Summerfied LBD

A little black dress is timeless regardless of season. However, in the summer months many opt for a little white dress as a fresh alternative. Although I am all for LWDs, an LBD can be just as current during the warm seasons. All you need are some colorful accessories to take your favorite black dress from winter chic to summer ready! 

Layer bright pastel hues on your wrist for a fun mix of summer colors.

Bold statement earrings (especially pink ones) add an elegant splash of femininity without overpowering the look. 

Don't forget to dress head to toe! Wildly bright shoes are perfect for summertime and make a statement when paired with a simple black dress. 

When dressing summer fresh, think colors that all belong in the same category (either brights, pastels, or bolds). I stuck with mostly pastels for this look - including my nails, which are a light lavender color. 

The black dress grounds the entire look and brings all these different hues together seamlessly so as to not overwhelm the outfit or the wearer. 

Another reason to wear a black dress in summer instead of a white one is that a black dress works for any time of day. With bright accessories, an LBD is daytime appropriate, but because the dress is black, the entire ensemble easily transitions to a fancy dinner out on the town. 

Photos by Dan Harper (thanks Dad)! 

[dress: TopShop, wedges: Blow Fish, earrings: Ann Taylor, blue bracelet: Banana Republic, pink bangle: Ann Taylor, yellow bracelet: J Crew, gold bracelet: Stella & Dot]

I talk about LBDs a lot but that's because they're incredibly versatile and will always be a classic. I own numerous styles of black dresses and I'm always finding new ways to dress them up or down depending on the occasion. You can't go wrong in an LBD - even in summertime. It's all in the accessories! 

Shop summery accessories :: 

Pastel Party

Pastel hues are perfect for polished daytime dressing. These candy-inspired colors add a punch of playfulness to any ensemble while looking light and ethereal. Give the look sophistication by adding heels and bold jewelry.

Accessories are a great way to incorporate color into your look. A fun pair of statement earrings like these give an outfit personality and glamour. 

This shimmery top is one of my favorites because it adds shine without looking too gaudy. It's an example of refined glitz at its best. And the best part is that it's neutral and therefore goes with anything! 

Metallic heels are trending and add an eye-catching element to any look. When paired with pastels, they become extra dazzling. 

The subtle sparkle in this top make it nighttime appropriate as well. Throw on a leather jacket and skinnies and you're good to go. 

Soft lavender is a lovely spring-to-summer transition color. It's bright and youthful and its versatility is pleasantly surprising.  

Make an impact by wearing two statement jewelry pieces at once. If the items compliment each other then you're not taking anything away from the outfit. Just make sure your clothing isn't pattern-heavy or busy and the metals of the items are the same. 

Don't forget about the details! This pink bracelet adds yet another pastel dimension. 

Photos by Dan Harper (thanks Dad)! 

[top: Ann Taylor, shorts: J Crew, heels: Zooshoo, earrings: boutique, pearls: Jacqueline Kennedy Collection, bracelets: Ann Taylor]

This girly spring/summertime look was inspired by the beautiful colors of the season. Once the weather turns warm, it's so easy and fun to bring color back into your wardrobe. I always start with pastels because they're not as loud as neons yet they're much more delicate and fresh than bolds. 

When creating a pastel outfit, just remember not to go overboard. It can be hard not to pile on as many pastels as you can find, but moderation is key. Stick with a few pastels pieces and make sure to include some neutral items to elegantly tie the whole look together. 

Shop pastels :: 

The Midi Way

It's a fact of life, skirts are a spring staple. The beauty is, there's so many different kinds to choose from (i.e. you'll never get bored). You've got your maxi, your mini, pencil, skater, bubble, high-low, and of course - the easiest and breeziest of all - the midi. 

The midi skirt burst onto the fashion scene with gusto this season, making quite the impact on runways and in the streets. It's becoming increasingly popular for every occasion and it's easy to see why. 

These heels contribute a splash of unexpected yet welcomed color to the ensemble.  

A full-body or pleated midi skirt is the definition of ladylike. They're comfortable and elegant, and long enough that you don't have to worry about your undergarments showing. Win-win for everybody! 

A clear cuff is a luxe accessory for any outfit. 

A bright pattern on the bottom coupled with a graphic tee on top makes for an effortless and laid-back combination without sacrificing any style. 

A midi skirt's hemline hits at the calf (give or take a few inches depending on the style). Longer than a mini skirt and shorter than a maxi, with the midi you get the best of both worlds: comfort and ease while still getting to show off some leg. 

Always say yes to pearls. The more the merrier if you want to make an impact. 

The absolute best thing about midis? They're more comfortable than yoga pants yet way more socially acceptable for a brunch date. 

 Photos by Dan Harper (thanks Dad)! 

[top: ModCloth, skirt: Loft, heels: Gazith, necklace: Ann Taylor layered with pearls, earrings: Kate Spade, clear cuff: Loft, pink bangle: Ann Taylor, yellow bracelet: J Crew]

Midi skirts are a beautiful thing. They're versatile, classic, and a foolproof item that instantly polishes up anything you pair them with. When wearing a midi skirt, you know you're looking sharp. 

I styled this bright floral midi with a casual tee and I love how it turned out. These pearls add major glamour while my heels tie everything together with an extra dash of color. 
Now tell me, how do you midi? 

Shop midi skirts ::