Three Ways: The Summer Sweater

I love a short sleeve sweater for summer.  It’s like the professional equivalent of a t-shirt.  This sweater, from J.Crew Factory, comes in a selection of colors and is lightweight.  I also like this white, pointelle Kate Spade sweater and this Tahari sweater with a mesh accent on the shoulder.  Also, this classic Land’s End sweater comes in plus-size, petite, and misses, as well a a variety of colors.

For the Office: Freshwater Pearl Clover Earrings ($98) // BR Dotted Tie Neck Dress ($148) // Sole Society Magnolia Shoe ($59) // LK Bennett Crossbody ($174)

Jean at Extra Petite has converted me on the matter of sleeveless dresses worn as skirts under heavier tops.  It’s a great way to get additional mileage out of your wardrobe.  Here, I paired the pale blue sweater with this classic black and white dot dress from BR.  The dress is a tie neck, so wear the tie outside the sweater, by tying it in a simple knot.  (I’m not a fan of bows, but if you are, by all means.)

This is a look you could replicate with any sleeveless dress.  The basic navy sheath we all own.  The pastel dress you wore to your cousin’s wedding.  Or the white lace dress you wore in your engagement photos.

For accessories, I love this scallop-cut pumps.  They’re affordable and a great alternative to the basic high heel, while still being work appropriate.  I added these pearl earrings to keep the classic look going, but a simple drop earring with colored stones would be cool too.

I would wear my hair up with this outfit.  My favorite source for easy updos is still The Small Things Blog.

For Day-to-Night: Vince Tie Dye Skirt ($189) // Baublebar North Star Brooches ($28) // Dune Foldover Cluth ($66) // Sam Edelman Classic Pumps ($110)

I loved, loved, this skirt the moment I saw it.  It has an office-appropriate shape/length but is so very cool.  It is selling out quickly on sale, so if you want it, move on it.  For a pleat skirt in basic navy, this $99 Ava & Aiden skirt should do the trick.  Plus-size?  This ASOS knife pleat skirt is cool.

I added a pair of brooches to the outfit for a bit of sparkle.  I would wear them on my upper left shoulder, staggered a bit.  Baublebar has some cool ones.  I also like this $16 Ivy set and this $22 Firecracker set.

This outfit is a look that’s perfect for day to night.  I would wear these simple grey pumps during the day, and switch to high heel navy sandals at night.  Add a bit of kohl eyeliner and a berry lipgloss and you’re all set for drinks with friends.

For the Weekend: Ocean Breeze Station Necklace ($14) // BR Solid Short ($39) // J.Crew Eyelet Sandal ($138) // Sole Society Trapeze Tote ($60)

Living in suburbia, I get invited to a lot of backyard BBQs.  This outfit is washable (hello, kids who spill), looks chic, and doesn’t make you overdressed for a family occasion.

I like to mix the same color in different hues, so the pale sweater with the aqua short, and the blue stone necklace is a good look.  For chino shorts in a lot of colors, J.Crew is kind of the go-to, but these BR shorts are well made and a good weight.  I also like these printed shorts from LOFT.

For the accessories, an affordable tote for hauling a bottle of wine to a BBQ or a few things home from weekend errands is a good choice.  Look for something with a thick leather, tough stitching, and a strap wide enough to be comfortable.

The bright, poppy-colored sandals set off the endless sea of blue.  You could also go with a yellow slide sandal.  I also like these green Marc Jacobs espadrilles, which are so hot right now.