blue beaded necklaces are perfect for warm weather months. This necklace combines faceted beads with antique metal hardware. Wear it with everything from jeans to a summer dress.
If you are looking to spend a little more on a statement piece of jewelry this season, select a necklace from your local fine jewelry store or one of the many online shops. Here are couple of our favorite necklaces priced over $500 each.
John Hardy Round Pendant Necklace
This gorgeous necklace from John Hardy features an amazing pendant with a diamond center. This necklace is priced at $1,195 from Nordstrom. If you really want to splurge, pair it with this John Hardy cuff bracelet. Both of these pieces combine 18K gold, along with silver.
14k Gold Sapphire & Diamond Toggle Necklace
If you have a lot of money to spend (or a sugar daddy), check out this gorgeous sapphire and diamond necklace at Macy’s. This stunning necklace features pear-shaped sapphires combined with round-cut diamonds, which are set in 14K gold. This necklace is available right now for $4,000 at Macys.com.
Patent Leather Clutch
Oversized handbags have been all the rage for quite a while now. This summer, kick the big bag habit by buying a bright patent leather clutch.
Get a bag that is big enough to hold your essentials - makeup bag, keys, wallet and cell phone. You don’t need much of anything else.
Patent leather clutch bags are available in an array of wonderful bright colors from fire engine red to sunny yellow. If you are a little shy about wearing brightly colored dresses or tops, a bold bag is an easy way to add a big splash of color to your wardrobe.
Here are a couple bright clutches that you will love.
Alfani Genova Patent Frame Clutch
This clutch comes in red, hot pink, white or black imitation patent leather. The style is simple, but the glossy patent adds high glamour. This economical bag is on sale at Macy’s for under $70.
Cole Haan Elly Patent Clutch
This Cole Haan bag features Blueberry or Claret Red patent leather. This chic bag is the perfect complement to everything from a fun, casual dress to a formal evening gown. This bag is $250 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Christian Louboutin Patent Bow Clutch
This high end bag is available in an assortment of colors from fuchsia to nude. If you are looking for a splurge purchase, this is a fantastic option. This gorgeous clutch is $910 at Neiman Marcus.
Summer Makeup & More
Now that you have your wardrobe under control, you should consider your skincare, haircare and makeup routines as well. With the warmer weather, you should take a look at the beauty products you are using. In the summer, you shouldn’t wear the same heavy moisturizer that you use in the winter. You still need to moisturize daily, but choose lighter products. Be sure to always use sunscreen. Fortunately many moisturizers, powders and foundations have built in sunscreen.
You can also wear a lot less makeup in the summer. Consider a tinted moisturizer or powder foundation rather than a heavy liquid foundation. Lighter eyeshadow and lipcolor is more popular in the warm weather months, as well. Skip the eyeliner and just add one coat of brown mascara.
For your hair, consider going a shade or two lighter in the summertime or add highlights to your hair. Get your color touched up and your hair cut every six weeks for ideal results.
Get fit! Exercise daily to stay in swimsuit shape this summer. A combination of aerobic activity, along with weight training will keep you in tip top shape. Also, keep your skin and the rest of your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
