Kill the Khakis! (Some Summer Style Tips)

We need some new rules for summer Fridays at the office. Dressing down from Memorial Day to Labor Day has come to mean tossing on a pair of tired frayed khakis and heading out the door. Instead of tossing them on, toss them out! The office fashionista has other options like a cute white denim pencil skirt paired with a cool slim fitting tee or button down. She could also slip into a sleek sleeveless belted sheath dress with a pair of cute flat sandals in a hot color. 

Cropped pants are always appropriate.  Today’s model features a narrower leg than that of a couple of years ago, and they lend a sophisticated, tailored tone to business casual. Wedges, pointy toe flats, espadrilles, or fabulous platform pumps all rock the crops.

Grab a fitted vest and pop it over a longer fitted t-shirt in a contrasting color.  Add a funky beaded necklace. Wear with the pencil skirt, cropped pants, or sleek dark wash jeans.

Speaking of jeans, relegate those faded, torn jeans to clean-the-garage garb. Don’t you dare wear them to work! Invest in a pair of well-fitted (but not skin tight) dark wash jeans.  Skinny or boot cut doesn’t matter, both are current. Pair them with silky, flowy tops tucked into your waistband. And, always wear a belt!  They serve two purposes, to keep your pants up and pull together your look. Just forget about that ancient rule about shoes and belts matching; work the personal style! 

Most important--wear color! We swaddle ourselves in gray and black during the colder months. Summer is the time to bust out in a rainbow of red, yellow, aqua, and green. Choose a lime green bag to wear with your coral dress. Drape an orange scarf over the royal blue tee. Choose a bold print over a dainty one. You'll look gorgeous!

‘Nuff said. There should be enough style tips here to get you through the next eight summer casual Fridays. Call me if you need me!

Don’t Tell Me Your Secrets

Ladies, ladies, ladies!  It’s hot. The air is thick and spongey. Extra layers can be uncomfortable, but it’s kinda important to wear underwear during the summer.  Manage your assets!  Stop the spillage, slippage, and seepage!

We all love strapless—it’s sexy and cool—but make sure that the ta-tas aren’t too-too. If the top of your dress barely contains your gifts, consider buying the next size up or make an adorable fitted lace cami or funky racerback tank your first layer.

Strapless bras don’t have to be those uncomfortable bandeaus that flatten your figure into a uniboob.  Strapless bras that lift and flatter, add or subtract, can be found everywhere at every price point.

If your dress is white or sheer make sure that the color of your undies match your flesh. How many times have I seen fuchsia panties under a white dress?  Eliminate panty lines with a pair of cute boy shorts.  Trust me, they are way more comfortable than fanny floss, and also work well under a slinky knit dress.

Look sleek, not sloppy, in the sizzling heat.  Keep your cool by wearing the right pieces.

A Whiter Shade of Jean

White jeans, the ultimate symbol of summer, are everywhere right now.  I love them--they bring to mind sunny beaches, outdoor concerts at dusk, dining at sidewalk cafes in the city.  Everyone can look cool and stylish in them, but watch those grass stains.  And be careful with that glass of red sangria!

Styles range from simple and skinny to washed and distressed, and can be found at almost any price from bargain priced Old Navy ($15) to the more extravagantly priced True Religion ($275). In between are brands such as 7 for all Mankind ($149), Easy Money ($98), Rock and Republic ($158), and Levi's 542 ($32.99).

Accustomed to the slimming effect of dark wash?  Concerned about fit?  Check out this great guide to finding your perfect look.  And for extra panache, wear the jeans in the fall.

Photo courtesy of thefashionpolice.net.