While summer has many perks, I am a firm believer that its seasonal clothing is not one of them. Not only does the heat discourage anything besides short shorts and too small T-shirts, but whole styles and trends are disregarded as well. Leather and combat boots are locked away until fall to make room for festival inspired looks full of skin tight clothing and a wide array of colors.
Don’t get me wrong—after experiencing the -20 degree windchill that Madison, Wisconsin is famous for, I have come to appreciate the ability to throw on a dress and comfortably head outside. However, after that feeling of relief diminishes, I am left with the realization that I am wearing something almost identical to every girl that passes me on the street. Maybe it’s just me, but I think originality seems to disappear in the summertime.
Sure, individual style still exists, but only to a certain degree- someone who loves distressed denim and flannels will be hard-pressed in the summertime to find an outfit that expresses their style. When bright colors, florals and flouncy dresses are the only thing being sold in stores, it is easy to feel as if you’re getting lost in the crowd.
That’s why I was super excited when this Fashionista showed up to our dinner date looking absolutely fabulous. I thought she was able to embody a summertime look perfectly without losing her individual style. She was able to avoid looking too preppy in white denim by choosing a pair of jeans that were incredibly distressed. These jeans perfectly counteract her floral tank top: the contrast between the two prevents the shirt from looking overwhelmingly girly. Her handbag, which channels a funky utility look with all of its buckles and straps, adds a nice splash of bold color that is perfect for summertime.
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “When I wear something with a lot of detail, like these jeans, I make sure that the rest of my outfit is much more subtle. That way, I can guarantee that the aspect of my outfit that I love is what people focus on.”
