Extra Casual Summer Wear…Not a.k.a. Sloppy, Skimpy or Boring

This is it.  The column that’s for really casual offices (see also Smart Casual for Summer…From Intern to Boss), weekend errands, casual date nights and the like.

First, I discovered I have a lot to say about extra casual summer.  If you’ve read a few blog posts, this will likely come as no surprise.  But for some reason, it always surprises me…

• I don’t like tissue-weight tees, a.k.a. slub material.  It’s entirely possible that it’s because I don’t think I can wear it, but whatever the case, I don’t like it.
• Steer clear of plain tee-shirts because there are way too many cute items with ruffles, beaded embellishments and prints.
• Speaking of cute tops…if you have a big bust, be careful with the shirred necklines (they look like they’re pleated).  I know this is supposed to camouflage, but it actually creates some weird affect that emphasizes size and separation of the girls.
• I did not include shorts in here, but personally, I think women over the age of 30 and definitely over 35 should strongly consider an inseam in the 7″ – 9″ range.  Be careful that they don’t cover your knees.
• Wear more jewelry.  Even if I’m just running up to Target, I throw on a necklace.  Wood, matte beads, dull metals, acrylic – these are all great casual accessories.
• I always like to have a top layer – a 3/4 or short sleeve cardigan is a great essential.
• No one wants to see your bra straps…no matter how cute and colorful they are.  I don’t understand why they make tops that don’t cover these.  And this does not give you permission to NOT wear a bra.
• Athletic sandals, Crocs, amphibious shoes, etc. are not for offices, date nights, girls nights or family bbqs.  They are for your backyard, garden or for very specific events that require specific functionality.
• Great breathable fabrics for summer include cotton, linen and silk.  Poly blends are not summer friendly.  In fact, make an effort to weed out the poly blends all together because most cotton items have stretch.
• If I see a skort that I’d recommend, I’ll let you know.  There was a time I thought they were OK.  That time has yet to return.
• Just because a store sells it does not mean you (or anyone else) should buy and wear it.
• There are some amazing local jewelry designers and a plethora of local art fairs this summer.  As your style becomes clear, you’ll know when to invest in a piece you’ll want to wear every day.

Are you ready for the goods?  I have four segments – denim, relaxed pants, skirts and dresses – for petites, average and plus sizes.  I tried to stick with lower cost items as much as possible so you’ll see a lot from Target, Old Navy, Kohl’s and Gap.

All of these items are available to shop through my Wishpot page.  In the event you can’t find something, feel free to ask and I’ll make sure you find what you’re looking for.

Denim

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I paired each denim look with a printed top to increase the value of the outfit.  A solid sweater keeps the outfit casual, as do simple necklaces in complementary colors.

A fun flat – in a ballet, flip-flop or semi-gladiator – is a perfect way to add personality to the look.

And make sure to switch to a lighter weight denim for summer.  There are a lot of great trouser denims that are lightweight and slightly dressier than regular denim.

Shop these items (from top to bottom):

• Tops: Liberty of London for Target Ruffle Tank-Fairford, Liberty of London for Target Ruffle Tank Sixty, Merona Red/White Split-Neck Sleeveless Tee
• Sweaters: Gap pocket cardigan (available in petite and regular), Old Navy Perfect Cropped Cardigan
• Necklaces: Forever 21 Ornate Ball Necklace, Land’s End Chunky Horn Link Necklace, Ann Taylor LOFT 2-Strand Blue Stone Necklace
• Jeans: Ann Taylor LOFT Modern Slim Leg, Gap Slim Cropped Denim Pants, Nordstrom Kenneth Cole NY Metro Jeans
• Shoes: Target Mossimo Mustard Odell Ballet Flat, Endless DVF Zahara Thong, Target Mossimo Bronze Penelope Sequin Sandal

Relaxed Pants

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Cotton pants in different colors can be cooler than denim and give you a more relaxed look.  Just make sure you don’t cross the line into sloppy!  This means that if you wear linen, make sure it’s not too baggy and that it’s neatly pressed.  And stay away from unfitted drawstring pants as they will make the front and the back look dumpy.

The ruffled elements on each top are a feminine contrast to the relaxed pants.  Keep in mind that if you have a relaxed pant, you’ll definitely want a fitted top.

A geometric necklace adds texture too each look.  And an embellished sandal or flip-flop is an excellent way to add personality.

You can swap out any of the pants shown here with a skirt or a short.

Shop these items (from top to bottom):

• Tops: Merona Flutter Neck Top, Old Navy Ruffle-Trim Henley, Old Navy Flutter-Sleeve V-Neck Tee
• Necklaces: Target Wood Circle Jute Necklace, Kohl’s Daisy Fuentes Jet-Tone Multi-Hoop Necklace, Kohl’s Sonoma Beaded Necklace
• Pants: Ann Taylor LOFT Marisa Chino, Old Navy Wide-Leg Pants, Old Navy White Flared-Leg Jeans
• Shoes: Miss Trish of Capri for Target Lizard Sandal, Nordstrom Jeffrey Campbell Nena 2 Sandal, Gap Leather Flip-Flop
  

Skirts

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I cheated by using all denim skirts.  The thing is, this is not a year with a ton of GOOD casual skirt choices. At least not online.

With that excuse, I chose a variety of solid or simple tops to pair with the skirts.  A micro stripe is just fine for any size, in my opinion.  A plain tee with a little ruffle at the neck is perfect casual.  And a drapey top helps hide some of the challenging areas.

Add in fun with a colorful necklace and shoe. Try not to be too matchy-matchy with colors.  As you keep experimenting here, it will get easier.  Trust me!

Shop these items (from top to bottom):

• Tops: Kohl’s Chaps Striped Henley, Gap Ruffle Henley Tee, Old Navy Cowl-Neck Top
• Necklaces: Old Navy Beaded Fashion Necklace, Forever 21 Multi-Tiered Celebrations Necklace, Urban Outfitters Nautical Wood Ring Necklace
  
• Skirts: Target Merona Refined Denim Skirt, Kohl’s Dana Buchman Denim Skirt, Nordstrom Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Tummy Tuck Emma Pencil Skirt
• Shoes: Target Mossimo Yellow Opal Peep Toe, Target Muk Luks Sophia Fairisle Wedge, Macy’s Unlisted Get A Grip Sandals

Dresses

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I will admit that I don’t own much for casual dresses…yet.  As my style has been evolving, I started with the dressy category and have been working my way down.

There are some great choices out there this year so I plan to stock up and there are so many amazing local women that inspire.

These dress selections are some of the best at a lower price point.  Add a belt to give the dress a little structure and to show everyone where your waist is.  Incorporate a necklace and definitely try a casual wedge heel to play up your legs.

Shop these items (from top to bottom):

• Dresses: Kohl’s Simply Vera Wang Gathered Dress, Old Navy Cabana Sundress, Old Navy Shirred Tank Dress
• Belts: Old Navy Perforated Leather Belt, Kohl’s Relic Woven Braided Belt, Fashion Bug Perforated Floral Belt
• Necklaces: Kohl’s Sonoma Beaded Multi-Strand Necklace, Kohl’s Simply Vera Wang Beaded Necklace, Forever 21 Beaded Wooden Necklace
• Shoes: Endless Nine West Must-see Sandal, Endless Jessica Simpson Daria Espadrille, Endless Annie Odele Wedge

Other *highly* recommended summer reading:

• Fabuliss Helps Marcie Get Comfy for Spring & Summer… Featuring Land’s End
• Me and Capris…I Love ‘Em, I Hate ‘Em
• Capris, Part 2…Shop For These, Not Those
• SummerOfDresses.com

I know summer is tricky, especially if you feel safe in long sleeves and layers.  If you want help shedding the dark colors and getting into brights and short sleeves, Fabuliss can help!

Contact me at hello@fabuliss.com and we can start by talking about your style questions, challenges and/or aspirations.

Experimenting with the World of Prints…7 Deadly Mistakes and a Three-Phased Approach

Blog reader and Fabuliss friend, Emily, asked about how to brave the world of prints.

It can be scary, especially when you’re used to solids and dressing in monochrome palettes.

So first, let’s review 7 deadly mistakes to avoid.

1. This dress is only appropriate if you’re 8 years old.  It’s too short, the pattern doesn’t do the body any justice and I dislike the harsh contrast of the black top and bright skirt.
2. There is way too much happening, from the pattern to the uneven hem.  Only wear this if you want people to remember the skirt and not you.
3. I don’t know if someone still has inventory from the 1990s or if they think this look is coming back.  Whatever the case, it’s a dated look.
4. This skirt has nothing going for it.  The print is too big and swooshy.  The cut is too roomy.  The length is extremely unflattering.  And I strongly dislike that it’s paired with a white t-shirt and shoes that cut off any chance of lengthening the leg.
5. I kind of like the print pattern but this dress makes the model look like she is 2/3 rectangle – from the squared off neck line to the shapeless cut of the dress.
6. The tiers on this skirt are likely meant to be “interesting” but instead make this already busy print even more chaotic.  And unless you’re tall and lean, this length will likely not work for you.
7. The print, the neck/belt details, the fabric and the cut of this dress are frumpy and emphasize low budget.  You can do MUCH better.

With those deadly mistakes out of the way, I recommend a three-phased approach for experimenting with the world of prints.

See below for ideas, including pieces for regular and plus sizes and featuring one of my favorite basics from Land’s End – the fine gauge ruffle cardigan.  A variety of colors are offered in petite, regular and plus sizes.

STEP 1: Beginner Patterns and Colors

If you’re new to prints, start out with a small, simple pattern or a print with a light contrast.  I personally like basic, geometric prints that aren’t consumed with fussy details.

• The structured and fitted Anne Klein sheath dress on the left is officially an animal print, but it’s a quiet take on an animal print.
• On the right, the abstract pattern on The Limited’s dart waistband pencil skirt provides a hint of color and pattern without screaming PATTERN.

Pair either of these pieces with a jacket from Lane Bryant (left) or The Limited (right) for work or events.  The pretty Land’s End cardigan adds a splash of color while muting the pattern.

STEP 2: Turn Up the Volume

Once you’re comfortable wearing a simple print, try something with a bolder color or pattern.  Again, keep the details on the prints to a minimum.

• In general, I like the rule that a pattern/print element should not be larger than one’s fist.  In the case of the dress on the left, this black and white sundress from JCPenney works because the large print is sparse.
• The bolder color of the a-line skirt on the right from Nordstrom is offset with a flirty, summery pattern.  This skirt can easily go from work to happy hour.

Pair the dress or skirt with a jacket from Nordstrom (left) or Ann Taylor LOFT (right) for a dressy day.  Swap either of these jackets out with a white denim jacket and jewels for date night or go bold with a yellow cardigan.

STEP 3: Stop Traffic

When you’ve successfully completed steps 1 and 2 without incident and you’re craving more, it’s time to go for traffic-stopping bold colors and prints.

• This watercolor patterned skirt on the left from Macy’s might be a little on the fussy side.  But it’s contemporary because of the bold colors and it’s classic pencil shape.
• The sheath dress on the right, available from Kohl’s, is a great example of a less expensive dress.  It’s a classic cut with an a-line skirt, a contemporary pattern and a pop of color for the waist.

Pair the skirt with a fitted denim jacket (left) and the dress with a linen jacket from Kohl’s (right).  And of course, both items would go great with a cherry-colored cardigan.

In general, I agree with the shoe selections each skirt/dress is pictured  with, which are heels to add shape to the legs.  Go with a wedge if a plain heel is too uncomfortable and bring a pair of cute flats if you want to give you feet a break.

If you want personalized help picking out prints and pairing them with different layers and accessories, Fabuliss can help!  Contact me at hello@fabuliss.com to get started.

Capris, Part 2…Shop For These, Not Those

Thank you to Fabuliss blog reader, Lynn, who asked for ideas about where to find more flattering capris with flare.  I suggested this flared style in a previous post, where I showed off my own capris.

In general, capris will be more flattering when they mimic the shape of the leg.  A tapered, a relaxed fit or a balloon-like fit with a cinched bottom will not flatter nearly as much as a fitted capri.

Additionally, if the shape follows the curves of the leg, length should not be an issue.  They can be short or to the ankle.

And make sure that the capris are just as flattering from the side as they are from the front.  They should show the shape of the leg and not straight lines or an upside-down triangle.

Before you see some great examples of capris, let’s look at examples of what capris to stay away from, and why.

Note: these comments can be applied to all types of crops and capris – from dressy to athletic.

Avoid: Too baggy or too tight

Neither of these looks is flattering regardless of whether you’re a size 0 or a size 20.

• On the left, this is the equivalent of a mom jean with the high waist, tucked in shirt and non-existent leg curves.
• In the middle, this relaxed, slightly tapered look (classic JJill) looks sloppy and implies a march larger shape.
• On the right, you can see that too tight – especially in a light color – is a disaster.

Avoid: Too much.  Period.

Again, it doesn’t matter what size you are.  If there’s too much happening, it just doesn’t work.

• On the left, all the ties and extra material make the skinny model look like she has no shape.
• In the middle, the whiskering and fading, plus the shapeless leg, is a classic case of people seeing your clothes and not you.
• And on the right, all the stitching plus small pockets and a strange length does not flatter.

OK, now that we’ve reviewed what doesn’t work, let’s look at some fine examples of what does work for regular, petite and plus sizes.

Do: Casual denim

These denim examples show off those gorgeous legs!  Dark denim with minimal styling/embellishment is always preferred for a universally more flattering look.

Pair these (and all capris/crops) with a wedge heel to give your curves even more shape – especially your calves.  If you’re buying stretch denim, always opt for a tighter fit in the seat and thigh because they’ll stretch with wear.

• Regular: CJ by Cookie Johnson ‘Mercy’ Crop Jeans (Cosmos Wash), Nordstrom, $117
• Petite: Style & Co. Petite Jeans, Tummy Control Bling Capri Rinse Wash, Macy’s, $44
• Plus: Tommy Hilfiger, Cropped Angela Wash, Macy’s, $69.50

Do: Colorful casual

If you’re looking for a lighter fabric than denim, try a casual capri in a color.  Look for fabrics like poplin or a lightweight stretch cotton.

A metallic or colored sandal or peep toe wedge works well with these color and white options.

• Regular: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Tummy Tuck Capri Jeans, Nordstrom, $79
• Petite: DKNY Petite Jeans, Soho Cuffed Capri White Wash, Macy’s, $49
• Plus: Pedal Pushers with Asymmetrical Cuffs, Lane Bryant, $49.50

Do: Dress it up

Capris can be a great summer alternative to pants (if acceptable in your workplace) and a more casual alternative to skirts.

Despite all of these examples being black or navy, a dressy capri can also come in a color like white or green.  Look for fabrics like sateen cotton, linen/silk blend or wool crepe.  You want them to drape nicely while showing off those fabulous curves!

Pair them with a pump or heeled sandal to top off the dressy tone.

• Regular: Exclusively Misook Button Detail Crop Knit Pants, Nordstrom, $230
• Petite: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Aglaia Stretch Sateen Ankle, Macy’s, $69.50
• Plus: Style & Co. Skinny Cuffed Capri, Macy’s, $52

If you need help picking out capris, pairing them with the rest of your closet or help building your summer wardrobe, Fabuliss can help!  Learn more at Fabuliss.com, where you can sign up for special offers via the eNewsletter, or contact me at hello@fabuliss.com.