Common Summer Style Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
June 5, 2015
By Brian Maynor
Who doesn’t love summer? Lots of sun; pool parties; beach trips and even tooling around town feels better with the sun on your face.
Along with the joy and sunshine comes very hot weather and consequently a lot of fashion faux pas. Lighter layers and exposing skin are synonymous with summer, but there is a line of decency and self-respect you shouldn’t cross.  Before walking out the door in your summer best, check out these common fashion mistakes and tips on avoiding them:
1.  Over-Exposed. Feeling good in your own skin is a great thing, but that doesn’t mean you need to show everything. Let’s be honest, tank tops; crop tops and short-shorts leave little to the imagination, and while they look great on models that same appeal doesn’t always translate to real life, even for the hardest gym bodies.
Not to mention there isn’t anything polished about those pieces. Instead of showing it all, flatter your body with semi-sheer tops and tailored shorts. If you just can’t part with your tanks or crop-tops use them as layering pieces under an open shirt.
2.  Festival Fashion. While Coachella is over, the season of outdoor festivals has just begun. Though they have a culture all their own, you probably won’t wear any of those pieces again so why invest in them. Instead of sacrificing your personal style, and money, for a one-time look; stick to your basics that mix-and-match easily.
If it’s going to be an all-day event think about wearing your swimsuit as a base layer since you know it will wick moisture away and dry quickly.  Add a polo shirt or a sundress for the day and throw a sweatshirt or sweater in your bag for the evening.
3.  Flip-flops in the city. Perfect for the beach or pool, flip-flops however are not a walking shoe. If you’re going to bare your feet look for options that have a thinker sole; more substantial structure and are generally more refined.
Luckily leather sandals are very popular this year so finding the right pair shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re not a fan of exposed toes you have options as well. Woven or mesh slip-ons are lightweight and breathable and just as comfortable in the summer heat.
4.  Color Explosion. So people prefer black and grey all year, and don’t want to abandon them just because it’s summer.
When opting for darker colors look for looser fits, thinner fabrics and show some skin. Short-sleeves, shorts and rolled-up pants keep even the darkest colors summer appropriate.
Coping with the summer heat doesn’t mean you have to trade style for comfort. They are not mutually exclusive it just takes a little practice to get them working together.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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