Hello Everyone … Happy Friday!
I know I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating … I’m so ready for fall. Ugh, this heat is kiiiiiiling me! And so, I though it’d be appropriate to share one of my strategies for dealing with the scorching heat in the summer, especially for those of you who work in an office setting and need to look presentable, i.e., not like you just got in a fist fight with a beaver in the middle of a swamp. Yes, really, that’s what the D.C. heat and humidity can do to you, no joke.
So, how do you keep that cool, polished look in the sweltering heat? It’s all about the dress … the simpler the better. I would steer away from sheaths or other “fitted” silhouettes (they don’t really permit much airflow, which of course is the entire point of a dress on a hot day), and instead opt for a structured A-line.
I know it’s tempting to reach for airy chiffon materials in the heat, but if you’re headed into the office, resist the temptation unless you plan to top it off with a blazer (and, again, this just adds unnecessary layers and defeats the purpose of a simple dress to keep cool!). Stick with an A-line that has some structure to it and doesn’t wrinkle — like this one in a knit ponte. And I love this one with the flounce hem (also currently 60% off – snap it up ladies!). If you want to add a bit more interest and go for a print, this is a great option, particularly for the fall months (loving plaid!), and it’s also brought to you on sale, courtesy of Nordstrom 🙂
I like to keep the rest of the look simple, classic, and no fuss. As I’ve stated before, one of the easiest ways to add polish to any look is to throw on a silk scarf — I love this one by Burberry — the classic plaid is timeless, and it’s an investment piece you won’t regret splurging on. If you’re going to pull the trigger, now’s the time! Its currently on sale at Nordstrom (#nsale = winning)! However, if you just can’t handle the hefty price tag, there are numerous other options out there! Ann Taylor currently has some gorgeous ones — see here, here, and here (my favorite :)) .
I chose to go with color-block pumps (I tend to favor heels in general for work), but you could easily pair the dress with some modern ballet flats (love these, and these), or a block heel (love this one, and these are a steal (#nsale, thank you very much!)).
I kept my jewelry simple and elegant — a chunky gold chain bracelet, and gold studs. And this bag, which I simply adore. It’s the perfect bag for work — it’s roomy enough to bring everything I need: day planner, phone, lunch, bottle of water, makeup essentials, etc. But I also frequently throw on the shoulder strap and wear it with my jeans and sneakers too. Sometimes, instead of lugging along Livi’s diaper bag, I just throw a diaper or two and a pack of wipes in it and call it a day (short trips/errands only). I LOVE it. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available, but here and here are a few very similar options by the same brand. In terms of quality, it really can’t be beat. I’ve had it a few years now, and it still looks as new as the day I bought it!
And there you have it — my summer work uniform!
What’s yours?
XXOO, Kristin
DRESS: Ann Taylor (old), similar here and here, and two under $100, here and here // SHOES: Charles David (old), similar here, here, and here // SCARF: Burberry, other options here, and here // BRACELET: Ann Taylor (old) similar here, and here // EARRINGS: Kate Spade, similar here, and here // BAG: Milly (old), similar here and here // SUNGLASSES: Ray-Ban, similar here, and here
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