Five Chic Casual Trends for Summer
Jun 7, 2016
This spring, I tried on approximately 1,256 off-the-shoulder tops, because off-the-shoulder tops are the smokin’ hot summer trend. Around top 1,254–this pretty, striped BR number–I realized that off the shoulder is just not my look. At all. But what is a girl supposed to wear if she has to pass on the hottest piece since the midi-skirt?
Madewell Wildfield Top ($98) // Old Navy Saddle Bag ($35) // Madewell Open Work Panel Dress ($99) // BR Floral Flutter Sleeve Dress ($148) // Mango Knot Flat Sandal ($33)
Embroidered Tops are a nice alternative to the off-the-shoulder. Embroidery has the same summery, bohemian vibe, but can be found in a myriad of styles.
This Madewell top has a cool look to it. Though it will likely require tailoring if you want it more fitted than flowy. This LOFT embroidered tunic has a relaxed vibe. This Isabel Marant Voile Top is the perfect classic. Plus-size? This black and white Michael Kors with a slouchy shoulder is cool.
Saddle Bags are the new crossbody of choice. They’re sleek and easy with a hint of trend. The Old Navy bag above is a good option in an affordable price point. This C. Wonder pebble satchel and this Mini Suki Crossbody in a blast of hot pink also caught my eye.
Crisp White Dresses are on the menu every summer, but this summer they are breezy and flowy. I love the Zimmermann-esque style of this Mango dress. This Camilla Lace Maxi dress just screams breezy beach vacation. And this sleeveless lace-trim shirtdress from Gilt is perfectly preppy.
Petite? I like this slick Chino Tunic Dress from Boden. Plus-size? This flirty Forever21+ Texture Dress is a fun piece.
Bright Florals are groundbreaking for spring (kidding, Miranda Priestly, just kidding). But what they lack in originality, they make up for in pure loveliness.
I adore the BR dress above. It’s one of the few pieces that I kept after my post-grad summer shopping spree. I also like the tropical print on Ann Taylor’s Amalfi halter dress. For something under-$50, try this Sandra Darren dress with a burst of pink.
Slide Sandals have replaced the gladiator and ankle strap as the trend-piece du jour. My guess is that people are surrendering their Birkenstocks, but trying to keep the shape. I love the chic knots on the Mango sandals above (the price is nice, too). These Willa slides from Madewell have a huarache vibe to them. For a pop of color, these bright red Barney’s sandals are pretty cool.
And just like shorts-suits, I’m laughing at places suggesting that off-the-shoulder is appropriate for the office. Also, I struggle with all the cap-sleeve tops too – something about my shape just doesn’t work with them. Argh.
Oh, you’re kidding, what office? Where? Vogue…oh right, Vogue.
I can’t do cap sleeves. They make my arms look more round.
I can’t pull off the off the shoulder trend either, as much as I would like to. Frustrating because it’s cute and absolutely everywhere. I appreciate your alternative suggestions–embroidered tops are something I can do! And I ordered the BR dress too.
I’m not a fan of the hippie-esque off the shoulder tops, but I’ve been on the hunt for the form fitting kind for a while. They look so chic. On the slide sandals, they’re still remind me too much of my old soccer slides or the sandals old ladies wear with their house coats.
I am with you. I can’t take the slide sandals seriously. I think they look ridiculous!
I noticed that off the should tops are cut wide! most did not look good on me either. I wonder if off the shoulder dresses are cut better?