With spring coming to a close, it’s time to start focusing on the upcoming season of sun dresses and floppy hats: summer. Summer is no longer on the horizon; it’s within reach. What we need are quality items that will stand the test of time and look great. These essentials will definitely get you through the event filled summer months. It’s time to start shopping for your summer fashion must-haves.

A Sun Hat; Whether you plan on spending those seemingly endless days touring new territory or lounging poolside, you’ll definitely need one of these. Even though sunglasses are great, a sun hat will protect against UV rays. You don’t want a straw hat that looks like it belonged to your grandmother. Go for something stylish. Your sun hat will keep you safe from the sun and you’ll look great.

Midi Skirts and Maxi Dresses; Not just any maxi dress, but one that is convertible. For during the day, pair it with sandals and the classic updo. When you get that last-minute event invite, throw on your coveted pair of heels and let your hair down. Instantly, you’re ready for whatever lies ahead.

Print; Add dimension and colour to your wardrobe with prints, specifically print pants. It’s an ongoing summer trend that shows no signs of stopping. Print shoes, dresses, and even swimwear. There’s an endless selection of ways to rock this trend.

What are some of your fashion must-haves?

originally published for blog.luevo.com

The saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. As the days get warmer, get ready to start seeing more florals. While there is nothing new about the feminine trend, the style was serious on the runway and got a major update for the new season. The trend was seen on almost every runway and has been transformed into red carpet looks. Look around and you will find florals on everything from shoes to blazers. Florals make anything look chic, feminine, and fabulous.

Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking. – Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada

This response will live on, but will continue to be proven wrong time and time again. It’s time to start embracing florals, seeing as the trend is showing no signs of going anywhere. Print dresses, shoes, swimwear, and even accessories. There’s an endless selection of ways to rock this trend.

What’s a better way to say goodbye to the dark spring days than stepping into bright floral outfits? If you’re the type to not usually wear florals, ease into the trend. Start by carrying a floral clutch or opt for a pair of floral shoes, if you’re daring. Like the flowers around you, slowly blossom into the trend. Before you know it, you’ll be embracing the floral trend with all the items you already have in your closet.

To make florals look modern and chic, pair simple outfits with an eye catching floral pieces. The bold floral colours will pop when paired with a simple white or neutral item and some candy-coloured accessories. To avoid looking too over done, limit your accessories.

You almost can’t go wrong when it comes to embracing this trend. Floral dresses scream summer and warm weather. They’re feminine and can be dressed up and made edgy. Pair it with neutral jewelry and shoes. The dress will speak for itself and get all the attention.

Floral dresses give off a fun summer vibe and can be worn anywhere and for just about any occasion. Not sure about buying that floral dress and want to stick to a mainly casual and simple look? A floral jacket or blazer will instantly transform basic white blouse and skirt combo into a stylish look.

Don’t go for the head-to-toe floral look. All those basic wardrobe essentials you already own (classic white shirt) can be worn with florals. Pair a floral top with a pair of white pants and a basic bag. All the attention will be on your top. For a more formal look (for work) a white blouse and standard purse will tone down the bold colours of a floral skirt. When in doubt, neutrals will always be safest.

Enjoy and embrace the floral trend for spring and summer. It’s all about having fun with fashion. This is probably why the floral trend is one that is here to stay.

Photography credits unknown // originally published for blog.luevo.com

We are 19 days into Fall and just like a new year, most have been saying “It’s time for a new you.” People are quite loose with that statement. The things that people say they’re going to do, never get completed. One thing that most people struggle with and find hard is how to shop for yourself. Both women and men find it tough to find clothing for their specific body type and others have a hard time deciphering what looks good on them. Whether it be fit, style or color. Everyone is different and clothes fit everyone differently. Here are a few tips that will help you find items that suit your body type, flatter what needs to be flattered, and make you a better and more confident you. The clothing you wear can place you under a negative light or a positive one before you introduce yourself to people.

Most of the time, people are concerned with the style of clothes they wear and whether or not they are in style. Thus ignoring the most important factor; fit. The fit of anything that you wear needs to be taken into more consideration than style and colors. You could be wearing the most glamorous piece of clothing and have it fit wrong, making you look ridiculous. To add to this, you may also look cheap and you just don’t want that.

Now a days, people try to squeeze themselves into smaller sizes. You buy cardigans that don’t button up and pants that are too small just to say that you’re a certain size clothing. Style is often what people look for when buying clothing. Just because something is trendy, doesn’t mean that it will flatter you. Figure out who you are and what you like to wear. Do you want to be conservative or do you prefer to be formal instead of casual? You age should be brought into consideration also. All your clothes should be age appropriate. Fashion should always be associated with form and function but it should also go with the environment.

When shopping, you need to remember that you’re looking for items that will help speak for you. Your clothes will tell the world who you are. You should always dress in ways that show people who you are, that you have a sense of style and that you respect yourself. 

Photography credits unknown

What makes great style? Being yourself. With this post, you’ll learn new ways to develop or improve your distinct look. This includes learning how to buy items that highlight your assets, how to make the most of your current wardrobe, and why you don’t need to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks!

Before trying to find your style, you need to figure out who you are as a person. What do you like to wear? Do you dress conservatively or prefer formal wear over casual? Think about your age. Your clothes should be age appropriate. Fashion should be associated with function and form, but it should also fit with your environment. Ponder how you want to present yourself to the world.

Get inspired. Find a model or a celebrity who best captures the look you would like to follow. Search fashion magazines to find photos of your style icons. Cut out photos and place them into an inspiration binder or board in your room to inspire you. Don’t copy their style. Try to find elements from their style. Think of it as using their look to help create your own. Inspiration can come from anywhere.

What is your favourite part of your body? Choose clothes that highlight your best assets. For example, if you have beautiful hazel eyes, show them off by wearing eye shadow that will make them pop! Never-ending legs deserve to be seen in dresses and shorts. Dress to match your body shape.

Look through your closet. A look through your current closet can help you learn more about your style; what you love about it and what you want to change. You can get a sense of what you are most comfortable wearing (long flowing dresses, skirts, or tracksuits). Have a look at colours, as well as accessories and shoes. Change a few things. Don’t try to reinvent your entire closet. Instead, try to update it. Bring in some items that reflect your new style. Try some jewelry, a new pair of shoes or accessories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new things. Shop in stores you’ve never shopped in before, like a designer boutique (if you can afford it). You might discover that taking risks with clothing will improve your style.

To save money, update what you already have. Have a pair of old jeans? Roll them up and turn them into Capri pants or shorts. Reinvent an old dress with a new belt. Change is great, but try to keep your closet composed of some constructed pieces. Have some classic staple items that you can mix and match to give you more for your money.

Keep in your comfort zone. Do you prefer to wear flats over heels? Then go for it! It’s completely fine. Don’t hurt your feet in heels when you’d rather be in flats. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Not sure what makes you comfortable? Pick out your favourite items from your closet and ask yourself why you like them.

Remember to have fun with finding your fashion persona, and absolutely nothing says you like being true to yourself. You don’t need to own designer items to express your style. Sweatpants and a T-shirt can be fashionable; if you feel comfortable wearing them and pick the right style. Go for comfortable and wear what works for you.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND A MILLION BUCKS TO LOOK LIKE A MILLION BUCKS.

originally published for inexpensivechic.com