I've mentioned before that I have a rather modest sense of style. I don't like to show too much arm, or leg, or skin, etc. This is one because I don't feel comfortable with parts of my body showing too much because of my plus size stature and two because my shape is flattered more if i have bits and pieces covered up. Hence no shorty-shorts, a one piece bathing suit instead of a bikini, and often the use of light weight cardigans. I like my shirts to fall close to my elbow & rely heavily on the camisol & sheer top combination. That way I have coverage without being hot. I assume I am dressing right for my body type, but more importantly I am dressing in what makes me feel the best about myself! I touched a bit on how & why I dress the way I do here.
Jean Shorts, Sleeved Shirt // This type of outfit is my go to beach, shopping, running around, hanging out outfit. It's simple and relaxed, yet put together. I am really loving the trend towards flowy sheer tops and camis underneath (which is probably what I'd pair this coral shirt with). That style keeps you cool & covered if you're like me and don't like a lot of skin to show. The best part of summer is if you can't think of something to wear you'll always look pulled together if you pair your jeans with a proper top - I would wear this top to work probably with a pair of khakis. Versatility, baby!
Tank Top, Skirt // Even though I am a bit modest, I still like the sundress look. This set gives you a pulled together look for a date, a girls day out, or a summer cook out. I'd have a skirt that falls just above the knee and maybe a cardigan (like the one above) if I feel too bare. The fitted waist of this shirt also gives you a feminine shape - that I love. Floral & feminine sums up my go to summer style for dates, days out, or Summer get togethers
Swim Suit, Lightweight Cardigan, Jean Shorts // I am dying to find another swim suit in the cut & style of this yellow one. A yellow one wouldn't be too bad, but I don't know if I can pull it off! I like apron style swim suit is the style I go to each year because it covers my hips. I don't feel comfortable in the swim suits that come up over my hip, but this apron style is very Marylin Monroe. I also like it because usually the long part over your hips isn't attached to the bottoms of the swimsuit. So when I am out on the lake, I'll throw a pair of shorts on & pull the apron part over them & it looks like a shirt! Then toss on a really light, short sleeved cardigan. If you have to get off the boat to go into the marina store or need to head off the pool to grab a snack, you don't have to walk around in your swimsuit. You'll look like you're wearing clothes!
Sandals, Flip Flops // Sandals go well with your put together outfits & flip flops are great to just toss on your feet fresh off the boat, beach, or out of the pool. I love a good pair of sandals that can take a bit of wear & tear during the summer. I have a t-strap sandal from last summer that is still going strong. I don't think I'll buy another pair this year (except for maybe black). These sandals were a good investment! I also only try to buy a pair of flip flops a year. Old Navy has the cheapest with their $1 sales usually but Target has had my all time favorite ones ever.
Bag, Scarf, Sunnies // A canvas weekend style bag is perfect for the beach. You can throw all your essentials (sunscreen, towel, novel, etc) in there & be set. This scarf is another way to pull together the swimsuit-as-a-shirt look. If you are done with a day at the beach as the sun sets & are looking to go grab some dinner, if the air is cool enough a lightweight scarf can add more pizzazz to your swimsuit look. Now it really doesn't look like a swimsuit. Finally, big sunglasses are a must. Who are we kidding?
So there you have it, a few of my Summer necessities. I can't wait to pull out my Summer clothes & get cracking on some outfit posts. I am excited to add that bit to the blog here & think I've decide to switch up my blog schedule by not calling Tempted Tuesdays Tempted Tuesdays any more. A post about what I am tempted to buy or make or wear or stuff I am totally into will still be on Tuesdays but I just won't call it buy a name. I think it looks better to search engines & allows more room for your post title in sites like HelloCotton. I'll probably keep Make it Monday, Fan Friday, & Sum up Sunday labeled because those sort of describe the post....I am just not sure Tempted Tuesday describes anything. hmmmmm....What do you think?
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What are your Summer essentials for 2012? Have anything that is an all time summer tradition?
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