clare vivier | What Jenn Wore

The warm weather brings out the fun in fashion; brighter colors, lighter fabrics and playful accessories reserved for higher temperatures and sunny days. Below are 3 Summer Trends Worth Trying and you don’t have to spend a fortune – I’ve included both an ‘Affordable’ and ‘Splurge-Worthy’ option for each.

The Pouch Clutch: These make-up like bags are everywhere this spring and summer. The bigger and slouchier, the better. And this is an accessory you can have some fun with: graphic prints, photos and cheeky-sayings abound. Try a bright hue, embossing or one with a tassel…live it up! An animal print or metallic is always a fantastic, punchy “neutral” as well. These bags easily fit into your work tote (or diaper bag); ready for an impromptu Happy Hour date at a moment’s notice.

Affordable: Samudra Hanging Palm Pouch | Splurge-Worthy: Clare Vivier Oversize Clutch

Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans: These laid-back alternative to skinny jeans continue to be in the denim rotation – more sun-washed and destroyed for summer! Easily paired with a flat sandal and canvas tote for a casual look; yet don’t reserve these jeans solely for daylight hours. Once the sun goes down, add a beaded tank and a pair of heels (the higher and strappier, the better) and you are ready to paint the town! The casual, toughness of the destroyed and faded denim can tone down an otherwise dressy ensemble by making it more edgy and carefree.

Affordable: Gap 1969 Sexy Boyfriend | Splurge-Worthy: Citizens of Humanity Premium Vintage Emerson

Flat Gladiator Sandals: Flat sandals are everywhere this summer – many rejoice, yet I know several die-hard heel-lovers reluctant to embrace this trend. If flat seems just too casual, try a gladiator sandal with straps, ties, metallic and/or embellishments to dress up an otherwise casual shoe. While a to-the-knee version can be tricky to pull off (reserved for true fashionistas with plenty of moxy), anyone can wear the ankle-length version. A very cool addition to a simple tee and short ensemble, or a great way to add some edge to a sweet summer dress; gladiator sandals are here to stay.

Affordable: Dolce Vita Fray Sandal (on sale!) | Splurge-Worthy: Stuart Weitzman ‘Caesar’ Gladiator Sandal

What’s on your “must-have” list this summer? Please share – I would love to know what you are currently loving and on the search for. Thanks for reading!

I throw caution to the wind with regards to many of fashion’s “rules.” I wear black with navy, mix casual with dressy pieces, never reduce my accessories and I most definitely wear white after Labor Day! White pants no longer need to be relegated to your storage bin with the changing of the leaves. With a few thoughtful pairing ideas, you can easily enjoy your white pants year-around.

Outfit 1 Casual

This is a great outfit for brunch, shopping with friends, hitting your local farmers market…the list goes on. Note: I have omitted playing at the park. White jeans are not super kid friendly. However, I fully embrace my current “lifestyle” and wear what I want – dry-clean-only be damned! I am fairly savvy with the bleach…and an absolutely amazing product called Soil Luv (which I have only found thus far in Dollar Stores in California). The key to making this look work in cooler temps is the addition of lots of layers in varying patterns and textures. Then add a neutral bootie and you can sport this outfit throughout the year.

Outfit 2 9-5

This look is office friendly and totally chic. Just stay away from the coffee maker and dry erase pens! Also, when wearing wide leg trousers, be sure that the hem of the pant is just skimming the floor (this will allow you to maximize the leg-lengthing benefits of this cut). The addition of some metallic accessories and a punch of pattern with the bag make an all-white outfit more interesting yet sophisticated. The key to a monochromatic look such as this one is varying the texture of your matching pieces; the wool-blend trousers and the silk top. Although they are the same color, the different textures delineate the two pieces and add visual interest.

Outfit 3 Night Out

This look is seriously rock n’ roll – so fun and playful; the perfect mix of notice-me elements and seriously chic pieces. You could easily wear this outfit for a night on the town: a concert, party or out with the ladies. In particular, this outfit is an interesting dichotomy between casual (the destroyed jeans and tee) and dressy (the fur vest and high heels). Since the fur vest is such a statement, keeping the other accessories fairly neutral allows this special piece to be the focal point. Both the shoes and the vest are more of a blush white, which pair nicely with the stark white of the jeans. You can vary the tones of your white pieces as long as it looks purposeful, meaning that the pieces are noticeably a different shade of white.

So dust off your white pants and bring them back into the rotation. Let me know your favorite way to wear white in winter and please keep the feedback coming!

Thanks for reading…

What I’m Lovin’: 3 Summer Trends Worth Trying

How To: White Pants in Winter