There’s an ease to summer fashions that ‘s all about comfort isn’t there? You know what I mean, right?  I’m talking about some simple pieces which can be thrown on when the weather is hot, but still allow us to look cool and stylish. Summer dressing is all about color, texture and accessories. Ditch the ill fitting baggy t-shirts, the oversized cargo shorts, and save those for your next camping trip okay?  This week we’re going to take a look at surefire ways to rev up your style as the mercury rises. Last year in the heat of the summer, I attended an outdoor fashion show in downtown Chicago at Daley Plaza. The looks being shown were pretty much pieces any gal could wear just by mixing and matching. If you don’t have any of the items I’ll be describing here in this post, now might be the time to start pulling together some bits and pieces that fit the bill so-to-speak, from the Goodwill in your neighborhood, for starters … and then let the summer fun begin!

The maxi dress is a staple of style in the warmer months. They can be dressed up for evening, or worn with flip flops for running errands around town, and then on to the barbecue at your neighbor’s home. This one in a black-and-white abstract print is a flattering cut, which skims the hips and brings attention to the décolletage. A must have!

A sundress is simplicity at its best! Cool cotton which shows a little skin with your shoulders and arms exposed is a great choice. The subtle paisley print here is a good foil to the very trendy platform sandal she’s sporting with it. The studded handbag in a light yellow just screams summer!

Everyone wears shorts, and the higher waistline of these is a perfect match for the amount of leg shown. What I really like is the colorful wrap tunic top in an abstract print silk. She made this look more city appropriate by pairing it with black leather ankle strap shoes and a leather shoulder bag in a deep purple. It would look totally different with casual sandals, and a fabric tote bag.

The trapeze dress fits at the shoulder and then falls away from the body for a flowing effect. This one in color blocks of periwinkle and magenta is a bold statement, but the cut of the dress makes it a little more casual. The chunky necklace and gold strappy sandals make this a little dressier.

A strapless dress like this cotton one with a ruched and elasticized panel in the back helps it not only stay up, but it also shapes the bustline. Word to the wise: make sure you have a great strapless bra for strapless tops and dresses!  She has coordinated this tropical print dress with a leather shoulder bag in an interesting shade of pink that doesn’t exactly match, but doesn’t detract either.

Tank tops and tee shirts should be scrutinized in the same way as any other clothing item you might purchase.  Ask yourself if it has any cool details, like the white one with the draped bodice, or if it has a phrase or saying you really believe in on it. What I love about this picture is that we see also two types of short shorts; the distressed look on the left, and the dark wash cuffed on the right.  Both girls wear Chuck Taylor-type sneakers in one of the hottest trends this summer, the white tennis shoe!!

Accessories abound, but how about some wedges like these from Nicole Miller? What I really love here is the striped fabric on the wedge and the print on the straps. Jute accents make this shoe feel a little bit on the nautical side too!

A statement necklace (or two, or three) are always a smart bet when the weather heats up, and more skin is exposed.  They help to fill in the bare area, and add interest to whatever you’re wearing. This black one, again by Nicole Miller has a tribal feeling and would work with so many things because of its color. The spikes and the rough hewn nature of the beads make it unique and one of a kind.

A floppy hat that’s woven of raffia, or some other natural straw, is another of the must haves. It protects you from the harm of the sun, and like I always say, “I don’t believe in bad hair days, but I do believe in good hats!”  

Now that you’ve seen summer fashion at its finest, maybe you need to take inventory of your own closet or dresser to see where your style could use a little boost. Goodwill is a great intro to trends you might be unfamiliar with, or when you’re just needing to refresh and renew the mix you already have going on.  Either way you look at it, you’re going to help our mission, and for that we thank you!