Wanted: Summer Help
May 24, 2010Well, folks, we have our work cut out for us this summer.
This weekend was the first weekend of the season when it was warm enough to wear shorts. Yea!! That’s great news. Unfortunately, here’s my typical summer outfit:
Jeez Louise. In looking at this photo, it looks like I’ve just stopped trying, doesn’t it. Thank God I have a boyfriend who adores me and says I look beautiful no matter what I wear (OK, so he IS a used car salesman and has highly-developed persuasive skills, but they work on me!)
But like I said, we have our work cut out for us this summer. I need to find the coordinate where comfort meets style, and see if I can overcome my – for lack of a better term – summer fashion laziness. Because that’s what this photo says to me – that I really don’t care anymore.
So are you up for the challenge is helping me to find a look where comfort and aesthetics meet?
I mean, in the past 6 months, from writing this blog and feedback from the You Look Fab forum, I have overcome many bad fashion habits, and I’ve picked up a few good ones along the way:
- I went from being a belt-a-phobe to a beltaholic
- I have knowledge of what is considered Proper Pants Length. I’m not saying I’ve mastered it 100%, but I am aware of PPL. That’s progress!
- I’ve stopped buying long skirts and dresses. I still have quite a few in my wardrobe that I’m working through, but at least I’ve stopped acquiring them.
- I’ve overcome Scarf Intimidation, and I wear scarves as color accessories more than I ever have.
- Most importantly, I’ve learned that I have a waist, and I shouldn’t be afraid to accentuate it. Wearing long shirts to cover my self-perceived large hips and thighs is MY issue, and not based in reality. There, I said it.
So I tried these shorts with a belt, a-la 1990s.
This is going to be quite a challenge, because I hate wearing tight, short shorts. And I just found these pair of navy Jones New York Shorts the other day at Goodwill, and I was thrilled because they are so comfortable and I had been looking for a pair of navy shorts. What do you think – OK to wear with the belt if I’m just out running errands on a Saturday?
Sigh – this is going to be an interesting summer….
Get rid of the shirt. That look — looks too masculine for you.
Ha ha, Marie! Masculine is definitely not the look I’m going for. Good lord, I have alot of work to do!!
I think the belted shorts definitely look 1990s. What about a pair of bermuda shorts? They are a little more form fitting but not short…and very comfortable!
Katie – I was worried about that 1990′s look…..and I do have a couple of bermuda’s I’m going to have to pull out and give a try. Thanks for the suggestions!!
I think you could probably work the shorts into a casual chic look if you played on the nautical vibe a bit – wearing them with red or white, or stripes? This top is too baggy for them – you need to balance them with a fitted top, with maybe a cardi or even blazer over the top…
Also, these shoes are a bit too covered up – they make your legs look shorter than they are. You need something more like your red Steve Madden wedges, or some canvas boat shoes/ballet flats for errand running.
Sorry – got carried away there – but I do like the shorts!
Thanks, Caroline – these are great suggestions!! I need to bring those Steve Madden wedges to the front of my closet, so I remember them….and I’ll have to put “nautical” apparel on my wish list…
I think these shorts could be improved if you wore them with some wedge heels and a more fitted shirt. Maybe even a little cardi? Love the previous idea of playing up the nautical vibe – I think a striped tank or a striped boat-neck shirt might look cute too.
Jen
Thanks, Jen. I think I will reach for the fitted shirt with the cardi……old habits are so hard to break though!!
ah, summer attire- it IS hard to be cool and comfortable and stylish at first.
My number one recommendation is: SKIRTS. They are so much cooler than any other bottom in existance, and cover the parts we want to cover. if not skirts, lightweight trousers work as well as bermuda-cut shorts. You want some SHAPE in your bottoms. the shorts in the picture flare out and make you look MUCH bigger than you are.
Number two recommendation: thick-strapped sleeveless tanks (not racerback either) that are not too low-cut. There are a lot of pretty printed or embellished ones out there that are work appropriate AND stylish.
Number three: shoes- go for peep toe pumps and flats for work if you can’t do casual sandles/wedges. Wedges are a great way to add ‘oomph’ to any summer outfit… anything with height makes legs long long and slim.
Cardigans help transition from hot outside to cold A/C inside…
tips for tops: something fitted, or the reverse- floaty and breezy, but obviously MEANT to be so. Oversized shirts don’t favor many people. Try to make a point of calling attention to your tiny waist!
tips for bottoms: go for JUST above the knee or knee length in skirts/shorts. Crops are almost impossible to pull off, but if you try make sure they hit at the narrowest part of your leg.
and don’t forget accessories- summertime is the perfect time for big necklaces and pretty bangles!
Wow!! These are great suggestions, Melissa! I may even use them in a future post, if that’s OK!!!
No problem
WAY TOO CONSERVATIVE!!!! YIKES!!!!
Your hair looks fantastic — I love it.
Wear shorter shorts and a fitted t-shirt. Great fitted t-shirts at Kohl’s… I know you might have to buy something new, but what the heck. I thought you had a moratorium on shopping?? Tough to do when you’re into image change!
Just stummbled across your blog- love it! i am a second hand/consignment addict too!
I think your main issue is that you need a good tailor. Your outfit would be fine- and cute – and current – if your shorts were shorter (mid thigh) and your shirt was fitted.
You’d retain the preppy look and the conservative vibe- but it would work better with your figure. You have such a nice- show it off in what you feel comfortable in.
Look forward to following
here’s a great post about secondhand shopping from alreadypretty.com, I think you’ll like it!
http://www.alreadypretty.com/2010/05/last-great-deal.html
ooops! I meant this one
http://www.alreadypretty.com/2010/05/thrifting-lessons-from-pro.html
Ooh, I remember that outfit. From the 1990s, I mean.
I would *definitely* find a new type of shirt for you with these shorts. Just treat ‘em the way you would a nice little a-line skirt and see what happens.
[...] out what triggered it I blame the You Look Fab forum. You see, Diary, when I posted my Wanted: Summer Help post to the YLF Forum – admitting that my typical summer style need ALOT of work - many of [...]