7 Tips for Summer Style Inspiration

Spring has finally arrived which means summer is not very far behind. In the world of fashion, spring is merely the pregame show for summer style but the last two years have been tainted by a tiresome pandemic which has drastically changed our style and limited our fashion choices in many ways. But I am declaring 2022 as the Summer of Style, a season filled with celebrations, barbecues, festivals, and travel, all calling for their own special fashions to make this summer one to remember.

The change of seasons generally calls for a few wardrobe updates, but as we begin returning to a more normal way of living this summer, perhaps we may want to up our style game even more by adding a whole new vibe to our style arsenals. You can find inspiration from your favorite television shows, movie stars, musicians, or social media influencers.

Although designers set the pace for the future of fashion, trends are not exclusively born on runways. A very distinct Gen Z influence was woven throughout the Fashion Week shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, with much of the style inspiration being drawn from that generation’s favorite social media site, TikTok. While youth may still be considered currency in fashion circles, there has been a marked shift in the ageist approach that has perpetuated throughout the fashion industry since the beginning of time. Youth is no longer a requirement for beauty and style! And we can all draw fashion inspiration from each other regardless of our age.

Here are seven ideas for upping your style game this summer.

1. Style Genre

First you should consider which style genres appeal to you. Perhaps you prefer a more classic style. Maybe casual clothing and aquamarine style are more for you. Or do you appreciate vintage fashion with a quirky aesthetic? It really doesn’t matter which you choose. You can choose them all if that is what your heart desires. I suppose I should more aptly call this the Summer of Anything Goes Style. You should wear what you love because it makes your soul happy.

2. Swimwear

Finally, we can begin planning trips and vacations and traveling around the world again. Many summer trips include sunshiney places like beaches, lakes, and resorts but staycations spent lounging by the pool at home can offer the same amount of summer fun.

Wherever you decide to soak in the summer rays and relax with a refreshing cocktail, you will need swimwear of some sort. After spending the last two summers at home, now is the time to consider some new swimwear that better suits your current style and body shape. This season’s swimwear trends include bohemian inspired crochet bikinis, strappy cutout one pieces, sparkles, sequins, and animal prints, open backs, one shoulder styles, lots of ruching, and other interesting textures like ribbing and smocking. And of course, a range of color options from brights to neutrals that will suit any complexion or aesthetic.

If you order new swimwear online, remember to take your current measurements to ensure the best fit. I know my body has changed tremendously during this pandemic with my weight peaking at 200 pounds about 18 months ago. My current weight is 167 so I am definitely in need of smaller swimwear this year.

3. Jackets and Toppers

Depending on where you live or where you are traveling, you generally do not need a heavy coat during the summer months. But jackets and toppers are wardrobe essentials all year round. Summer nights can grow cool quickly where a lightweight cardigan comes in handy. Invest in a high quality, neutral colored cardigan that is easy to throw over almost any outfit for an extra layer of warmth while star gazing on a summer’s eve. Other versatile options for extra summer layers include denim jackets, light weight bomber or moto jackets, and even blazers.

But it is not just cool summer nights that require extra layers for protection from the weather. Light, sheer layers are also important wardrobe staples for protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays of the hot summer sun. I prefer kimonos and lacy cover ups to keep my shoulders protected when wearing my favorite sleeveless dresses and tops. But always remember to use sunscreen when spending time outdoors even if you are properly attired.

4. Jewelry

Jewelry is a simple way to add a little extra pizazz to your wardrobe without spending too much or taking up too much space in your home. While quality is always more important than quantity, you don’t have to invest in high end designer brand jewelry that costs thousands of dollars. There are many quality jewelry designers who offer unique designs for affordable prices. I also enjoy shopping for handmade jewelry from creators on websites like Etsy as well as secondhand jewelry online and in thrift stores. You can find some real gems shopping secondhand.

Silver is trending more than any other metals this season along with bold arm cuffs and body chains. Bedazzled chokers, heavy chain links, natural stones, and bright bold bursts of color are also on the summer jewelry trend reports. And the classically simple name plate necklaces continue to trend in perpetuity thanks to Miss Carrie Bradshaw. Whatever your style, your jewelry choices reflect a little bit extra about your personality. Whether you add a sparkly statement necklace, simple gold hoops, your favorite gemstone, or a religious pendant, let your style speak to who you are.

5. Handbags and Other Staples

The change of the season always makes me want to change out my handbag. I don’t like to switch my purse around with every outfit because that just takes way too much time so I opt for a high quality bag in a neutral color that will hold everything and go with everything in the most stylish way possible. Again, I do not opt for the super high end designer bags that cost thousands of dollars, but mid-range high quality leather bags in the hundreds of dollars range are absolutely worth the investment. Not only will the bag last forever in your wardrobe, but purchasing high quality products also minimizes the harmful effects of fast fashion purchases.

When shopping for other wardrobe staples like belts, jeans, or a basic white tee, you should focus on quality as well. Since these are the pieces you will wear most frequently, you want them to last so you aren’t constantly replacing them which is bad for both the environment and your back account.

6. Bras and Underwear

Let’s mention our unmentionables. Your undergarments can absolutely make or break your outfit. If the things beneath are not properly fitted and holding things where you want them held, then it is time for an underwear update.

Summer clothing has a tendency to require special underwear whether it is because of the cut and style of your clothing or the transparency of lightweight summer fabrics. Skin toned underwear and bras are essential for preventing visible underwear through your summer clothing.

If you wear sleeveless and strapless dresses or tops and can go braless with confidence, then I encourage you to do so (even if my encouragement reeks of jealousy as I cannot go braless). For those of you larger breasted women like myself, braless can feel uncomfortable and unsupported. This is where strapless bras come into play. They offer support while preventing visible straps and tan lines. Another comfortable option in summer bras is bralettes. They come in a huge variety of fabrics, colors, and prints that are meant to be seen if they happen to peek out of your clothing.

7. Bold Prints and Bright Colors

Last summer was the season for pastels, nudes, and light neutrals, while this season is leaning more toward the bright and bold color palettes of the 1980s and 1990s. While I am a fan of literally every style decade, I have to admit that coming of age in the 1990s has definitely made 90s fashion my favorite ever in the history of fashion. I do feel like it was around this time when trends began shifting much more to simply expressing your own personal style. I feel like the Anything Goes Style was launched in the 1990s. At least for me! This was about the time when I really stopped caring about what other people thought and started embracing my own unique and very quirky personal style aesthetic with confidence.

Which of these style ideas will you incorporate into the Summer of Anything Goes Style? I just got a gorgeous new Teddy Blake bag to kick off the season! I will be sharing that next week. Until then, happy styling!

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.