I believe in having a core wardrobe of closet staples and adding fun and interest to it with seasonal trends. No I am not going to, nor am I going to recommend you switch out all your skinny jeans for flares, toss your flats for sneakers, or teach a DIY on how to turn all your tee shirts into the hottest runway trend. You can keep the styles and silhouettes you love but still update your look for the current season by adding a couple trends that appeal to you. None of the current trends jive with your personal style? That doesn’t mean you can’t be chic; nothing is more chic than know yourself and dressing for your soul! But for those who want some ideas, here’s my favorite ways to easily update your wardrobe for this spring and summer!
Off the Shoulder or Cold Shoulder Top
As I mentioned in this post, I was anti-cold shoulder for a very long time. It seemed like a hokey way to show skin while still being able to wear a standard bra or not show too much skin. But the trend has grown on me, and for the very reasons I found it hokey. A flash of shoulder can be quire sexy without being revealing; it can add a dressiness to a simple knit, and add drama to a basic sweater.
This is a trend that can go south quite quickly. It’s important to wear what you think works on your figure, not grab a cold shoulder top just because it’s the current trend. As a curvy woman, I expected a looser top with the cold shoulder detail would be more flattering but it looked sloppy and oversized. I’ve found a thicker knit and a more tailored shape is more flattering. Since this is a trend that can look slouchy, I recommend going with a more saturated color and substantial fabric so the effect is purposeful and polished.
Shop Cold Shoulder and Off the Shoulder Tops:
If you’re comfortable with a strapless bra, the off the shoulder trend (with or without spaghetti straps for a bit of stability) is also quite stylish this summer. Again, it’s a way to show some skin without exposing too much and is a great trend for those who aren’t comfortable showing their arms but want some summer ventilation. This trend is great in breezy fabrics like cotton, linen, and voile. Style such a top with a slimmer pant to balance the volume; with dresses a longer necklace and flat sandals will balance the look . Also check out ‘Bardot' tops which are more fitted knit off the shoulder pieces that beautifully update last summer's midi skirts and make a pair of basic chino shorts look fashionable.
Shop Cold Shoulder and Off the Shoulder Dresses:
Gladiator Sandal
Looking for a flat sandal that doesn’t look frumpy? The gladiator is still rocking it this spring and summer, but it’s far more wearable than the styles from previous seasons that laced up your legs. These have the multiple straps which provide more support than a slide or flip flop, but still offer air flow and a lightweight feel that's perfect for everything from floaty sundresses to ankle jeans.
For versatility and figure flattery, look for one that is close to your skintone, or consider a metallic which goes with most everything. This is also a style where you can carry off a funky print or material which will mix with other patterns quite nicely. This is a great shoe style for wide and narrow feet alike since the shoe can be adjusted by the center lace, and many comfort brands have made versions in a variety of widths. I purchased these in gold, but below are some other styles that have caught my eye.
Shop My Picks for Gladiator Sandals:
Sneakers
Oh it is so lovely when trends incorporate comfort! For another spring and summer, switching out sandals and flats for a pair of athletic-inspired shoes is fashionable! While the slip-on style has continued its popularity, this season is about classic athletic shoes coming back en vogue – The Nike Cortez, Adidas Stan Smiths and Superstars, classic Vans hi– and low-top lace-ups, hi– and low-top Converse One Stars (AKA ‘Chucks'), and Jack Purcells.
My Picks for Athletic Shoes for Everyday:
Also on the scene are luxe sneakers – classic styles in soft leather, metallics, or part of designer and artist collaborations. These are not only comfortable but steal the spotlight and make an outfit.
My Picks for Luxe Athletic Shoes:
With these shoes, don't be afraid to style them with the unexpected. Sure they look great with jeans and shorts, but sneakers also look great with shift dresses, pencil skirts, feminine midi skirts, and crisp slim ankle pants. Be sure to wear no-see-um socks (I'm a fan of these from Smartwool) to keep the look clean and modern. And unlike how it was cool to rock well worn and weathered sneakers back in the '90s, now it's chic to keep them fresh and pristine.
Scarves and Bandanas
Scarves are a perennially chic way to complete a look, but this year the look is less classic and more… dare I say rock star? Classic silk squares folded and tied into a choker, either with the knot hidden in back or double looped with a tiny knot in front. Bandanas worn cowboy style, choker style, or tied loosely at the throat. Skinny long scarves replicating ties loosened at the end of a long day, hanging under shirt collars or glamming up tees. Sure, your paisley silk squares, oversized voile oblongs, and tasseled shawl-like scarves are still in style, but consider going a bit more casual, disheveled… a bit more rock star this season. Pair with everything from tees and jeans to shirtdresses, off the shoulder shifts, and crisp white button-fronts.
My Picks for Casual Scarves:
Delicate Jewelry
While a statement necklace is always a fun way to add color and interest to a look, the past few seasons jewelery has gotten smaller, more personal, and layered. Instead of one chunky necklace, consider two or three gold chains of varying lengths with small charms on them that mean something to you. Many retailers are offering personalized charms and icons like elephants, wishbones, horseshoes, and shapes of your state so these necklaces can be totems or better represent your life and personality. As I mentioned in this post, Etsy is a great place to find such necklaces with shorter or longer chains to flatter your specific figure and personal style.
Shop My Picks for Delicate Necklaces:
Along with this, other jewelry has taken this trend. Small delicate earrings… but in multiple holes and little cuffs. Small delicate rings… but on multiple fingers and even multiple knuckles. Delicate bracelets, but instead of the intense ‘arm party' of a couple years ago, choose three or four that mix a skinny bangle with a lightweight chain with small beads or braided floss. For those looking for gifts, these bracelets and necklaces make wonderful presents and come in a broad variety of pricepoints.
Shop My Picks for Delicate Rings, Earrings, and Bracelets:
Chambray and Denim with Denim
Denim on denim is not going away, if anything it’s gaining momentum and brands are have better offerings to achieve this look with style and polish. The key to not looking dated is to have the denims contrast. White denim is a perfect choice this season as it looks great with anything from dark rinse to super faded and distressed denim. Consider a white jean in any silhouette (skinnies are still stylish, bootcuts are back, a straight cut is always on trend, flares and wide legs are back on the scene, and we haven’t yet tired of the boyfriend/girlfriend trend) and pair with a denim or chambray shirt, shell, or vest. Denim skirts are back; pair a dark wash with a lighter chambray shirt or a distressed pencil with a darker denim shirt (these skirts also look great with everything from band tees to Breton tops, boho-inspired tanks to collar-popped polos).
Denim doesn’t have to be just 100% cotton dungarees; tencel, linen, and modal make lightweight and drapey dupes for denim. Chambray is also chic and is a breezy alternative that works well for shirtdresses, wide-leg pants, and tunics.
Let the denim take the spotlight and keep your accessories neutral with tan, camel, or your shade of nude shoes, bags, and belts. While it’s tempting to go Southwest with silver and turquoise jewelry, consider switching it up with some delicate gold necklaces and thin bracelets and rings.
The Nude(ish) Lip
This season’s lipstick trend may be giving you flashbacks to the ‘90s. That decade is inspiration this season, with the return of bodysuits, choker necklaces, and matte lips in shades closer to brown than pink.
Unlike the ‘90s where Revlon’s Toast of New York and Chanel’s Vamp reigned supreme, 2016 is about a lip that is more mauve than berry, more taupe than tan. Like the desaturated minimalistic looks taking over your Instagram feed, this season’s lip is cool, neutral, and slightly unnatural looking. This look is great come summer with a bit of a (faux) tan, some bronzer, a touch of mascara and little else.
Liquid lipsticks are hot right now, and give that matte finish without drying out your lips. However, for those of us who find an ultra-matte finish aging or unflattering, a semi-matte lipstick or crayon can offer a similar yet softer effect. For a subtle version of this trend, I have been wearing Bite Beauty’s lipstick in Chai. The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder has a series of lipsticks called The Barest Lip Color which is a balm and lipstick hybrid and comes in six wearable nude shades. Maybelline New York Lip Studio Color Blur Lip Color in Plum Please is a cream matte pencil with a built-in smudger for a chic stain look; tarte’s Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in TBT is a brownish-mauve long-wearing liquid lipstick that won’t turn your lips to chalk; HOURGLASS has a line of crayons called Femme Nude Lip Stylo that are anti-feathering and give the nude trend without drying or being too in your face.
Shop My Picks for Nude-ish Lipcolors:
The Orange Pout
If a bold lip is your signature, consider switching from red or pink to a warmer shade. Orange lips have been a summer trend for a few years now and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. From sheer glosses to high-pigment matte lipsticks, there’s a formula and level of intensity for everyone. For those who rock the red, you may like a vermilion shade like NARS Heat Wave; for pink lovers consider a warm coral like Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Lovers Coral. For those who are ready take the juicy leap, try Yves Saint Laurent Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in Orange de Chien or Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Carnival Spirit.
Shop My Picks for Orange Lipcolors:
Dear Allie, (a tome about to be written) We share a body silouette and I admire your fashion sensibility so much; please help me with a packing dilemma I find myself stymied by. I am heading to the East Coast with my teenager and husband for 22 days of mixed purpose travel in July. So much travel, so much variety!
1 day 7 hours flying, 4hours driving
4 days- very rural “off the grid” relatives- maybe mud and bugs, definitely dogs and hiking. No A/C !
2 days- Boston -College visits urban
3 days- elderly relatives, suburban, in-law dinners , no a/c
3 days- NYC -college visits, fancy dinner
2 days- more elderly relatives , beach
5 days- Philadelphia- business conference with business lunches and dinners
1 day- museum and college visit
1 day- fly home
Also: No shorts! Hot flashes! Rain? Fitting 34 gg under wires into suitcase? 58 year old “bingo wings”!
Am I crazy to think this can fit in a 24″ suitcase? I feel a little crazy just writing it all out.
Help please?
You don’t wish to check luggage? I think the hardest thing is shoes – you’ll need hiking, something relatively nice, something for the beach, and good walking shoes. Also thinking toiletries, if you’re not checking luggage you’re stuck to what fits in a quart Ziploc. I think the toughest part is the business conference, because that’s a place where you’ll likely want 5-7 different outfits and have them of clothes that need to be pressed/can’t easily roll and be shoved into packing cubes. My first thought is a bunch of separates in matte jersey or like the Chico’s Traveler collection (http://bit.ly/1WuLwHs ) you can mix and match to look dressy for dinner or the conference, or dress down with a pair of chino ankle pants. As for the off the grid times, don’t worry about fashion or style. I’d rock some moisture-wicking Bermudas from REI with a cotton or linen loose tank and wash pieces in the sink to rewear. For rain, consider wearing a jacket on the plane and use it as your blanket and get a little travel umbrella.
Cold shoulders? Not for me, thanks, as I’ve aged, my shoulders have broadened from being beautiful and trim with my collarbone exposed, to just being wide. Sneakers? I’ve been following a trend and didn’t even know it! I have three pairs of Chuck Taylors (aka Converse), I have five pairs of Nikes and a couple pair of Vans. I commute through NYC during the week, so I wear my sneaks from the bus terminal to my office and then change into flats that are shelved beneath my desk. The nude lipstick? I noticed it some time ago and have been trying to find just the right one. On my complexion, a nude color makes my lips look chapped or just browner. I’ve had some luck with Bobbi Brown’s Slopes, an old favorite and Revlon’s 473 Mauvy Night.
Great round up. I try to steer clear of a lot of trends because they play out quickly and I prefer a classic wardrobe that does not look dated, which can happen easily if you jump on too many trends. I prefer off the shoulder rather than cold shoulder because it is more of a timeless look. I do like some of the gladiator sandals, but nothing too outlandish. I am so glad I kept all my classic scarves when infinity ones became trendy. I have not worn delicate jewelry in years, but elegant understated jewelry is classic and never goes out of style.
I’m so glad I didn’t go crazy buying bauble necklaces. You could not pay me to wear a red or blue bandanna unless I was in another country because Those bandannas have widespread gang affiliations.
I love the delicate jewelry trend!
Isn’t it a refreshing change? 🙂
As someone who lives in NYC, I have been very happy to see the stylish sneaker trend.
YES!
I’m going to look for a cold shoulder top. I also was unsure about them at first, but they have really grown on me…
And I’m obsessed with bandanas and neck scarves right now. Glad they are on trend! 🙂
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Isn’t it funny how trends grow on us? 🙂
Allie,
In some places, bandanas may be sending a message that is unintended. Some gangs may not appreciate bandanas in certain colors, considering those bandanas “theirs”. Do you care to comment on this?
Thanks,
Chris
Back in the early ’90s I went to a mall with a white bandana on my head. I was growing out a short cut and wearing bandanas was a way to tame it (and I thought it looked cute with overalls). A guy came up to me and told me that wasn’t a good idea because a local gang wore white bandanas.
I know in this area, it’s not really bandanas any more, just the colors and ways of defining with branding, tattoos, jewelry, details in haircuts. I’m not going to stop from wearing a bandana which has been worn for decades because back in the ’80s and ’90s gangs decided to adopt them. Prior to that, bikers wore them, they were used to signify sexual orientation, and much more. But then, I also don’t live in an area where the gangs who use bandanas are prevalent. I say use common sense and if you know your area and it’s a risk, pass on this trend. Thanks for bringing it up, Chris!
I was so excited to see this post today! Great content, of course, but I missed your posts WAY too much the past couple days!
Aww thanks so much!
I have never had any luck with gladiators until I found this pair by Cobb Hill. It’s comfy, and there are wide versions as well!
Oh those are cute, Bridget! And Cobb Hill is comfy too!!! Thanks for sharing!
I really appreciate the scarf update. I’m all about scarves and these are some great ideas!
The orange lip, yes, but the nude? Even on the beautiful models and actresses, I’d rather see color—but it *is* a look.
LOL, it’s like @jodiefilogomo:disqus mentioned above, a trend that once my eye started seeing it started appealing to me and now I’m wearing more nude of lips!
Sure, and you’re pretty enough to leave some pretty on the table and still look human…but why?
I really like this cold shoulder trend too—I wasn’t quite sure about it at first, but I think once our eye starts seeing it more and we find a silhouette that looks good on us—then we’re good to go!
My mom (in her 70’s) is even sporting one and loves it!! How’s that for ageless? I’m even going to do a blog series on it in June!!
glad you got this up and running Allie!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Awesome!
Fabulous compilation – the only one I am missing in my closet is the cold shoulder and the gladiator sandals. I have seen so many wear the could shoulder that I feel like I will just be one more to join the parade. As for the gladiator sandals, I am the first to admit they dont suit me well.
A stylish woman like you knows when to pass on trends 🙂
It may have taken awhile to get published, but it was worth waiting for. Timely info. Some of these I’ll try and others I’ll skip. The white sneaks and small scarves; already trying. The cold shoulder, maybe. It’s looking more appealing as off the shoulder is not going to fly. Gladiator sandals, never with my chunky calves.
I hear you, fellow chunky calves sister! But some of these lower-profile gladiators are pretty awesome and a low-contrast color helps! 🙂
I’ll judt stay comfy and chic in my white kicks. Happy to have that option.