Late Summer Casual – It’s All About Being Relaxed Both Day & Night

By Brian Maynor

 

Between the pre-fall clothes and back-to-school sales smacking you in the face every time you walk into a store, there seems to be a panicked rush to pack as much into the last few weeks of summer as possible.

 

Relax.  Isn’t that the summer mantra anyway?  Accept the fact that you didn’t do as much, or go as much as you wanted to and let it go.  Don’t let the need to make up for it spoil what’s left of the season.  Whether you are meeting friends for cocktails on a Saturday afternoon or enjoying a romantic dinner, summer outings and outfits should be light, fun and most of all relaxed.  Here are a few inspiration outfits that embody that feeling and are perfect either day or night:

 

1.   Maxi Dresses.  This is probably the first piece people can’t wait to jump into when summer rolls around, and for good reason.  They are easy to throw on, light, comfortable and versatile.

The question is always, ‘how long should it be’, especially when you wear them with both flats and heels.  As a general rule, you want it to look appropriate with heels because it is easy to temporarily shorten the dress for flats but you can’t make it longer.  One trick for shortening the dress is to play around with blousing the top.  This works great for belted options and shift dresses.  If the dress is pre-bloused you should be able to still add a belt and pull the waist up a bit, you just won’t be able to add extra volume to the top.  Remember it usually doesn’t take much to make a noticeable difference.  If the dress is sweeping the floor your best bet is to hem it.  The hemline will be seen when you wear it with heels and the last thing you want to see is dirt or holes.

 

2.   Light Jeans.  While they come and go as a trend, light colored jeans are a necessity for the summer.  They may not be as chic or crisp looking as dark denim they also aren’t as hot.  Avoid rips and frays when choosing light denim since they are already casual and will likely have variegation in the color.  It is still possible to dress them up, but don’t try too hard.  High-shine shoes, suit blazers and dress shirts can look out of place.  The concept is right, but opt for more casual pieces.  A chambray oxford shirt and suede loafers pair perfectly with lighter denim and look effortless pulled together.

 

3.   Summer Soles.  Whether you jumped onboard the renewed Birkenstock trend this season or not, chances are you’ve worn some kind of sandal.  Thongs, slides, gladiators, heels or wedges there is an option that works for everyone.  While some summer clothes and accessories can work past Labor Day others have a harder time, and the ‘barely there’ sandals are one of them.  Not that you have to completely hide your toes, your shoes should just become more substantial.

 

It’s not time to pack away the summer clothes yet.  There is still plenty of time and lots of opportunities to wear them this season.  Just remember, they look their best when you’re relaxed.

 

 

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 some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges.  Please send your comments and questions to Brian@BrianMaynor.com.  Also find each of these storyborads 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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