Summer Sophisticate

Style automatically takes a turn for the fun and casual once Summer arrives ... or as is the case here in the South in April when the temperatures get sky high. But tank tops and shorts are rarely appropriate   yet no one wants to feel stuffy this time of year in wool, tailored pieces.

Here's what you do gals.  You opt for a shorter hem line in your trousers but keep the comfortable and cool in a wide leg.  And you add a top in a natural fibers with fun detail, like ruffles.
It's still a put-together look but with a casual vibe.

AND you put this top with a pair of shorts and you're set for the weekend.

Note:  this is technically an off-the-shoulder top but I like it pulled up so I can wear a regular bra, I'm not so exposed/showing too much skin and I don't have those t-rex arms not being able to lift and move.

I added a fun pop of color with turquoise earrings, which are 100% summer!

Handbags can play a big role in your look.  This structured tote is great for weekdays but a rattan basket bag would scream summer!

Ruffled Top | Similar Pants | Handbag | Similar Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully and Sophisticated in the Summer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Neutrals

As much as I love color, I find a neutral palette refreshing and clean. Color can be enhancing to your features, convey your personality and just down right fun.  It can also be a bit bold and distracting.  It’s nice to have a reset with neutrals.

For the record, neutrals are not boring and not plain.  They are classic and timeless!

A crisp white shirt is #1 on the list for pieces to have in your wardrobe.  I have way too many to count!

For accessories, a sharp black handbag would be #1.

Now these wide leg crop pants are stylistically not a forever piece but they aren’t so trendy that they’d be out next season.  I actually purchased They don’t have crazy embellishments or details.

Wide leg crop pants are prominent in most retailers this year.  Personally I find them to be flattering and comfortable.  I prefer more of a straight cut, no crazy volume.  They are slimming on the leg (I need that!) and in a shorter length perfect for highlighting shoes or accommodating those that come up higher on the ankle. Oh and no hemming! And for you taller gals with granddaddy long legs they’re perfect for you too, just more of a capri/culotte length.

 Take a break from those bright hues with a neutrals.  Be sure to add some shine with jewelry.

Sleeveless Dress Shirt ||  Tan Wide Leg Crop Pants & Here  ||  Black Sandals  ||

Handbag  ||  Gold Bangle  || Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in Neutrals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wide Leg Crop Pants

I'm totally digging the wide leg crop pant design.  They're sleek and slimming.  Whether it's with flat loafers or high heeled sandals the strut is chic.

Dress them up or down with tees and blouses in the day or with an off the shoulder top for all the fun over the weekend.  Everyone loves stripes and showing shoulders and this top marries them both perfectly.  I say this because one of my pet peeves is when I have 't-rex' arms when wearing the standard off the shoulder (I'm talking about the restriction of not being able to lift your arms with out the top snapping up and then you have to yank it back down #annoying)
This neckline hits right at the edge of your shoulders with a short sleeve so you can move with ease and still showcase those collar bones.

I must say I'm going to style these pants with blouses tucked in or shorter in length.  I believe that will create a more flattering silhouette.  These pants have a higher waist line and when highlighted will create a very lengthening shape.

Add some variety to your standard straight trousers and add a little volume and gain a little pizzazz.

Striped Off the Shoulder Top  ||  Wide Leg Crop Pants  ||  Sandals  ||  Handbag  ||

Bangle  ||  Earrings  ||  Sunglasses  ||

Dress Beautifully in Wide Leg Crop Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise