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evenings in the summertime

5/31/2013

2 Comments

 
Summer plays by its own dress code. Outfits tend to be lighter, fresher, brighter and generally more playful. Your standby black cocktail dress and metallic pumps, though classic and refined for the other three seasons, tend to look heavy and drab against the backdrop of brilliant colors and effortlessly flowing fabrics. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, a bold and bright dress will actually fit in better against the summer landscape. Also, with the heat and humidity rising in most cities, you will soon want to ditch even your most beloved evening wear for something cool and breezy. There are plenty of summertime events to dress up for, from evening weddings, to charity events or a fancy dinner out so don't be afraid to take a risk!
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Banana Republic Halter Dress in Lemon Drop $130
The easiest way to to look seasonal is to add some color! I am very partial to reds and the warm sunset colors, but anything that has a deep hue will work.
Although pastels become popular around this time of year, they have a tendency to wash out many skin tones. Choose a confident color and let that be your statement.

Many summer dresses have a simple silhouette that allow them to breathe in the heat, so going bold with the color palette is what will create your "wow" effect. If color is not normally your thing, go to any store and try on a variety of bright t-shirts to see what looks best on you-this way you can concentrate on the colors instead of worrying about color, fit and style.
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Nachiket Barve Tumeric Spice Sheath $70 rental via Rent the Runway
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J. Crew Pleated Chiffon Dress $250
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Nadri Crystal Scallop Bangle $138
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Boden T-Bar Demi Wedges in Pewter Metallic $98
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Rockport Presia Cross Strap Sandal in Warm Oak $140
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Nina Angelica Wide Crystal Line Bracelet $155
Don't be afraid to add on your most glamorous accessories. I love to accessorize during the warm weather months since the lighter fabrics can be more forgiving to overdressing. If you layer on sparkle with a taffeta dress in winter, you begin to look like a caricature of the society pages, but if you add that same sparkle to a floaty chiffon number in the summertime, you evoke a timeless and easy elegance. Simple and less formal dresses create a clean palette that allows for creative "decorating."

My summer accessory of choice is the bracelet. Since my hair already creates a sweaty spot on the nape of my neck, I am hesitant to add on any substantial necklaces. Since most summer dresses are sleeveless, a bracelet is a great alternative since it adds visual interest to the arm. If you do want some jewelry near your face, try a chandelier earring.
Once you've found your perfect summer showstopper, make sure you pair it with appropriate footwear. A sandal or a peeptoe pump create a more airy feel to your ensemble by showing off a little skin. If you do choose a closed toed shoe, keep the color light and bright or look for a style with side cutouts or perforations.

Showing off your toes also lets you add some extra flair with a great nail polish color. I love a shimmery grey tone for dressy occasions to add a modern vibe, but if you are planning to keep your color on for awhile, a signature red is always a good bet. If you are still skittish around bright colors, playing with polish can be a great way to warm up to the idea.
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J. Crew Lynette Tulle Dress $228
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Essie "Nothing Else Metals" Nailpolish $8
If you don't feel comfortable in color or if you feel like your event is better suited to a neutral, choose navy or grey. This will feel less wintery than black and will prevent you from fading into a parade of little black dresses.

A really fantastic and unique party dress often comes with a high price tag that can be hard to swallow when you only expect to wear the item once. Two of the dresses shown in this post are from Rent the Runway which allows you to rent designer dresses and accessories for 4 days at a time (dry cleaning and a backup size included!) so that you don't have to sink your entire clothing budget into one event.

If you have photos of your favorite summer dress-up look, send them in so we can see how you styled yourself for the summertime!
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ML Monique Lhuillier Sheath $85 rental via Rent the Runway
2 Comments
Jane
6/1/2013 03:22:15 pm

Thanks for the tips. I think it is time for a colorful pedicure and a smashing new pair of sandals!

Reply
Emily
6/2/2013 05:44:19 am

I love these suggestions and the dresses that you featured. I'm usually a complete wuss when it comes to color, but wearing black all summer in 90+F/90+% humidity days just isn't any fun. I can't wait to try some of these suggestions!

Reply



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