Favorite Looks: Memorial Day Inspiration

Summer officially kicks off this holiday weekend…woohoo! Picnic season is upon us and that always makes me ridiculously happy, partly because this is when I switch my closet over from winter and transitional looks to summer clothes and it feels like getting a whole new wardrobe. (I ttly recommend doing this even if you love in a place that doesn’t have drastic seasonal changes. Take about half your clothing and set it aside for six months (give or take) and don’t wear it at all. Then, switch out what you’ve been working with and use primarily the items you put aside. It’s such a great perspective-refresher.) And speaking of refreshers ..and refreshments (does that actually make a segue? I’m not sure, but I’m going with it :)), who’s headed to a  picnic this weekend?   I’ve got a fancier-than-usual event on my calendar this year, so while I often go with denim for casual, al fresco meals, this year I’m leaning toward a dress. I love clean, classic colors to kick off the summer, so red, ivory, navy and cobalt are first in my thoughts for color stories.  With the strength of the athleisure trend, a sport-inspired number like this knit piece with its stripe-embellished bottom walks the perfect current-classic line.  Any knee-length knit piece will give you a similar vibe: think cotton terry sheaths, polo dresses or ….. Stay impromptu tennis-match-ready by putting your hair in a pony of any height and adding statement earrings or leave it loose and go jewelry-free.  Keep the look semi-fancy by completing it with flat sandals or wedge espadrilles.  If you’re dreaming of denim for the weekend (and I can’t blame you ;)), consider going with an on-trend denim skirt instead of jeans. Pencil, pleated or A-line: it’s all good, so pick your passion. Get the summer vibe going by topping it with a striped tee or polka dot blouse. Put your hair in a messy bun for a casually polished vibe and finish the look with of-the-moment mules or block-heeled sandals. Thinking you might get drafted to the wiffle-ball team? Got ya covered! Stay competition-ready (or at least look like you are ;)) with track pants.  I love going with brights on the bottom, but neutrals will 100% work too. Keep them from being too laidback by adding a polo shirt on top (leave the top button or two undone for an unstudied air). Alternatively, consider a minimalist bodysuit or a polished tank with a sporty detail (think halter-necks or racerbacks). If yours is a close-fitting silhouette, tuck it in. For a looser-fitting piece, style it with a half-tuck. Finish the look with sneakers. Cute baseball cap (either your own, or stolen…erm “borrowed”)  optional. If you’re craving a dash of shine, go for an oversize metal watch. If you’re not feeling sporty at the moment, get inspired by festival vibes instead: top beige (or any other light neutral) chino shorts with a light-wash denim button-down (chambray and blue oxford-cloth will create similar vibes). Wear it half-tucked for a slouchy look, or knot it high or low for a sexier, 70’s feel. Alternatively, tuck it in with only the lowest-showing button done up and layer a lace (or crochet-detailed) cami underneath. Complete the look with neutral ankle booties and add earthy jewelry: tigers’ eye pieces, pendant necklaces set on silk or leather cords, a leather cuff. Let your hair blow in the wind. I hope this gets your summer-fashion inspiration flowing and that you have a fabulous time at whatever event(s) you’re heading to this weekend. Happy Memorial Day!
                              Thank you to all those who have served or are currently doing so; we honor you!