For me, summer is about two things: looking great but also feeling great by staying as cool as possible. Admittedly, the two don't always go hand in hand because when temps start rising, clothing has a tendency of, well, sticking, to put it bluntly.
And because there is nothing less attractive then sweat spots on your clothing, I’ve got one of the easiest (and chicest) ways to tick both of my summer style goals: a flirty and breezy blouse! Forget what you may be picturing in your mind when you utter the word 'blouse.’ We're talking loose fitting, fashionable, and downright flattering tops that will keep you cool and let you look amazing no matter what your weather app may be reporting.
Gorgeous in Gingham
Who doesn't love a little gingham in their life? Now, it's important to get this print right, because some of the cheaper and less high-quality versions of the pattern can have you venturing into picnic blanket territory. Get it right, however, and you’ll look perfectly polished for your all of your favorite summertime shenanigans.
I love the flared bottom on Nina's top, which helps to hide that lurking back sweat, and a wider sleeve like the poet cut on this checked Sonia Rykiel blouse will help cover any sins that you simply don't want people to see. Paired with a chic pair of white ripped jeans or linen pants, and you'll be looking darrrrling!
Photo Credit: The Law Of Fashion
@NinaErin18
1. FRAME Distressed Jeans 2. SONIA RYKIEL Checked Top 3. RAG & BONE Straw Hat 4. KENDRA SCOTT Cuff Bracelet 5. MEL BOTERI Harbor Grey Python Leather Espadrille Ellis Mini Tote 6. DAVID YURMAN Bracelet 7. DAVID YURMAN Ring 8. SAM EDELMAN Sandals
Casual Crop Top
The great thing about the modern day crop top is that it is cut so that most of us can actually pull it off. Team a low fitting cropped top with a high-waisted pair of pants and you're showing just a slither of skin, which you can easily pass off as a flat washboard stomach!
This baby blue crop is ideal for those who want to be stylish and chic at the same time, and again, white on the bottom half is the best way to rock this summer look.
Photo Credit: Elegant Edge
@ElegantEdge
1. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Flared Pants 2. T BY ALEXANDER WANG Cropped Shirt 3. BALMAIN Blazer 4. GENTLE MONSTER Sunglasses 5. CRISTABELLE Pearl Double Stud Earrings 6. MEL BOTERI Taupe Snake Print Emmy Convertible Clutch 7. GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Platform Sandals
Ruffles
Finally, we have the trend that never seems to go away, and quite frankly don't want them to leave my fashion domain anytime soon either! Ruffles are ever classy and ever stylish and when you get them just right, they can look amazing. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and fitted to balance the extra fabric and really make the ruffles stand out.
A ruffled blouse is a fantastic way to stay cool because it keeps material away from your skin and hides any imperfections. This gorgeous, one-shoulder ruffle top ticks many a trend boxes, whilst also being super-cool for warmer days.
Photo Credit: Awed By Monica
@AwedByMoni
1. DION LEE Wide-leg Pants 2. SELF-PORTRAIT Ruffled Shirt 3. GUCCI Square Sunglasses 4. TISSOT Bracelet Watch 5. MEL BOTERI Denim Snake, Suede Leather Cara Envelope Clutch 6. DAVID YURMAN Link Bracelet 7. ALEXANDRE BIRMAN Sandals
Staying cool in the summer isn't about showing excessive amounts of skin. It's about knowing how to dress and what materials to use.
I'm also a fond believer that accessories can make or break your look, so next week we'll be discussing fun ways to accessorize your summertime outfits.
See you then!!