The definition of ‘Summertime sadness‘ is sitting in an air-conditioned
office, swamped with work, day dreaming about my planned summer holiday in Jeffery’s
Bay, only to realize it’s been almost two months since my last blog post. I’m
starting to think that the hole in my stomach is not hunger or fatigue but
rather an aching need to write about fashion.
As it were, my summer day dreams always start with all
the things I plan to do come December. Summer weddings, museum hoping and
sightseeing, pool parties, cocktails and sundowners and of course hours at the
beach. I have thus put together tips and outfit ideas to inspire your summer daydreams and brighten up your typical summer fete.
For summer 2013 tranquil colours and textures that
conjure up images of the sea are very popular. Shades of turquoise,
gray-blue, and sea salt are all fantastic summer wardrobe choices!
The Beach
If, like me, you’re planning hours in the sun at the
beach then pick your beach outfit like you would fruit—let your eye choose the
most attractive, prettiest hue and it will be the sweetest one. Mix things up a
little by wearing yellow and black—a killer combo for night or day.
When you head for the sand and surf, it doesn't matter
whether you like to show off your curves or hide them, avoid wearing heels to
the beach. There’s a time and a place for high heels. A day at the beach is
never one of them.
No matter how much you love that Prada handbag, there’s
no good reason to lug it to the beach. Go with something lower-brow that you
won’t worry about leaving unattended with your beach towels and sunscreen – a light,
bright summer tote or beach bag will do the trick.
Sunglasses, like sunscreen is a beach absolute, but beware
the raccoon tan lines. Shades that cover half your face have a glamorous look
to them, as though you’re dodging the paparazzi. But wear them all day at the
beach and you might wind up with some regrettable tan lines.
For the perfect beach outfit pair swimsuits in print with
denim shorts and stylish shades; use colorful cover-ups; add a fedora and retro shades for glam; and finish with colored flip flops.
Date Night
Give the LBD a rest when on a summer date. Use warm
weather as an excuse to break out the Brights. A colorful dress is an ideal way
to make a day or evening date a little more glam.
Bright colors like oranges and pinks in a pretty slip
dress will make you stand out in the dark evening hours.
Mix up your evening-wear options with an unforgettable
full-length summer gown. Large floral prints are fun and flirty, but don’t
forget the belt to give yourself some shape.
Be popsicle sweet in a sherbet-hue dress. A mid-length
dress can take you from day (think blazer and scarf) to night, in seconds. When wearing a bold floral dress, pick shoes
and a bag in lighter colors to keep the focus on the frock.
Draw attention to your neckline and gorge face by pairing
a cool necklace with a pretty halter-neck top or dress. Get your shine on by
slipping into a silky dress that hugs you in all the right places. Pick one in
a color that flatters your skin tone or a halter neckline to keep the attention
up top, on your pretty face and fab smile.
For a big night out, try cool colors like swimming-pool
blue and green shorts. They’re a fun way to add some sizzle to your nighttime looks.
Shorts are great for summer days or nights when paired with a relaxed, easy printed
T-shirt and flat sandals or wedges.
Whether it’s your birthday or just a normal summer night out, slip into a sparkly dress the color of stardust for a night of fun and dancing.
Sightseeing
I always spend a whole day sightseeing or museum hoping when
on holiday, and while khaki may work for some tourists, I prefer to stay
stylish and comfortable. Miniskirts and shorts can look very cute for a day of
sightseeing. Team it up with a well fitted t-shirt and belt. Choose footwear
that is comfy and that goes with the look. Flats work great for a casual look, or
even canvas shoes if you want to give it a sporty-casual feel.
Never underestimate the versatility of a little floral
romper. Paired with lilac peep-toe pumps and loose waves, the vibe is
relaxed-chic. Want to go super casual? Try gladiator sandals and a chunky
scarf. The right way to do gladiator sandals is with a short and breezy dress
that gives you enough legroom to run a marathon—or your afternoon itinerary.
Rely on the wear-everywhere shirtdress but keep the look
stress-free with a floppy hat, strappy sandals and a roomy
carries-the-kitchen-sink satchel. A great hat packs a powerful fashion punch
because you can dress a hat up or dress it down
Simple outfits like white tops and blue jeans with some
statement jewelry are perfect for summer sightseeing, add a pair of glam wedges
and you’re good to go.
Pool Party
Wearing a bathing suit isn't a must - try a strapless
romper or maxi dress. Both keep you cool with no strap lines while
hanging out by the pool.
Whether you are cooling off in the shallow end of the
pool, or taking a turn on the water slide, try a simple black bikini, or a patterned
one-piece for cool but appropriate look (leave the Brazilian/Angolan cut
at home, no one needs to see that while eating a sosatie).
As the afternoon sets in, pop on a white tank and cutoffs over
your suit for a relaxed and comfortable sit down at the food table. .
Black and white is huge this summer and print is a season
must. Add wedges and playful jewelry to make a pool party outfit complete. But
let’s be frank here - please don’t go swimming in heels and jewelry, but for
the initial meet and greet it’s a good idea to be a bit more pulled together,
especially if you’re at a year-end function. When the time comes to jump
in and make a splash, pack away your pretty heels and jewelry…that’s what the
giant tote or straw bag is for.
Summer Wedding
This being the prime season for nuptials, you may
probably be heading to a summer wedding.
It may not be your special day, but that doesn't mean you don’t deserve
to look gorgeous. The problem is that dressing for a summer wedding can be
tricky. Here are some basic Dos and Don’ts compliments of the Budget Fashionista:
Do
- Wear summer colors like turquoise, melon, strawberry, and green
- Wear cute pumps and/or sandals for an inside wedding/reception
- Wear a solid colour like black or navy (with color) to an evening
wedding
Don’t
- Wear white, unless the bride requests it.
- Wear black to an afternoon/morning wedding. Pick something colorful
- Wear heels for an outside wedding/reception (your heel with get stuck in the
grass)
- Wear ultra low cut dresses, short-short dresses, shorts. If you wouldn't want
your grandma to see you in it, then don’t wear it.
It may be summer, but that’s not an excuse to wear shorts
and a tank top to a wedding. While others may wear jeans to their friend’s
special day, a fashionista doesn't stray from decorum. Show the bride and groom
that you understand the importance of their wedding and dress up.
That said weddings now have color themes, so if the invite is red and blue, you
may not want to wear that color because the bride and bridesmaids will probably
be wearing something of that hue.
Because you’re probably wearing a light, breezy dress,
you should also go light on the jewelry and makeup. Cumbersome baubles look
awkward with an airy ensemble, so trade your chandelier earrings for pearls or
studs. A little bling goes a long way in the summer time. Keep it light, and
you’ll look and feel better.
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