According to the spring runways (which I know all mothers, like myself, definitely have time to follow closely – in between packing lunches, swim lessons and the the sleep we don’t get) the top 5 fashion trends of summer are Yellow Everything, Head to Toe Florals, Stripes, Khaki and Off-the-shoulder looks. I think I need to give a shout out to another runway look…ROBES…yes this is actually a not-a-joke runway look. “Don’t feel like getting dressed in the morning? Toss on a fancy robe and you’re good to go.” People, I’m not making this up! An article actually recommends that young people without children who don’t feel like getting dressed and can wear a robe. I can barely remember the days where I was able to get ready without also having to break up fights about who started brushing their teeth first, plunge the clogged toilet because someone flushed a toy, find a lost sock and tame children’s unruly hair ?! I think I have the robe look mastered, maybe next season stained t-shirts you slept in and yoga pants will be on the runway.
So mamas, here are some practical ways to wear the trends that will have you feeling great! A little more comfortable chic than funhouse mirror…
Yellow is one of those colors that many people (including myself) struggle to wear. If the color is wrong or there is too much of it can be less than flattering or make you feel like a giant banana. This season to wear this hot color try a fun pair of shoes or flip flops and some patterns with white to soften the boldness of the color. Bring the bold in accessories.
It’s been practically drilled into us that mixing patterns is a fashion no-no. I argue it’s not a no-no but simply a tread lightly. To pull of this virtual garden look pick one item (like your skirt) in a bold and big floral and balance with subtle smaller patterns for the rest. I love how cheerful this look feels.
Stripes are back (not sure they were every really gone, just taking a short nap). Balance stripes by combining wide and skinny strips and vertical and horizontal strips. Mixing black and white stripes with subtle pops of color is a great way to balance the look.
It’s easy to have a love/ hate relationship with this neutral color. I love the creamy warmth of khaki but some how feel like I’m a park ranger when I wear it (honestly I have no idea what park rangers wear so it’s all in my head). There is something kind of uniform about the color so breaking it up with pops of color and different shades will tie this look together.
Wedding season is here. This is a great look for a date night or any summer party. Off the shoulder looks are still going strong and I love the fun it brings to a dressier outfit. A really good strapless bra is critical to this look and many summer dresses so I highly recommend getting one
(local mamas can check out Le Lingerie Shop for bra fittings). A smart watch is perfect for date nights and weddings (texts from your sitter gently vibrate on your wrist so you can discreetly glance to see if it’s urgent (i.e. little Tommy swallowed some legos) or not (i.e. little Tommy says goodnight).
I hope these looks inspire you to find some outfits this summer that make you feel good! At the end of the day you should choose clothes that YOU like, are comfortable in and are practical for your lifestyle.
*To find items in the five looks above, click on the images to be taken to the sources.