As much as we want to hang onto summer, it's time to admit fall is just around the corner — and that's not a bad thing! We can't wait to soak in the fall foliage, pick apples for some well deserved pie, and smell the warm scents of chimney fires as people start to cozy up for the winter. Our style gets cozy, too — sweaters and leggings and boots... oh my! Plus cute pea coats, scarves, hats, gloves... the possibilities are endless. So don't fret, fashionistas, sweater weather opens up a whole new season of stylish potential. Get excited!
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Feeling lazy today? Did you eat a little too much pasta last night and wake up bloated? We feel you, fashionistas, which is why we're dedicating this week's post to the ever-wonderful baggy tee. Baggy t-shirt, you ask? Doesn't that mean spending the day in bed? It could, but if you dress up a baggy tee the right way, you can achieve casual comfort polished with put-together class. Think baggy t-shirt with a loose cardigan, then balanced with leggings and sleek flats. Try that same tee with fitted jeans, a blazer and gladiators, over dress pants and heels, or paired with a maxi skirt. Make the look even crisper with the right accessories: bangles, statement rings, belts, earrings or a headband will surround your baggy tee in a way that ensures you're comfy while making you feel dressed up and ready for whatever your day has in store. You've got your sunscreen, towel, a good book, and your bathing suit. You're all ready to hit the sand and surf, but wait — what do you wear for the trip there? Your coverup ensemble for the time spent in between the beach and your hotel is a magical one, a fleeting moment where the rules of fashion go lax and you can basically wear whatever you want because it's going to come off very soon to reveal your real outfit: the swimsuit. Whether decide to go ultra casual or slightly sleek, whether you throw on a sarong, a baggy tee, a cute skirt or a sundress, there's more freedom from your everyday garb. Who cares if your dress is a little too short, if your choose wild colors and patterns, or if you pair those high-waisted shorts with your bathing suit top instead of a real shirt? So we dare you, fashionistas, to embrace that fleeting sweet spot and as dress-up time the next time you're headed to the beach, and give your swimsuit an extra edge of creative sass. Searching for a quick way to jazz up your everyday look? Why not swap your normal purse out for a fun, eye-catching option? Summer calls for all kinds of bags — think oversized purses, dainty crossbodies, beach bags, overnight duffels for weekend getaways — so the possibilities are endless! Make a statement with an easy pop of color and personality for instant summer swag, from casual tee-and-jean-shorts ensembles to your cutest wedding-season dresses. Plus, you'll be forced to clean out your usual purse, so you'll feel extra light and summery :)
In need of a fashion makeover? This doesn't always mean buying new clothes. Why not try reworking some of your tried and true favorites as a fun DIY project, or bring old items to your local tailor for a spruced up transformation? Hem an old tee or tank into an easy-breezy crop top for the steamy summer months, revamp old, baggy T-shirts into snazzy blouses, cut old pants into shorts, make long blazers into cropped jackets for a summertime soiree, or convert floor-length skirts or dresses into adorable minis. The possibilities are endless, so let's get creative, fashionistas! For steamy summer days stick to lightweight, airy fabrics. Cotton's fibers are naturally hollow in the center, allowing it to absorb and release perspiration, and making it ideal fabric for your summertime style. Linen is another great choice. An efficient conductor of heat, it helps you keep your easy-breezy cool on the hottest midsummer days. Then there’s silk, whose natural breathability and cooling properties make it another lovely option, while our easy dry cleaning service here at NO. 9 makes cleaning a breeze. So don’t get stuck in the heat — keep cool, be cool.
We've all seen them — those big, floppy sun hats and snazzy straw fedoras that hit the stores this time of year. Do you love them from afar, but never quite have the guts to try them out? Now's your chance to make a statement, fashionistas! Summer is the perfect time to mix up your style and try something new. Adding a hat instantly changes the look and feel of skirts, dresses and blouses you've worn a hundred times before. Plus, they protect you from the sun, pair perfectly with sunglasses for movie-star glam, and look extra nice bobbing around the farmers' market or lounging through a lazy beach afternoon. From felt to straw, adorned with ribbon, bows, flowers and more — hats are here to save the day, dolling up any cute summertime ensemble!
So you've packed smart for vacation — versatile pieces that work in multiple outfits, a couple pairs of shoes that go with everything, some sexy ruched bathing suits — and you're ready to hit the beach. But wait. What do you wear on the plane (or in the car, or on the bus)? You don't want to wear sweats, but you do want to be comfortable in the face of often-uncomfortable travel situations. Keep last week's tip in mind: if you have bulky clothing items like sweaters and boots that will take up half your suitcase, wear them on the plane. Sundresses are also an easy, breezy way to travel — comfortable, stylish and easy to move in. Just add a cardigan as a quick layer combat airport air conditioning. Leggings are a great alternative, since they're ultra comfy and super sleek when paired with an oversized tee and baggy sweater. If you're going with shorts or jeans, make sure they're one of your more breathable, flexible pairs. Boots, chic sneaks or flats will keep your feet happy. Leave the wedges and stilettos in your suitcase. Bon voyage, fashionistas!
So you want to look great on vacation and wear something different every day, but you don't want to pack your whole wardrobe. What's a girl to do? Whether you're preparing for a weekend getaway or a couple weeks at the coast, follow a few key tips to pack lightly without sacrificing style, and keep extra suitcase room for those souvenirs and vacation goodies you'll pick up while away. First off, remember: comfort is key, so dress like yourself. Vacations might tempt you to try a new look, but don't stray too far from your tried-and-true style. Otherwise, you'll also waste space on clothes you won't feel comfortable wearing. Also: roll your clothes instead of folding them, and rather than packing those bulky-yet-necessary items, wear them to the airport to save suitcase space. Make sure each article of clothing works in at least three different outfits: • Dresses are great because they're comfy, take up minimal space, and can be dressed up or down to fit nearly any situation. • Pack just a few staple bottoms that can be paired with multiple shirts. Think one great skirt, your most versatile and flattering jeans, and one or two pairs of shorts. • Be prepared for any temperature by packing tops that can be layered so you can add or remove as needed — tank tops, fitted tees and cardigans can be paired with your staple bottoms. • Stick with easy-care, breathable fabrics like cotton in basic, solid colors that are easy to mix and match, adding one or two color or pattern pops. • It's easy to overdo it on the shoes, but they eat up space and weight. Don’t pack a pair of shoes unless you can mix them into at least three or four of your outfits. One pair of color-neutral (think black, tan or silver) stylish flats can go a long way, while a pair of strappy sandals will dress your feet up for nighttime fun. Throw in a pair of sneakers or some flip flips for the pool, but only if you know you'll wear them. • Jewelry and accessories don't take a lot of room to pack, so you can add several necklaces, bracelets and scarves to your bag to spruce up any neutral ensemble. Throw in a pair or two of diva sunglasses and you're ready to go. See you at the beach, fashionistas! What does your summer shoe collection look like? Sandal possibilities extend far beyond flip flops (though these are certainly a beach bum's best friend!). Try wedges for a fancy dinner out, neutral T-strap flats for a casual day of shopping, or brightly colored gladiators for an extra snazzy edge. The shape of your shoe should compliment your outfit. So be conscious of your feet — they have the power to pull your look together, or pull it apart. Once again, the cutest shoes are not always the best ones for you feet. Stay away from hard, flat soles, opting instead for flexible bottoms and arch support to walk through summer in comfy-chic style! |
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AuthorFashion Know-How is written by Alyson Lincoln McHugh, owner of No. 9 Boutique in downtown Montpelier, VT. Hear Fashion Know-How every Saturday at 7:50 a.m. on WDEV. |