Here in Austin, our Tropical Storm induced monsoon is over and we’re approaching hundred degree temperatures with 70% humidity again.  Joy.  When it’s that hot and humid, Austinites pretty much just dart from one air-conditioned space to another.  And, if we could get away with spending our days in Barton Springs, we totally would.


So, what do you wear when it’s hot and sticky? You know my personal Summer favorite is a T-Shirt dress. Second favorite? The Smocked Dress.


I’ve looked at these dresses for a while with disdain. They kind of looked like cover-ups to me. Not something I’d want to wear out in public if I wasn’t headed to the pool. And, the smocking at the top reminded me of the 80’s for some reason. Not that that’s a bad thing…


This season though, I kept seeing cute smocked dress after cute smocked dress. I finally broke down and bought one. Verdict? I’m a fan. They are comfortable and cute. You can dress them up a bit with wedges and statement jewelry or slip on flip flops and pull your hair back.


There are definitely styles that are versatile enough for everyday wear. Hell…there are even some styles appropriate for the workplace.

What is a Smocked Dress

How To Wear a Smocked Dress

Belt

To accentuate your natural waist and add more shape to the smocked dress, belt the waist. Wear the belt at the bottom of the smocking.

Layers

If you live in a cooler climate, you can layer the smocked dress is lots of ways. Wear the dress over leggings. Add a cardigan. You might even wear it over jeans (though I think this look is hard to pull off).

Shoes

For a casual Summer look, go with strappy gladiators or metallic flip-flops. To dress the look up a bit, wear wedges or gladiator heels.

Smocked Dresses Right Now

The temperature has just reached 90 and my a/c is struggling to keep up. Making me feel like it’s time to head to the pool. In a smocked dress, of course. *wink*
What is your favorite outfit to beat the heat?

Yeah, yeah…I know what you’re saying. Rompers?? C’mon SsasyChic, you can do better than that. Rompers are one of the worst trends of Summer 2010…best left to the 7-year olds or at least the under 20 crowd. I saw your responses on Facebook. I listened.


And, I would agree with you that (most) rompers are just plain bad. But, it’s such a prolific trend…such a fun, playful trend…that I couldn’t let it go unmentioned. And, because I’m not one to back down to the ‘you shouldn’t wear this unless you’re size x, shape y and age z’, I’ve taken it on a personal challenge.


So, the question is….HOW DOES A RESPECTABLE, SOPHISTICATED LADY WEAR A ROMPER AND NOT LOOK COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS?

How to wear a Romper

There are definitely (more than) a few key points to consider.

1. Age

I wouldn’t say that you have to be a certain age to wear a romper. Age is definitely a state of mind. I’ve seen 60 year old women totally pull off looks that I otherwise thought were for teeny boppers. It’s all about attitude and confidence.
I will say that if you are over 25, just make sure you have the attitude and confidence to pull off a romper. If you don’t feel comfortable with the style, don’t wear it. Of course, this pretty much goes for any style.

2. Length

One of the reasons rompers look so pre-school is because many of the styles are incredibly short. I’m talking bloomer short. So, if the bottoms look like bloomers, step away. If you’re worried the bottoms may not cover your panties, step away. The rompers that are most stylish are the ones where the bottoms are longer and not bloomerish.

3. Cover-ups

The best way to wear a romper if you’re on the fence is as a cover-up. Pretty must the most casual of outfits, you can get away with A LOT more if you have a bathing suit on underneath. And, you’ll probably feel more confident about what you’re wearing. Many of the romper styles look like cover-ups. Choose a t-shirt material that’s loose and cozy.

4. No Elastic Waist

The worst romper styles are the ones with elastic waists. There’s something about elastic waists that just screams ‘I’m 5′ or ‘I’m over 70′. It’s like velcro. Stay away.
The natural waist silhouette is definitely helpful here, but not via elastic.

5. Belted Waist

Speaking of the natural waist silhouette…
Create a much more sophisticated look with a belted waist. The belt can be an actual leather belt or a tie. Like I said above, just don’t go for the elastic waist.

5. Contrasting Top & Bottom

While there are attractive rompers that utilize one fabric color for the entire piece, going with a contrasting top & bottom is a nice in-between option. You’ll still get the playful look of the romper, but you also have the appearance of wearing two pieces.

6. Dressy

If you are not wearing your romper as a cover-up, another stylish option is to wear a dressy romper. Find one in a high-quality fabric, at a comfortable length, that is well-tailored and belted. Wear with a great pair of Summer heels and accessorize with a couple of key pieces. You’ll look totally put together and very on-trend. And, best of all, far removed from your playground days.

Classy Rompers for Ladies with Adult Taste

{of course, these are inherently still quite playful}

Thoughts?

So, what do you think? Are you game to try a romper this Summer?
Personally, I think I’ll try the cover-up version first. Perhaps one of the dressier ones shown above next. How about you?

{It’s my first post after a LOOONNNG break. So, excuse me while I get my groove back!}


Your man may be able to purchase one new pair of shoes for the season but you? You’re a woman…you have to have the perfect pair of shoes for every occasion. It just so happens that this Summer’s styles are versatile enough, you can get away with having just a few key pairs.

Wedge

A fun, Summer-time wedge is pretty much a no-brainer. Perfect with shorts, skirts and dresses, wedges are easy to walk in and make your legs look fantastic. Really, it’s the best of both worlds!
What’s best, though is that most styles can readily be dressed up or down. It’s definitely a must-have.

Updated Gladiator

Yes, gladiators are still in style this Summer. However, they’ve been updated with new styles, embellishments, woven leather and hooded ankles. Ditch your basic gladiator for something a little more sassy this Summer.

Sporty Flat

Preppy flats are stylish in a big way this Summer. Think boat shoes, canvas shoes, even men-inspired dress shoes…
Find one that fits your playful side. Go-to brands are Sperry, Converse and Keds.

Nude Heels

As my Sister-In-Law says, every woman must own a great pair of nude heels. Have to say I agree. Especially for Summer. If you don’t spend much time in an office, you can make this style more Summer-y by finding a nude sandal instead.

Statement Platforms

What makes a platform a statement platform? It can be a huge embellishment, an outrageous design or even just a bright color. Find a statement platform that is perfect for Summer Nights. Most of these styles are perfect for going out outfits, but they are also the perfect accessory to a simple t-shirt and shorts.

Other Noteworthy Trends

As you can see from the styles above, there are also some recurring trends that are incorporated into these styles. For instance, you might find a woven wedge or a tribal platform.

Woven

Tribal

Hooded

Wood Heels

What’s your favorite shoe style for Summer 2010? Will you be wearing one style more than others or will you attempt each one?

They’re everywhere this Spring.


And, lucky for all of us, they’re super versatile.
No matter your style, there’s a shirt dress for you.
With lots of layers or by itself, no matter what the weather is, you can wear a shirt dress.
The same shirt dress can be dressed up for work or dressed down for a backyard bbq.


Here is a guide for how to wear a shirt dress. Different ways to wear one, different styles to try and where you can buy yours now.

How To Wear a Shirt Dress

Cutesy

For a cute, demure look, wear a shirt dress with opaque tights and ballet flats. This is a good look for class, a casual work setting, a lunch date or a girls day of shopping.

Casual

In the heat of the Summer, go bare-legged and wear your shirt dress with flat gladiator sandals or a pair of topsiders. This look is a bit less feminine than the one described above, but is appropriate for all of the same settings.

Sophisticated

To really dress up a shirt dress, belt it with a skinny belt and wear heels. A ruffled tank underneath can also add a feminine touch. This look works for the office, a lunch meeting, happy hour or a second date.

Fashionista

For a super put together, I-should-be-a-stylist look, wear your shirtdress with a wide belt (for the best look, find a belt with an interesting buckle or a funky woven pattern) and tall boots. This look is ideal for plaid shirt dresses.

Types of Shirt Dresses

Dressy

Utility

Draw String

Thoughts?

What’s your favorite way to wear a shirt dress? Have you already picked your dress out for Spring?