BRIGHT BLAZERS AND JACKETS FOR SUMMER

It is scorching hot outside but many offices require a jacket.  Here are looks for this season of how to wear a jacket in a bright, bold color to step up your look.  Pair a bright jacket with other bright colors to really make a stand or pair with neutrals such as white, navy, or black.

Sleeve length:  Short sleeve, three quarter length sleeve, long sleeve or ruched sleeve (three quarter length) are all great options and can be worn and paired differently with looks.

Colors:  If you are just easing into this look, try 1-2 colors that blend well with what you own.  Bright pink/fuchsia, bright purple, and bright blue look good on most skin tones and coordinate well.

Asos Premium Neon Short Sleeve Blazer, $45.57 (labeled pink but appears tangerine in picture)

Lulu's Cute Suit Yellow Blazer, $44

Lulu's In Charge Fuchsia Cropped Jacket, $52

Limited Lightweight Schoolboy Jacket, $89.90

Limited Sateen Jacket, $118

Truth & Pride Angel Hem Blazer, $268

NEON BRIGHTS

Are everywhere this season?  Some of us grew up in the 80's and remember wearing these.  But regardless of your age and style, there are easy ways to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe.  To ease in to this trend, add neon in your jewelry.  Bright earrings punch up any look.  Try a neon flip flop if at the beach or a neon cross-body bag or clutch.  High heels are a great place to add a little color and flare.

The difference the current neon trend versus the older is that neon can also be a bright pop of color versus the day glow colors of the past.  Both are popular but wear what you are comfortable with.  Playful green (a duller version of bright neon lime green), oranges (which can include tangerine), bright pink (fuchsia and brighter), yellow are all great colors to add to a look.  Make your look stand out with a bold/bright color.  

Laundry by Shelli Segal Asymmetrical Satin Hem Dress, $365

Arden B Neon Maxi Dress, $69

Karina Grimaldi Florence Neon Wrap Dress, $223

Asos Rare High Neck Dress, $38.11

 Arden B Chiffon Maxi Dress, $108

Neon Wrap Dress, $120 (size Small-Large)

Frochikie Lime Green Lace Shorts, $34

Patterson J Kincaid Chiffon Blouse, $54-$75.60 (coral or yellow)

Bauble Bar Color-block Boho Drops, $34

 

Antonia Bee neon and crystal bracelet stack, $42 (5 neon color combinations available)

High Fashion Handbags Clutch, $78

 

Neon down to your feet, in heels, sandals, flip flops and sneakers!

Asics, $79.99

Union Bay Faux Leather and Canvas Flats, $45

Most accessories stories have a collection of neon jewelry out now, from the high-end to the low-end you can find this trend.  Lou-Lou's Boutique carries this in the local Northern VA, DC, and MD area.

7 MUST HAVE LOOKS FOR LADIES

Every woman has events in her life that you will have to attend.  Each requires a different look.  Try having a few dresses that go from dressy to casual that you can change out the jewelry and shoes to glam up or down your look.  Brunch, BBQ, Cocktail Party, Office, Bridal Shower, Date Night, and Wedding are events most women attend

Brunch- Sundresses and rompers are great for brunch.  Keep the jewelry and shoes simple for a more casual look or glam it up for a dressier brunch.  Prints look great for brunch.

BCBG Geo Print Dress, $128

Michael Stars Belle Strapless Faux Wrap Skirt Dress, $128

 

BBQ- Wear a romper or casual sundress.  Pair with strappy espadrilles to dress it up or flip flops for daytime.

BCBG Scarf Print Romper, $198

Cocktail Party- Every woman needs an "LBD" a.k.a. little black dress.  To capture someone's eye and look fashion forward, try a bright color or interesting detail, such as feathers, beading, one shoulder, sparkles, asymmetrical hemline or shorter in the front longer in the back hem.  Any unexpected element gets you noticed.

Alice + Olivia Nude Silver Crystal Sequin Dress, $495

Office- Try a bright colored blazer with a pencil skirt.  Fuchsia, deep purple, and bright blue are versatile colors that work with all skin tones.  A pencil skirt in a pattern or white looks crisp for summer.  Pair a printed pencil skirt with a white blouse to stay more classic or a bright colored blouse to be bold.

Ann Taylor Loft Collarless Blazer, $89.50 (not online purchase in store)

The Limited Colorblock Pencil Skirt, $14.99

The Limited Classic Pencil Skirt, $59.90

Bridal Shower- Depending on the location, dress up or down a fun sundress.

Bebe Strapless Pleated Dress, $119

 

The Limited Pleat Front Dress, $24.99

Date Night- The key is to show off your best assets.  Whether that be your shoulders, bottom, chest etc. showcase one.  I'm loving the look of embellished short shorts.  This looks very trendy and fun but shows off your body.

Express Sequin Shorts, $59.90

Express Sequin Shorts, $59.90

Wedding- If it is a daytime wedding, try something in a brighter hue or with a flouncy skirt.  If it is an evening wedding, a more fitted silhouette works well.  Embellishment is great for nighttime as well.  

Alice and Olivia Coral Dress, $440

Milly Twist Watercolor Stripe Dress, $365

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.

DATE NIGHT LOOKS FOR GUYS

Whether you are married, have a girlfriend or boyfriend, or are in the singles scene, having the right look for your dates can take your relationship farther.  Every guy wants to look good when going out on the town.  

Night on the Town- try a blazer with a lightweight fitted shirt underneath.  Pair it with dark denim for a chic look or going to bars/restaurants.  If you are headed somewhere dressier, try it with slim fit trousers.

I would pair this Michael Kors Dip Dye Linen Blazer with dark jeans, a black belt with an edgy buckle or a black Hermes belt, and a white or black fitted shirt.  This linen blazer is lightweight and perfect in the summer heat when you still want to look hip.

Michael Kors Linen Blazer, $295

Go cool and chic with an an all white look.  Pair a white fitted blazer with white pants and a cool belt.  Add a pale colored shirt for a more neutral look or make it pop with a bold color such as bright pink or turquoise.

Calvin Klein Washed Blazer, $178

DSqaured2 Seersucker Blazer, $678

 

Dinner/Drinks/Movies- look good wearing a cool casual shirt.  Pockets on the chest add interest to that area and add a design element.  Rolled up cuffs keep you cool and look stylish.

Calvin Klein Chambray Roll Up Casual Shirt, $59.99

Concerts/Music Vibe- this look is a little more hipster.  Casual, cool jeans, a lightweight button down shirt and a vest worn unbuttoned with a belt give you the right look.  Also try a linen vest with a fitted t-shirt and pants.

INC International Concepts Lenny Linen Vest, $29.99

John W. Nordstrom Linen Vest, $59.90 (3 colors available)

What will you be wearing on your next date night?

DC DATE NIGHT LADIES

Have a date with your husband, boyfriend, or a new guy and not sure what to wear?  Date night looks should show some skin and be flirty and fun.  Catch their attention by showing off your best assets, whether that be your legs, arms, chest, shoulders, or bottom.  Wear something that enhances your body type or colors that are flattering to your figure.

Show a little skin!!!  Bare shoulders, a little leg, or some cleavage go a long way.  Less is more to leave your man wanting more.

Bold colors and flirty details take you a long way.  Go with something brighter or a flirty hemline to draw attention to your man.

Shoshanna Summer Solid Courtney Dress, $350

The casual chic look of this Young, Fabulous & Broke dress with a flirty leg line is perfect for date night.

 Young, Fabulous & Broke Sammy Ombre Dress in Coral, $149

Out for a nice dinner date?  Black lace takes the "Little Black Dress" to a whole next level.  Make the outfit pop with deep purple or red heels.  Add a deep red lip color to compliment the look.

Betsy & Adam Square Neck Lace Sheath Dress, $155

If legs are your asset, try a short floaty hemline that leaves them wanting to touch your leg.

Riller & Fount Mulberry  V Neck Sleeveless Mini Dress, $125

If you want to show off your bottom, try short shorts.

Express Sequin Shorts, $59.90

No matter what your best asset is or where you are headed, look your best by feeling confident in yourself and your look.  Not sure what to wear on your next date?  Ask Divine Style DC!