It's easy to fall into a fashion rut, especially at this time of the year. You've seen all the new spring and summer stuff in the stores, and picked up all the things you need to update your look for a new season. Tunic? Boho-style skirt? Metallic Accents? Covered. Unfortunately wearing your tunic over your boho skirt and completing the look with your new metallic bag is not an option, unless you're going for the fashion victim look.
You're no style slouch, but even the most fashionable person can find herself in desperate need of inspiration. All the "new" trends are starting to feel staid, and this time around it's going to take more than a sparkly shrug to make you feel current. In times like these, hope lies in unlikely places. Sure, this season is all about the bohemian rhapsody, but that wasn't the only look rolling (or should I say walking) down the runway. Lots of designers were doing amazing things by with preppy basics. In a season where abundance ruled, adding a touch of Nantucket chic is an easy (and inexpensive) way to revitalize your look.
Classic white pants are a summer essential. They are also one on the most difficult pieces to work with, and don't exactly have a reputation for being forgiving. (Visible panty lines will never be in style.) However when you add a flowy tunic style top to the equation you've created an amazingly stylish outfit for summer nights. This French Connection tunic provides excellent coverage, but the ties at the waist prevent the top from boxy and unflattering. Keep it simple and polished by adding a white cami, and bright colored accessories for a little extra oomph.
To know a pair of knit gauchos is to love them. Those who've succumbed to the trend understand the sheer joy of wearing something so of the moment, yet so ridiculously comfortable. But they don't have to be your casual wear staple. A fitted blazer, in classic preppy white, allow your gauchos to easily transition from the backyard to the boardroom. Structured shoes are the key to keeping the look work friendly, while bright pink and green accents, and a stunning gold necklace, allow your personal style and creativity to shine through.
FUNKY
When looking for ethnic inspiration, your options are just limited to Indian embellishment and Mexican embroidery. In fact, you don't have to leave this continent to find the perfect piece. Built by Wendy's Dreamweaver top takes its cue from classic Native American Dreamcatchers. But good wishes don't have to follow you to bed. When combined with classic preppy bermudas, you're dreams of the perfect date outfit become a stunning reality. Fringed earrings, black strappies, and a chic clutch ensure that you'll be the only thing on his mind as he drifts off to bed.
Few designers capture preppy elegance better than Kate Spade, and her pieces easily lend themselves to the summer season. A straw bag is a staple for the horsey set, but you can still rock one, even if your summer schedule doesn't include charity polo matches. A cheery summer sundress in a flattering shade of yellow is the perfect addition to Kate's preppy chic bag. Bright coral jeweled sandals and a choker provide just the right amount of "pop" to the look. And for extra dramatic flair finish the look with a wide brimmed floppy straw hat. It adds a touch of mystery and (more importantly) will protect you from the sun.
So you've managed to find the perfect flowy skirt, and it looks great two days a week when paired with a beater and Havianas. But the other five days of the week you have to go to work, and unfortunately even the most fluid definition of "Business Casual" does not include those two items. Your skirt doesn't have to be relegated to the weekends only section of your closet. When paired with that timeless preppy staple, the cardigan, it instantly becomes office appropriate. This version from Lila is so pretty and feminine, and fitted enough that you can skip the cami underneath. Cork wedges in a muted tangerine tone keep the look free and easy, but still perfectly appropriate.
It's easy to overlook the polo. Preppy, basic, and to be honest, boring. But Ralph Lauren's Blue Label version shakes things up by shrinking the size of the polo and supersizing the iconic emblem. For casual bumming around layer it over a purple cami and a gorgeous jersey skirt. (It's the type of thing you'll want to live in as summer wears on.) Wooden bangles, Havaianas, and a cool mesh bag are the perfect finishing touches for creating a look that's simple and comfy, but still fresh and stylish.
~ Ralph Lauren Blue Label Big Poney Skinny Polo $85 www.polo.com
