This summer, I challenge you to take a one-day vacation from your personal uniform and become more adventurous with what you wear. There are many reasons why summer is the time to take a brave leap away from a basics-and-neutrals wardrobe. As you will see in the examples below, looking stylish despite the heat is far less complicated than staying chic in cold weather. If your objective is to add color into your outfits, it’s easy to find vibrant versions of your wardrobe staples at malls or bazaars. If you’re conscious about what people might think, your summer sojourn at Boracay or wherever serves as a safe, judgment-free place to test out your new wardrobe choices.
Here are three ways to dress adventurously using key trends of summer, and how to make these ideas work all year round.
Solid bright colors
The first step toward a livelier ensemble is to add a colorful item to an otherwise neutral outfit. I suggest investing in a top, dress or skirt that comes in a solid vivid color; you’ll have an easier time mixing and matching it with what you already have. Take your shopping cue from the bright tropical hues of the season!
Wear it for fun. Play with color on the weekends using sundresses, tank tops or casual rompers. When shopping for colorful pieces, I suggest trying on different shades of the same garment to see which one flatters your skin color the most. It also helps to wear bohemian-inspired accessories to emphasize the laid-back, summery feel of your outfit.
Wear it to work/school. Inject a little bit of summer into your desk with a single bright color, and let it stand out by keeping the rest of your outfit simple. In the example above, the top’s brilliant blue hue stands out when worn with gray trousers and ballet flats.
Wear it all year round. Wear summery hues throughout the rest of the year by getting tropical-colored versions of cold-weather garments. Pair this with the basics you already own. In the example above, the hot pink cardigan keeps you warm from December’s chill and looks fab against a base of grays and blacks.
Fun patterns and prints
Not a fan of bold colors? Unusual prints and patterns are another great first step toward a more adventurous wardrobe.
Wear it for fun. For a day spent under the sun, keep cool in a tank top or T-shirt with a fun graphic print, cuffed denim shorts and sandals.
Wear it to work/school: Ethnic-inspired prints add life and exoticism to your weekday uniform. Again, the key is to make the printed piece stand out by wearing it against a neutral outfit.
Wear it all year round: Your printed clothes don’t always have to be tropical-inspired. Paisley, or watercolor floral or abstract prints make an equally interesting statement and look fantastic no matter what the season is.
Maxi dresses
Ah, what would summer be without the ubiquitous maxi dress? Don’t believe what the style rulebooks say – anyone can look great in a maxi dress. Most maxi dresses hide unwanted belly bulges while emphasizing your bust, and the floor-length skirt can make you look taller when you wear heels underneath. These extra-long frocks are available at affordable price points and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Even though they’re everywhere this season, you have a small chance of spotting the mass-produced twin of the one you just bought; there are just that many varieties out there!
Wear it for fun: Because of the colorful prints and patterns they come in, summer maxi dresses require very minimal styling. All you have to do is slip on a pair of summery sandals, maybe a chunky bracelet or boho necklace, and you’re good to go!
Wear it to work/school: I actually find maxi dresses a little work-inappropriate; it makes you look like you only showed up to lounge in your ergonomic chair and dream about tropical vacations than do actual work. But if your workplace has a relaxed, business casual dress code, you can wear this trend using the maxi dress’s professional-looking little sister – the maxi skirt. Choose a skirt that comes in a single color and wear it with a neutral top tucked underneath. A textured belt cinched at the waist flatters your figure while serving as an interesting accent. Finish the look with a pair of heels – this will make your legs look miles long.
Wear it all year round: The comeback of the maxi dress last fall was proof that you can wear extra-long dresses without necessarily looking like a hippie. What makes the year-round maxi dress different from its summer version is that it comes in muted or neutral shades, has sheer accents, and is made of more formal-looking material like chiffon. Keep the look casual with statement heels and an edgy motorcycle vest for contrast.
Author's note: All images were created by the author using Polyvore.