SIZZLING SUMMER SHORT SUITS

With the scorching summer heat we've been having so far this summer, it is hard to look sleek and cool at work.  Looking for a way to up your summer work style?  Try a shorts suit.  This is a great professional look  and can transition to a night on the town.  Navy, white paired with black, and bold, bright colors are popular this season.  A silky tank top and statement necklace pull together this look.  When heading out for happy hour or a night on the town, pull out your sexy strappy sandals.

Fit Tips:  To make your silhouette look slimmer, pick a jacket that hits below the waist.  This can be paired with short shorts or with longer walking shorts.  Cropped jackets give off a younger vibe.

Olivia Palermo wearing Whistles Jacker and short shorts with silk tank and statement necklace, heels.

Amanda Seyfried wearing the new H&M Concious Collection.  Blazer $119/Shorts $49.90.

Bebe Ruched-Sleeve Blazer $129/Satin-Cuff Shorts $38.99

 

Pair a blazer with a bright colored short to add some contrast and interest to your look.  Below one blazer, two different style shorts.

Greylin Bond Blazer, $108

Trina Turk Dayo Drapey Suiting Shorts, $168

Pim + Larkin Collete Shorts, $24.99-29.99 (4 colors available)

Try pairing blazers or shorts together that you already own to create a new work look, or pick up a few new pieces that you can mix and match together.  Wearing a suit does not mean it has to be matching pieces.

PASTEL DELIGHTS

The pastel trend has been around for years and years.  But get updated with the newest looks in the lightest colors.  Pastels look great with neutrals or bright hues.  Try pastels in an edgy new way such as a leather or spike bracelet.  The subtlety of the color against the sharper details of the jewelry catches your eye.  Satins and brushed metallics, and any fabric with shine looks fashion-forward when mixed with pastels.  Layer your look to give it dimension and add different pastel hues together.

Blazer, Mango.com, $59.99  Blouse, H&M, #9.95

Vineyard Vines Mosaic Print Tunic, $118

Zara Slim Fit Denim, $79.90

 

Young, Fabulous, & Broke Jeremiah Ombre Halter Maxi Dress, $229

Diane von Furstenberg Edna Dolman Dress, $375

Zara Studded Court Shoe, $79.90

Zara Studded Clutch Bag with Tacks, $99.90

Prada, $595

Asos Necklace, $17, asos.com

Sprout Watches Colored Mother of Pearl and Diamond, $75 (various colors)

DAYTIME CLUTCHES

Clutches are no longer just for a night on the town.  Larger boxy clutches are very in style for daytime.  A variety of colors and fabrics are available.  These clutches can easily slide into your larger work bag and be taken out for lunch, meetings, etc.

Try a bold hue to capture the eye.  Great to add a pop of color to a neutral or business look.

H & M, $17.95 (orange, bright blue)

Vince Camuto Louise 2 Clutch, $148

Sam Edelman "Bianca" Clutch, Bloomingdale's, Lord and Taylor, $168

 

Asos Envelope Clutch, $28.65

mar Y sol Gigi Flower Clutch, $70 (sunflower, coral, or navy)

SR Squared by Sonja Roberts ColorBlock Clutch, $72

Tory Burch Robinson Envelope Clutch (Black, Turquoise, Orange, Sand)

 

CHIC IN YELLOW

Yellow is very hot for Spring 2012.  It has been seen in the winter collections in jackets and jewelry.  It is here to stay for spring and summer.  Look for yellow in dresses, tops, and skirts, but also in unexpected ways in jewelry, purses and bags, heels, and sandals.

Splash some yellow into your look to look trendy.  It is a great color that can be worn by all.  There are different shades of yellow, canary yellow, pale yellow, neon yellow, etc. so try them all or find your favorite shade.

Elle MacPherson in Mustard Yellow Jumpsuit   Garcelle Beauvais in Equipment top and Alice + Olivia pants

  

SKIRTS

A yellow skirt is a fun option.  Wear with a neutral shirt at work, or a bright top or printed blouse for night or the weekends.  Yellow skirts come in tulip shape, bubble, pencil, and mini-skirt.  Find one or multiple styles that work well for your body.

Trina Turk Tildy Skirt, $148

 

Pair this DVF skirt with a crisp white shirt.  Add white and black bangles and black strappy sandals to complete the look.

Diane von Furstenberg Elley Miniskirt, $265

The style of this skirt is an eye catcher.  Interior lining is electric blue.  Wide waist band allows for a wide belt.  Central pleat detail adds a flounce.  This is from Palermo, Italy.

Fausto Puglisi, $456 (50% off)

 

H & M polyester mini skirt, $49.95 hm.com

TOPS

Pair a yellow blouse or sweater with a bold colored bottom.  Try a bright colored pant or jeans.  Wear with white jeans as it warms up.  Stay away from pairing with khaki as this look is dated.

DV Dolce Vita Sacha Blouse, $88 (Piperlime, South Moon Under)

 

Kenneth Cole New York Canary Yellow Tunic, $99.50

Try this Free People top with a bright aqua tank top underneath and white jeans.  Or turquoise jeans.

Free People Lemoncello Tuxedo Pleated Shirt, $78

DRESSES

Add  bright blue, emerald green, or turquoise jewelry to make an all one color yellow dress pop.  Statement necklaces and long necklaces in bold hues are a great staple for this and to have in your closet for spring/summer 2012.

Calvin Klein One Shoulder Dress, $98

Asos Midi Dress with Draoy Back and slit sleeves, $34.02

This style is very flattering for ladies who are chesty or who are trying to hide their stomach area.

Asos Wrap Skirt Dress with Laser Cut Detailing, $72.50

Asos Tank Dress with Draped Back, $42.97

JEWELRY

Kendra Scott, $129.97