Who says January is the only time for some resolutions? Well school is out for the summer, and so with the end of this academic year I have made some fashion resolutions to keep my wardrobe fresh, bright and perhaps even joyful.
1. Learn to love yellow
Despite my persistent paleness, I’m determined to get a healthy tan this summer in order to don some dandelion frocks. I’ve had a yellow, eyelet dress hiding in my closet for the past four years and I think it might be time to break it out again. I’m hoping to embrace the energy of the Sun with this style choice and smile a little more.
2. Experiment with eyeliner
I’ll never forget the first time I wore eyeliner in the ninth grade. My friend Alexis was trying to compose me as she tried to draw on my eyelids during dress rehearsal for our high school’s annual Dance Concert. Thanks to dance I’ve conquered my fear of eyeliner. However, I also am only experienced in the “winged look” (customary for opening your eyes on stage and under the harsh lights). So this summer I’m challenging myself to try something different because stage makeup isn’t always day-to-day appropriate. With the help of the wonderful eyeliner felt-tip marker (great for us challenged gals), this summer I’m going to find balance with eyeliner that quietly says “fresh faced summer” rather than screams “oops Broadway.”
3. Get comfortable with bare arms
I’m a certified cardigan addict. I have them in almost every color in varying sleeve lengths. While orphan Annie sang, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile,” my motto has been “You’re never fully dressed without a cardigan.” Therefore, I’m dedicating this summer to my arms. Because who really needs long-sleeves in 90 degree weather? If the First Lady can exercise her “right to bare arms” then I should be able to as well!
4. Keep up with my colored skinnies
In winter I challenged myself to ditch the normative blue denim, and thankfully I’ve been rocking some colorful alternatives. I once told a classmate that if I’m wearing bright pants it’s because I’m having a bad day. However, now I wear them just because they make me smile. Confession: I wear them hoping they’ll bring me a good day because what doesn’t say happy like a pair of bright red orange skinnies? It also makes it a lot easier to spot me from a far. So what if I stand out more in the crowd, I can handle the attention.
5. Embrace my sunglasses
I’ve gone through a tumultuous journey with sunglasses. I’ve never been quite satisfied with how they sit on my face (my right ear’s a little higher than my left). However, I’ve finally found a pair that suits my face. So this summer, I’m promising myself – and my eye-doctor – to wear my sunglasses more regularly. Don’t worry, I Girl Scout promise to not wear them inside when there’s no need. I’m pretty sure if I attempted to wear sunglasses inside (or at night like Corey Hart) I’d run into walls from the unnecessary darkness – and let’s be real, I’m totally capable of running into walls san-sunnies anyways.
6. Actually wear all my shoes
It’s so easy to fall into the habit of wearing the same pair of sandals until their torn and tattered. This summer I vow to love my sandals, my loafers, my flats, and my pumps equally, and sport them accordingly. Shoes have style too – and therefore a personality and feelings, so don’t neglect them (maybe I took that too far…).
7. Play with patterns
It all started with a pair of polka dot shorts. The colored skinnies revolution has advanced with the premier of patterned pants. Whether it’s pastel florals or black and white polka dots, I’m up and ready for some pattern play this summer. While my patterned shorts won’t be office appropriate, I’ve invested in some black dress pants with white polka dots. It’s just like wearing a sundress on your legs, right…right? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
8. Fishtail braid
The main reason I generally prefer spring over summer is summer’s unfortunate acquaintance with humidity. Hair maintenance in the summer is such an unnecessary dramafest , so this season I’m adopting the fishtail braid as my emergency go-to. If you haven’t learned this life-saving trick (okay so frizzy hair might not be life-threatening but it’s definitely a little more than just annoying), check out this helpful tutorial from blogger Emily Schuman. It might also help your social standing – some of my classmates and friends thought I was the coolest for sporting a fishtail last spring and wanted me to teach them how to braid like Flounder. Think of wearing a fishtail braid as being Ariel who’s just had her hair styled by her faithful sidekick flounder – disclaimer: please do not attempt to use a fork to complete this hairstyle.
9. Master the button-down blouse
While the button-down oxford is forever associated with my Catholic middle-school uniform and my unfortunately awkward junior high self, there’s something to be said about this wardrobe staple. I won’t be sporting my short-sleeve, cornflower oxford (thank you Flynn & O’Hara for 9 years of itchy, ill-fitting uniforms), but I will be experimenting more with my button-downs. Try a chiffon fabric for more comfort and don’t be afraid to play with patterns. If it’s sheer be sure to invest in a skin colored camisole tank like this one. This is my most essential wardrobe staple. It helps me keep my style and my modesty at the same time. Furthermore, this camisole can also make some “going out” tops more daytime acceptable.
10. Stick with Lace
Lace has been on fashion’s radar for a few days now and I don’t think it’s leaving the limelight any time soon. I’d argue a quality lace top is a definite wardrobe staple these days. While white is the easiest to pair with the majority of pieces in your wardrobe, I’m going to try brightening up my collection with a little color. For summer, I think pastel colors will be my new go-to – I’m lusting after pale pink, tiffany blue and soft daffodil. As a cardigan queen, I usually prefer a sleeveless style. However, short and three-quarter sleeve lengths are catching my eye this summer. Don’t forget your camisole though! Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean lace has to go wild. Stay classy ladies.
Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15