Summer Styles

My last blog post was about summer neutrals. And as much as I love neutrals, it's always good to have some color here and there. So, I've put together two outfits that still have a neutral component to them, but they both have a pop of color- one more than the other. So here we go!

For this look, our neutral is a bright white paired with some different shades of blue. Here, the color of blue isn't too much, and by adding a blue bag it balances out the whites and blues, not making it look like there is more of one color than the other. Though sometimes bright colors like this blue can overtake or be too much for a look, in this one it does not because of the spacing on the top. Because the top has a design of blue and white, it nicely transitions to the shorts seamlessly. If the top were to be solid blue with no white and no print, it would definitely would be a big color chop and might make you look boxy just because of the cut off. But, since this top has a print, and is a mixture of white and blue, it easily can be paired with a neutral bottom without looking to overwhelming. Throw on a cute summer sandal and their you have a summery look!

The bag I paired it with is my blue Henri Bendel bag. I really love that this bag is on smaller side and that is has a cross body strap as well. It's perfect to use all day walking around town or if you're going out for a lunch/occasion you can always ditch the cross body strap and there you have a more formal look. It's totally up to you and what you prefer, but buying a bag that comes with a strap will make it more versatile and you will most likely get more use out of it.

Finally, I always like to add some simple jewelry as a finishing touch. Here, I am wearing mostly gold, but my watch band is gold/silver. It's hard to see in this picture but you should be able to tell in some of my other ones. I am also wearing a dainty gold necklace from Dogeared, a pair of gold hoops from Amazon, and a gold ring that I received as a birthday gift. You often don't need that many pieces to add a little sparkle. Sometimes, overdoing it with the jewelry can come off as try-hard (sorry someone had to say it). Also, don't be afraid to wear gold/silver together, you can always mix metals because they are neutrals. I personally like to wear gold because I think it's more flattering on me, but that doesn't mean I would stray away from a silver piece if I thought it complemented my outfit well.

Details from outfit #1: top- Banana Republic, shorts- Gap, shoes- & Other Stories, bag- Henri Bendel, watch- Omega, necklace- Dogeared, hoops- Amazon, ring- gifted

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For my next outfit, it goes back to more neutrals, but there is a pop of color with my bag! If you prefer to keep your look on the softer side, you can always bring some energy to it with a colorful accessory, and using a handbag is a perfect example.

As you can see here, the colors are very light nudes, beiges, and whites. For a pop of color, I added this bag. Because it has that rim of white around it, it really complements the colors of the clothing. Though this red is very bright, because of the white outlining, it softens it up and goes perfect with the blazer and shorts. Side note: these shorts are the same ones from my first look, I love finding ways to style the same item differently, it helps get the best use out of it!

This bag is actually really unique, so I think that I would pair it with a more neutral outfit anyways, because it is more of a statement piece. It's actually an old cigar box that was transformed into a bag. The lady that makes them creates each one differently so they are one of a kind! What makes it even more special is that my Dad got it for me at an auction- I know I was surprised too. Also, the back has a cheetah pattern on it, so in a sense it can be worn two different ways.

Again, finding items with versatility will only benefit you in the long run so that you can get more use out of your items. I really lucked out with my Dad choosing this bag for me, and I'm super thankful that it can be worn in more than just one way!

Details from outfit #2: Blazer- Topshop, shorts- Gap, shoes- Nine West , jewelry- same as outfit #1, bag- Darling Clutch Company

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Thanks everyone for reading! I hope your quarantine is going well, and you are staying safe.

Until next time,

Mags