In the land locked Midwest, a cottage by the sea is a dream vacation for many of us. Not that we’re complaining about our 1,001 lakes or anything like that. It’s just that the idea of surf and sand, and all that they entail almost certainly seems a little out of our reach where we reside, or is it? Taking cues from those long walks on the beach and adding the colors of the sky reflected on glimmering water to your wardrobe can be a good start towards fabulous summer fashion. Let’s see what bits and pieces we can scavenge from this salty trend that make it accessible to everyone no matter where we actually live. The purest elements of style can always rise to the crest of the fashion wave, and here they are.

The seaside summer fashion season is all about feeling the blues. Not literally, but figuratively. Bright and clear blues like Cerulean, Royal, and Teal are the lightweight antidote to the richer and deeper blues of fall and winter. The blues of the sea have a shimmering effect when paired with neutral pieces. Trapeze tops, tunics, and loose button downs take on a breezy feeling if done in silk, chiffon, and light and airy cottons. Vibrant blue maxi dresses, sundresses, shorts, skirts, and slacks, can also work magic on the warm weather wardrobe you build this summer.  These sorts of blues have a little green in them and are a universal color for almost everyone of every ethnicity and complexion. They can range from soft pastels to bold Mediterranean blue, so look for the colors that suit you best. 

The other factor we can’t forget is the perfect foil to all the blue, and that is sandy beige or tan. Just like there are different colors of sand on beaches, so there are variations of this earthy color.  What also comes to mind should be the texture that sand evokes. That is why burlap bags, hemp sandals, and other rough-hewn accessories add balance to all the breezy fabrics and light as the sky blues. This is why I always suggest looking for a great pair of shorts, Capri’s or slacks in a sandstone color khaki or linen.  They look perfect with just about any top, and allow you to go crazy with color. It helps to ground them and place focus and emphasis on the other pieces of the outfit.

Beachcombing has always been an enjoyable pastime for summer fun. It also serves as inspiration for a lot of jewelry and accessories. Starfish pendants earrings and the like have been around forever and always look chic. Beach glass necklaces and earrings or even faux versions strung on leather cord, jute, or chains add a whimsical touch to anything and everything you might wear.  Macramé has also made a surprising return with the incoming tide of style, as hand knotted friendship bracelets, and shell decorated jute necklaces get swept into fashion once again.   

Great ideas are always fun to share, and I encourage you to “comb” the racks and bins at your favorite Goodwill store to find some “see-worthy” additions to your family’s summer wardrobe requirements.  The best bonus of all is that you’ll feel “just beachy” when you save money as well as support our mission!