How to look pulled together in the summer?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Lightweight shortsleeved cardigans are something I'm always looking for in spring/summer. Easy to remove outdoors and then to put back on once inside (air conditioned offices, homes, stores, libraries, etc.).

I guess I just don't dig the look of a short sleeved sweater. I have a fashion bias. Plus, summer = simple. The fewest items of clothes I have to deal with, the happier I am.

[elektra]

Wendibird, I also have to wear a bra with almost all the dresses I have, and even if the maxi dress doesn't work, I bet a more a-line would work well for your more hourglass shape.

Anoer thing that makes shorts and ts pulled together a bit more is a t with a more interesting shape- something with dolman sleeves, or something with a bold pattern.

[anamika]

Wait - no one mentioned Athleta skorts? Are they out of fashion already?
If they are, don't tell me! I bought 2 last year to wear this summer. They were going to be my main fashion go-tos.

[cono0507]

Wait - no one mentioned Athleta skorts? Are they out of fashion already?
If they are, don't tell me! I bought 2 last year to wear this summer. They were going to be my main fashion go-tos.

Hope not because they are pretty much all I wore last summer and got a couple of new ones for this summer too!!!

[wendibird22]

I did some retail therapy today. I bought these shoes:

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/dr.+scholl%2...ductRef=SEARCH (it's more of a mustard looking tan)

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/rock+.and.+c...ductRef=SEARCH (only mine don't have the plaid and have an orange rib between the canvas and the white rubber. These will replace a pair of slip on Sketchers that don't look right with what I wear (would be great with yoga pants but I don't wear those).

and some tops at Target:

http://www.target.com/p/Mossimo-Supp...s/-/A-13942867 (in the mustard yellow)

http://www.target.com/p/Merona-Women...s/-/A-13941572 (in blue)

a black short sleeve tshirt with a slight cowl neck and a red trench coat.http://www.target.com/p/Merona-Twill...s/-/A-13759303 (they had it in navy with white polka dots which was tempting but red is my favorite color).

I look at scarves but the trend now is really long scarves and being so petite I'd have to wrap those suckers around myself a dozen times to not have the ends down to my knees...just way too much material for me to deal with in the warmth and humidity.

[Twoboos]

Thanks for posting about the red trench! I am on the search for a perfect springish coat and struggling to find something I like. That one and quite a few others on there look good, I need to hit Target tomorrow!

I bought one from Boden and it's nice but so, so similar to a jean jacket I already have, I really have no business keeping it.

[anne-girl]

Re scarves, don't discount them just because it's hot out. If I feel like my summer outfits are really boring I'll sometimes throw a scarf around my waist, or twist it up and tie my hair up with it. (Yes, I'm a SAHM--not exactly runway material.)

I miss skirts for summer too--they don't work with toddlers underfoot but I don't like shorts much unless they're on the long side.

[wendibird22]

Wanted to add that I tried taking your advice on dresses and tried on this one at Target: http://www.target.com/p/Mossimo-Supp...i_detailbutton

I was thinking that with the deep v I could put different tanks underneath. I tried on the heather grey. Epic fail!! It was horrible. Not at flattering on my pear shaped body. I'll have to keep looking.

[lyt202]

Just got these two dresses from Boden and Garnet Hill and they are super comfortable and the material is not thin or clingy. I can see wearing them alot this summer.

Now I just need to replenish my stash of lightweight cotton cardigans.

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens...l?NavGroupID=4

http://www.garnethill.com/starlet-kn...72?listIndex=9

[wendibird22]

I bought this shirt dress from Kohls. It looks more flattering than in the pick. With my pear shape, the rolled sleeve, collar, and belted waist balance out my hips. It's very light weight and I can wear it to work. The belt is super cheap so I'll replace it with a variety of belts I have already (like red bow, navy nautical woven, camel thin belt, etc).

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/land...Shirtdress.jsp