Aww summer, my favorite time of the year. I love waking up early in the morning, drinking coffee( cream please!)  enjoying the bright sunshine and fresh air. And With summer comes fashion freedom! What do I mean by fashion freedom? I mean you can wear chic tank tops and racerback dresses without trying to find a suitable cardigan or sweater to cover it. It means sundresses and shorts with peeptoe pumps. Then at night you can still wear a nice summer sweater to walk around the lake on a cool summer night. Right now it is April; however June will be here before you know it! With that being said, I want to make sure your wardrobe is prepared with Summer Essentials!

Colored and printed Denim and Pants

By now you know that colored and printed denim and pants are a trend. I love them for summer because what better time is there to be bold with fashion than summer. Clothes are usually brighter and more fun this time of the year. Always keep in mind your body type when choosing patterns and colors. As a general rule do a large print on a small frame and small print on a large frame. The large print will help to add curves on thin legs and the small print will help minimize a more curvaceous figure. You can read more about it in my previous blog Pants-Beyond the Blue.

These work great on all body types. The straight cut helps elongate a curvy figure.

Broken-In Straight Khakis  $49.95 Gap.com

Best on thin body type- note these jeans run small

Second Skin Jean by: Cheap Monday $65.00 Piperlime.com

Neutral colored Tank Tops and Camis.

A neutral colored tank or cami goes great with a multitude of outfits.Tank tops work great with;low-cut dresses, sheer top, low-cut shirts etc. A high quality tank also works well under a lightweight cardigan or button-down. Another similar under garment is the bandeau top it works great with shirts and dresses that aren’t always bra friendly.

Perfect Fit Tank $14.50 J.Crew.com

Shorts and Skirts

When purchasing shorts and skirts be very mindful of length and body type. I believe that dressing for your body type will make or break your look when it comes to shorts and skirts. As a general rule I don’t think wearing super short versions of either look good on anyone. Bermuda Shorts are classic and sophisticated and look great on almost all body types. A midi skirt is on-trend and universally flattering because of length. An  A-line skirt hides  wide hips and a large bottom and creates hips and a bottom for thin girls that don’t have them.

Factory Classic Bermuda Shorts $32.50 J.Crew.com More colors available!

Eileen Fisher Linen Skirt $198.00 Nordstrom.com

Maxi and Midi Dress

A maxi or midi dress can be dressed up for a night out or made casual with flats. I find nothing wrong with owning more than one!

Rachel Pally Blanca Dress $229.00 Shopbop.com

I love the back detail on this dress! Add a pullover on those cool summer nights.

Black and Nude Pumps

Pumps are a classic wardrobe item that can complete almost any outfit.

Super Chic pumps!

Steve Madden Dejavu Pump $129.95 Nordstrom.com

Flats

When I say flats I mean; gladiator sandals, boat shoes, loafers and ballet flats.

Felipa $40.00 Aldo.com

CroquetL by Steve Madden Piperlime.com

Hilser $50.00 Aldo.com

Sandals

Wedges,peeptoe,slinky, platform,espadrille etc. These are all good choices have at least one of them. To learn more about this season’s best shoes read my previous blog-Put a Spring in your Step!

Limbo Suede Strappy Platforms $130.00 Topshop.com

Leggings

One pair of classic black leggings and a tunic top!

Splendid Stretch Cotton Leggings $56.00 Nordstrom.com

Vince Boat Neck Tunic $140.00 Shopbop.com

LBD

The Little Black Dress-should be in your closet year round.

Factory Solid Tank Dress $49.50 J.Crew.com

Factory workday dress in superfine cotton $78.00-$118.00 J.Crew.com

Summer Sweater

Great for a breezy day or night! I would have a cardigan and pullover on hand.

Selita Pullover by Velvet by Graham & Spencer $119.00 Piperlime.com

Zip Up Cardigan $19.80 Forever21.com

Tee Shirts

A striped tee and plain tee of high quality will help make numerous outfits!

Stripe dolman-sleeve tee $29.50 J.Crew.com

Mercer V-Neck Pocket T $19.95 Gap.com Tons more colors!

 

Handbag

Kiss Lock Suede Clutch $24.80 Forever21.com

Have a clutch for night and large structured bag for day.

Small Wilson $348.00 Dooney.com Dimensions: L 14" W 6" H 10.5"

Blazer

A black blazer adds just the right touch to dresses,shorts,pants and denim when you want your outfit to have that extra oomph! If you have extra funds in your summer wardrobe budget try a colored or striped blazer or both!

Bop Basics Draped Jacket $248.00 Shopbop.com This jacket comes in more colors!

 

 

Well those are my Summer Essentials! These are the things I would be sure to have to make sure you are ahead of the game for summer!

P.S.

Accessories help with the mixing and matching of these basics.

Until next time, have a great day!

 

By Latrenda of Ruby Madison LLC

Copyright 2012. All information is the creative property of Ruby Madison LLC, it is not to be used or duplicated without permission from the owner.