Summer weather makes layering more difficult, which can make styling more difficult. So when I spotted this outfit on Pinterest, a mix of light layers, I knew it was worth sharing.
Found on Pinterest, this look blends cotton poplin, linen, and a beachy Nancy Meyers palette to create an easy summer look. This outfit is perfect for transitioning between the humid outdoors and the air conditioned indoors. Here’s how to recreate it.
The Dress // The inspiration dress is a pretty, tiered dress with a peasant-inspired styling. If you love this look, Quince has a gauze tiered dress with a wide strap. It’s very pretty, but I prefer a smoother style. This Gap linen-blend maxi dress has a lovely square neck and a-line shape. Prefer a sleeve? This pintucked frock from J.Crew is so delicate and gorgeous.
The Blazer // To balance the light, cotton dress with a blazer is no easy feat. The shape needs to be slightly relaxed with a one button closure. This J.Crew Factory blazer is the closest in style, with a slightly oversized look. This Milly blazer has a bit more structure, but I love the medium oatmeal color. For an under-$75 option, try Nordstrom Rack.
The Sneakers // The inspiration photo features a simple pair of Veja sneakers. I wanted something a bit more feminine, but I wanted to keep the velcro styling. So I chose these Sam Edelman Talia sneakers in soft neutrals with a metallic accent. Second choice are these airy, utterly feminine sneakers from Silent D — I love the scallop detail on the straps.
The Bag // This look needed a white bag, but I don’t love Polene as a brand. I’ve heard discouraging things about the craftsmanship of the bags. So I didn’t choose to copy the inspiration photo. Instead, I picked this sophisticated Quince Leather Box Shoulder Bag. At $150, this bag is an easy add to any wardrobe.
The Accessories // A silver cuff (subbed in for the watch), a dainty necklace, and an oversize pair of sunglasses finish out this look.
Just a word about this necklace — I bought this heart necklace during the Anniversary Sale several years ago while I was pregnant. It is the prettiest, simplest thing without being too twee. I layer it with other necklaces regularly, and it was very smart of Monica Vinader to begin selling it in a set with their beaded chain as a set, which I own in a longer length. It makes every pendant just a little bit more special.
The Styling // Hair up is the right choice for this look. I would say a low bun is best. I prefer it less messy than the inspiration photo, and I would likely use one of the pins that are so hot right now.
For the makeup, I would likely choose a stronger lip color. I find that outfits of full neutrals wash me out, so I need more bronzer for contouring and color on my lips. Because it’s summer, I probably want a bit more pink than berry, so I’d wear this Summer Fridays balm in Pink Guava.
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I’ve been wondering this for a while, after seeing multiple pictures like this… how do they get the arms of the jacket to bunch up like that and not just fall straight down? I like that scrunched up look but whenever I try it with my own jackets, it straightens itself out within minutes.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they stay up just long enough for the picture! I did see this hack (#2 in the linked post), tho I haven’t tried it myself: https://www.extrapetite.com/2021/04/elastic-band-wardrobe-hacks-video-shorten-sleeves.html
They make a bracelet like device for this.
Heart Evangelista has a short video on how to do this. She takes a rubber band (she keeps them at her desk) and puts it around her upper arm, then tugs the sleeve up and uses the rubber band to anchor the ruched fabric.
Sleeve garters. Amazon have them.