When I was in middle school, the must-have look differed vastly from the “hipster” trend that is popular among so many young people today. On the weekends, my friends and I traded in our school uniforms for brightly colored Lilly Pulitzer polos accented with the signet palm tree in the corner. One of my friends, although she rarely admits it, still wears her whale-patterned Lilly belt to this day. The face of Lilly has changed since our teenybopper years, and on Sunday, the lady behind the infamous brand passed away. Although I am not an avid Lilly fan, I can honestly say that the brand’s distinct mix of resort wear and bright patterns still catches my eye. I believe that even if you claim to be as far from preppy as can be, there are ways of incorporating Lilly’s style into your wardrobe, especially if it involves lying on a beach under a palm tree. Here are my top five tips for incorporating Lilly items into your wardrobe, no matter what your style is.
The Little White Dress- Except for weddings and the dead of winter, there are very few occasions in which a simple white dress is not appropriate. It is slowly taking the title of a closet staple, similar to our favorite LBD. Investing in a simple yet elegant sheath that will remain timeless throughout the years is important and will come to good use. Lilly takes the white look to the next level with layers of eyelet and lace in her designs.
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The Bathing Suit- With spring break behind us and summer a mere month away, it is hard not to dream of beaches and tropical drinks. Wherever your summer vacations may take you, you would be hard-pressed to find a beach that couldn’t be brightened with one of Lilly’s signature bathing suit prints. This seahorse print is too cute for words. To avoid pattern overload, pair it with a solid bottom.
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The Peplum- Pulitzer perfects this look of the moment by pairing it with some of her exotic prints and bright colors. If you have a short waist like myself, peplum is a great way to elongate your torso. Looking forward to your summer internship? Try the basic white with a pencil skirt and a blazer on top. Planning for your lunch outing in the beautiful D.C. spring weather next weekend? Step out in a brightly colored peplum with white jeans and sandals.
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The Easter Egg Look- Pastels are this season’s hottest shade. Embrace the delicate colors with these Lilly pieces. The shorts are perfect for an everyday class outfit and would be adorable with a simple grey t-shirt, but would also look superb with a white blouse for a dressier look.
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The Polka Dot- First they experimented with colored pants, then they moved to floral. Now, the fashion industry has settled on the polka dot. This pattern brightens any outfit and can be an instant talking piece. I love these pants both for the color and for the sneaky zipper around the ankle.
Finally, in the wise words of Lilly Pulitzer herself, “Style isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you live.” Remember this motto in the stressful weeks to come, and don’t forget to check out some more Lilly clothing at the HerCampus Sassanova event in Georgetown this Thursday!