Summer Outfits Archives - The Well Dressed Life

Buy Now, Wear Now and Later: J. Crew Polka Dot Top

August 14, 2020August 14, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Well Dressed - How to wear a polka dot top two ways

Buy Now, Wear Now and Later posts are some of my favorites to create.

The idea behind this series is to help you maximize your wardrobe, in between seasons.

Today, I’m working with this lovely polka dot peplum top, available in sizes 00 – 16 for under $80. (Currently 25% off with code EPIC)

As we move into fall, I’m going to start talking more about specific body types and how pieces I’m featuring can work to hence your shape. So going forward, on posts like this one, I’ll highlight how and why it will work for certain body types.

But before I dive into it below, please remember these are just guidelines. Nothing in fashion is set in stone.

Key Piece: J.Crew Polka Dot Peplum Top

Top, $79.50

Take 25% off with code EPIC

A peplum top looks best on lean or straight up and down, sometimes called “boy” shape body types because it adds curves and dimension.

It will add the same benefit for some rectangles.

If you are an inverted triangle it will bring balance to your shoulders.

For an hourglass, it will highlight your curves, so go for it!

Avoid a peplum if you are a traditional triangle, or an apple shape.

How to Wear in the Summer

Summer: Top, $79.50 | Jeans, $68 | Earrings, $33 | Slides, $77 | Bag, $38

Shop Summer Look

How gorgeous is this look, made with items you may already have and under $100 if you want to pick up something new.

What’s important here are the jeans. If you wear a peplum top you MUST wear a slim bottom, either straight or skinny, depending on what looks best on you.

I’m using these Wit & Wisdom jeans because I know many of you already have them. It’s nice that they hit right at the ankles, this creates an airiness to the outfit. For a other white jean options in all sizes check out our series Basics Building: The Best White Jeans.

Now, the accessories. There is a lot going on in the top, so while we want to keep the rest fairly simply, it’s nice to also draw attention to your face. These these affordable earrings are stunning. They add texture, movement and are just incredibly chic.

Then, this stunning bag, that was originally $177 is now only $48. WHAT? Yes. Total year end steal.

Finally, since this is for the warm weather, these slides are perfection. They are part of the Nordstrom sale and 40% off. Scoop them up now, wear for the next month or so and have them at the ready next spring.

How to Wear in the Fall

Shop Fall Look

Now let’s take this pretty piece into the fall. I have no idea where we’re going, but let’s pretend we’re finally go out and about with friends. Like brunch! Remember brunch?

I use another Wit & Wisdom jean, this time in black, but wear your favorite.

As a much needed layer I added this long cardigan by Halogen , also part of the Nordstrom sale, fully stocked and under $40 and comes in regular and petite. I went with a tan instead of an ivory because it’s not as sever of a contrast. The tan makes it feel monochromatic and seasonally appropriate.

For shoes, swap out your sandals for a bootie, like this pair by Vince Camuto on sale for under $100 at DSW. They get rave reviews and will become an instant go-to in your fall wardrobe.

Then, for a little more movement a pair of hoops (gold tone will work best with the colors in this outfit).

Finally, another cognac bag option. You don’t need both, either work in each outfit. This one by Sole Society is made of vegan leather for $60.

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Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.

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Summer Denim Skirt Two Ways

August 5, 2020July 21, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Before 2020 took a turn, I spent one or two days a month walking the mall, going in and out of our favorite stores to see items in person. It was always a helpful exercise because I could get a real sense of current trends, and could also experience some of the frustrations our readers have about in-person shopping first hand.

Since I have zero interest in strolling a mall anytime soon, yesterday I set aside a few hours to organically online shop. I started scrolling through hundreds of pages of new arrivals, and searched for random basics just to see what came up.

This skirt was one of my finds.

‘Summer Fling’ Flirt Skirt

Skirt, $108 in Petite and Regular up to an 18

Yesterday felt like it was 4,000 degrees outside. The kind of heat that makes you sweat the second you open your front door. On days like that, the last thing you want are your clothes clinging to you.

If you’re working from home, you can get away with wearing whatever you want in this heat.

But if you have to do things, and lately, more of us have to leave the house to do something, you may want some HOT weather options.

When this skirt, by Nic + Zoe, came across my screen, with its lightweight fabric and a-line cut, I knew it was an excellent option for these high-temperature days.

It’s a great alternative to shorts, or summer pants.

How should it fit? Ideally you want this to hit right above your knee. Any shorter and you’ll start to mess with the shape of the a-line, any longer and you run the risk of looking frumpy.

Because the skirt has a flattering yoke in the front, you can easily tuck in, half tuck, or leave your top out.

Today, I styled it two ways, to give you a visual of how it can translate in your real life.

Outfit One: Add a Pop of Color

Skirt, $108 | Crewneck Sweater, $35 | Hair Tie, $16.50 | Sandal, $107 | Clutch, $30

The dark indigo of the skirt works well with a bold pop of color, so I paired it with this cheerful yellow sweater (featured in yesterday’s J. Crew round up). Other color pairings that work well are green, red, or orange.

Because the colors are bold, neutral accessories will ground the look. I love this clutch I found out DSW for $30. The perforated detailing adds a subtle bit of texture which you need to help the outfit from looking flat.

The shape of the skirt lends itself to a heel. You don’t have to wear anything crazy high, but a lift will help the skirt hang properly.

These sandals by Via Spiga are a find! I’m a huge fan of their block heels for both the comfort level and styling. Again, the suede straps adds texture.

And just for fun, I included this hair tie. Add this if you are pulling your hair back off your face and neck for an extra accessory that doesn’t weigh you down.

Outfit Two: With Better Basics

Skirt, $108 | Sandals, $90 | Top, $40 | Necklace, $100

The skirt immediately made me think of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Marge in The Talented Mr. Ripely, one of my favorite movies. Every outfit she wears in the film is pure perfection.

So I searched for a tie-front crisp white shirt to create a modern version of the outfits she wears casually strolling Italy in the 1950’s.

Of course, you can wear it with your favorite simple white tee shirt, but this gives it just a little oomph.

This colorful beaded necklace will layer under your collar if you look it twice. (Take a closer look here, it’s so pretty!)

Finally, these espadrille wedges are perfect and under $100. So often, espadrilles have a seriously high heel that makes them unmanageable.

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Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

The $30 Wrap Dress I’m Living In This Summer

July 15, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Lately, I have not been feeling great about my body. As a creature of habit, I thrive in routine. Four months of stay at home orders took its toll on me mentally and then physically.

Fitness-wise, the accountability I get by going to group classes and the scheduled time out of my house, free of distractions and interruptions, helps me create the boundaries I need to take care of myself.

So once gyms closed and homeschooling started, I was really at a loss for what to do. I am getting back on track and am beginning to feel better. But I’m nowhere near the weight or fitness level – more specifically, I don’t feel as strong, energized, or healthy as I was pre-COVID.

It’s frustrating, of course, but I know that if you feel like crap while you’re trying to get back to yourself, you’re never going to get there.

Doing little things, like getting a manicure, or putting on some makeup in the morning is so important. It sends a single to your brain that caring for yourself is a priority.

And finding a few things to wear that make you feel pretty is like jet fuel for motivation.

So a month or so ago, my sister-in-law came over in what looked like the perfect summer dress, from Amazon. I loved it so much I ordered one, then another, and then another.

I feel slim, feminine and so pretty in them.

And don’t be turned off by the model photos, you can see them on me and my very normal body below.

The $30 Wrap Dress I’m Living In This Summer

Wrap Dress, $30

We’ve been trying to take advantage of the weather and support our local restaurants with a weekly date night. It’s lovely to sit outside and decompress for a few hours, out of the house and away from the kids, especially since there is nothing else to do.

I am wearing these dresses on repeat. To dinners, for drinks outside, even to my daughters softball games.

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A post shared by The Well Dressed Life (@thewelldressedlife) on Jun 20, 2020 at 3:22pm PDT

I’m wearing the large and it fits perfectly. There are two styles available, one has flutter sleeves and a high/low hem, the other has a short sleeve and long maxi skirt (shown in red).

Below is the blue version. I wore it to dinner last night in the city with my sister-in-law.

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A post shared by The Well Dressed Life (@thewelldressedlife) on Jul 15, 2020 at 7:29am PDT

To care for them, I put them in a lingerie bag and wash on delicate. Then, I hang them to dry and use my steamer to remove any wrinkles quickly.

Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

How to Wear a Tunic in the Summer

July 9, 2020 by Megan Kristel

If you need a summer top that provides a little extra coverage, but is it still lightweight enough to wear in the heat, a tunic may be just the thing.

Tunics have long been considered a wardrobe classic, but many women avoid them because they have a reputation for sometimes looking matronly.

However, the right one, paired with modern basics, and updated accessories, can look incredibly sophisticated.

Luckily, now that Lilly Pulitzer and Tory Burch, brands famous for their love of tunics, are seeing a rise in their “younger” demographic, more mainstream stores are offering their own versions.

Which is great because I get requests all the time for recommendations on what to wear if you prefer to have your arms covered, or if you’re inside the air conditioning and want to keep the chill off.

Now that the category is trickling down into bigger brands and stores, there are more stylish and affordable options than ever.

So let’s break down a simple formula for how to wear a tunic.

How to Wear a Tunic in the Summer

Outfit Break Down

First, let’s talk about this cotton blend tunic, by Old Navy. It’s currently on sale for an additional 35% off, making it only $16. At the time of publishing all sizes are available in regular and petite up to size XXL.

You want a tunic to have a slim fit to avoid it looking oversized. It shouldn’t cling, but rather hang just slightly off the body. Here, you can see the combination of the v neck line and subtle vertical tonal stripe is going to help create a long, slim line to the body.

I love how the soft blue pairs with crisp white jeans.

It’s important that you pair this with a straight or skinny bottom to balance the proportions. Here, I used a reader favorite by Wit & Wisdom (on sale for $30 in limited sizes). But you can wear any white bottom in your closet with a slim, tailored fit.

Then, I think a tunic requires a dramatic earring, so you can really lean into the “lady-that-yachts” vibe it gives. These double hoop earrings from Baublebar are perfect, and under $40.

Finally, finish the look with accessories we regularly feature, like these investment Tory sandals, simple tortoise sunglasses, and this leopard clutch from Tuckernuck that adds pattern and texture to any outfit, year-round.

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Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

A Go-To Dress For Transitioning Back to the Office

July 8, 2020 by Megan Kristel

It’s fair to say that our professional lives are going to look weird for the rest of 2020.

While some parts of the country are pulling back their reopening plans, many are slowly turning the lights on. In my hometown of Philadelphia, people are commuting and back in the office, even if it’s just part-time.

But the city is hot (so hot), with temperatures in the mid 90s, and, most dress codes are toned down versions of what they were pre shut down.

Which leads to the question, after months of working at the kitchen table, what’s an easy outfit option that is comfortable, cool, an a little more professional than yoga pants?

A dress, obviously!

And not just any dress, but this Lola jersey dress from Boden, available in an array of colors and prints, in regular, petite and long, ranging in sizes 2 – 22.

Basics Building: Go-To Dress for Work

Dress, $85

I’m thinking specifically for readers who are either walking or taking mass transit into a hot city. Maybe you’re in an office with a skeleton crew or a municipal or government building coming back online.

You want to look polished, but not overdone, comfort is key, but feeling dressed up is a welcomed change.

This dress requires nothing else. Simply throw it on and go.

A Better Basic for Under $100

This dress is everything Boden does well, and has almost all five star reviews from customers.

The fit is lovely; it’s not too long or too short and the cut is ideal. A v-neck is universally flattering, and the waistband will help pull you in, creating a slimming shape.

While I’m not personally a fan of their prints, picking it up in either black or navy means you have an incredibly wearable dress (with pockets!) for under $100.

How would I wear this?

Assuming I was commuting (or just didn’t want to fuss with heels) you can easily wear this with flats. I would wear these Allbirds Tree Breezers in Navy for both comfort and style. They are similar to Rothy’s in that they are eco-friendly, washable and breathable, so your feet won’t sweat in the summer heat.

Finally, use what you have in your closet! I would carry this bag from Target that we featured last month and keep accessories simple with these studs from QVC (another reader favorite).

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Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

Easy Outfit Ideas for Your Fourth of July Weekend

September 15, 2020June 29, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Over in our Private Facebook Group, we had a fun discussion about what to wear on the Fourth of July. So I thought I would create a few looks to inspire whatever your plans may be with a subtle and chic nod to patriotic dressing.

As usual, today’s post is filled with wearable, mix and match pieces, in a wide range of sizes. Some items you may already have, since my goal is to help you build out a wearable wardrobe, other pieces you can pick up to further expand your outfit options.

Easy Outfit Ideas for Your Fourth of July Weekend

I know this summer looks different.

Many of us are not doing anything the way we are used to. I was supposed to be in Santorini on the 4th for my 40th Birthday trip. We have been planning, saving, and hoarding airline miles for years. After talking to our readers, it sounds like many of you had to cancel or reschedule a much-anticipated trip too.

It’s disappointing, for sure, but it’s hard to be too upset. We’ll go next summer; it will still be amazing. I don’t know about you, but after the last four months, I’m just grateful for all the little things I took for granted before now.

So this weekend, I’ve stocked up on wine, did a Trader Joes run on snacks and apps, and if all I do is sit outside under a tree and hang out with friends for a bit, I’ll be happy. And we’ll toast the fact that it’s July, and we’re halfway through this ridiculous year.

Long and Flowy

Dress, $188 | Hoops, $30 | Sandal, $248 | Clutch, $30

If you are embracing the dress this summer, like I am, this one, by J. Crew, is so sweet. It’s just the perfect print for a mid-summer gathering. And can I say that I am hoping J.Crew pulls through their bankruptcy because we need this kind of size-inclusive brand as we head into the new world of retail. (P.S. the dress is currently 40% off.)

With the bold print, you want to keep your accessories elevated but simple. These bamboo-style hoop earrings on sale for $30 are perfect, and add some texture with this woven clutch – a total score from DSW.

Finally, the Tory Burch Patos sandals are an investment (and my favorite summer shoe of all time), but quickly climbing up our reader favorites list, so I want you to see all the easy ways to wear them to get the most out of your purchase.

Skorts!!!

Skort, $88 | Top, $27 | Sandal, $50 | Ray Bans, $169

Are you headed to a pool party or outdoor BBQ? In many parts of the country, it is super hot out. The trick to looking pulled together and staying cool is thoughtful details on summer basics.

I used this popular sleeveless top from Banana Republic, finished with lace trim, and paired it with this fun skort from Lilly Pulitzer. I love the idea of a skort; you get the look of a skirt and the ease of a short.

Another cute skort to consider is this equally vibrant print from Talbots, in a full range of sizes, including petite and plus on sale for $25.

Then, these white Sam Edelman sandals are simple like a flip flop but feel more dressed and I added my favorite summer sunglasses by Ray-Ban.

White Jeans

Top, $41 | Pants, $34 | Sandals, $100 | Hoops, $48

We’ve talked a lot about white jeans this season, so I wanted to give you another option. These skinny ankle jeans from Wit & Wisdom have a TON of petite sizes and are available in “regular” sizes up to an 18, and in plus size up to a 24 here. They run big so size down.

Then, this comfortable and lightweight chambray top. It’s sleeveless with a slight domain cut so that it will drape nicely.

Finally, our go-to sandals from Sam Edelman, available in a zillion color and print options, and these bold pearl hoops from Tuckernuck – be sure to see them on the model before ordering. They are bigger than you would think.

Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

5 Must Have Shoes for Summer

June 25, 2020June 25, 2020 by Megan Kristel

This summer is going to be different, depending on where you live in the US and around the globe. For me, after four extremely long months of some of the strictest stay at home orders, I’m grateful that my state is starting to reopen.

There is still not much to do.

But this experience has certainly made me appreciate the small luxuries we have more than ever before. The kids can play sports, the pool is open, and the weather has been so beautiful I’d want to eat outside regardless.

Aside from a few drives to the beach, we’re staying close to home and supporting our local economy as much as possible.

Getting dressed also looks different. Many of us are going to be working from home for the rest of the year, so we likely don’t need a new pair of heels or dress shoes.

So for today’s roundup of must-have summer shoes, I focused on versatile pairs you can pick up and wear now to dress up small moments, and summers to come, when things get back to normal.

5 Must Have Shoes for Summer 2020

I have all of these and can say with confidence that they have made getting dressed so easy. Think of this like a summer capsule collection. If you asked me what shoes you need so you can always put an outfit together, these would be it.

Block Heel

Block Heel, $98.00

I paid full price for these, $275.00, a few summers ago. They are, by far, my most favorite pair of summer shoes. Right now they are on sale for under $100 at Nordstrom Rack. If you have the need and budget, scoop these up. Every time I slip into them, I’m so happy I have them. They are extremely comfortable and work with just about everything. The only thing I don’t wear them with is shorts, because I’m tall enough as it is. Other than that, they go with everything and if we’re traveling somewhere, they are the first shoe I pack.

Available in limited sizes, in black, mink and tan.

Flat Sandals

Flat Sandal, $100:

A simple flat sandal is a great choice for everyday. They work with shorts, dresses, even summer jeans. Many of you already of this option by Sam Edelman, as they have been featured on the blog for the last few weeks. Sam Edelman just makes a solid, well priced, modern shoe.

Available in almond, jute, black, white, and saddle.

Strappy Sandal

Strappy Sandal, $110

With so many breezy dresses trending, you need something equally lightweight to maintain balance. Look for a strappy sandal with a heel you can manage. These days, this 2.25″ heel (another Sam Edelman find) is about as high as I can handle. It’s slightly higher than a traditional kitten heel. Pair it with dresses or flowy pants for a dressed-up-but-still-casual look.

“Better”Flip Flops

“Better” Flip Flop, $55:

At my core I am a beach girl. I love the casualness and ease of every part of beach life. The truth is you can wear whatever kind of flip flop you want and it will make no difference. I do, however, love these TKEES. They are made of a gorgeous leather, with a rubber sole and are so comfortable. They feel like a grown up flops. You can certainly were these to the pool, but I save them for sun dresses and shorts while walking around our favorite beach town.

Summer Sneakers

Summer Sneaker, $68

The fact that it is now acceptable to wear sneakers with anything is a win for all of us. But to pull it off remember you can’t just wear any sneaker. Keep your athletic sneakers for your work outs and go with a slim profile, crisp white option, like these by Superga. A favorite of classic style icon, Kate Middleton, they are affordable, well made, and comfortable.

Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.