Summer caught you by surprise this year? Here are 5 categories from your closet to clean out + refresh for the warm weather ahead.
I cannot believe it’s summer.
Sheltering in place meant spring flew by and, with it, all the activities that usually usher in and acclimate us to summer in Texas.
Your mind and body might not be fully ready, but 2020 isn’t about proceeding with life like before.
It’s about reinventing how you do things and putting more intention behind what you do.
So this week, I’m giving you two activities to prep for summer.
Whether you’re setting up an inflatable pool in the backyard, heading to the beach on the Texas coast, or working from home most days, these activities will help set the mood for summer and make sure your style stays with you as you transition into this new season.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
First, you’ll clean out each category.
Then, you’ll refresh — a.k.a. shop for a couple new pieces that excite you.
I’ve added tips along the way to help you navigate the task and tailor your shopping to what’s trending right now.
This is a self-paced exercise, so you can do one category a day or everything at once. Whatever works for you is how you should do it.
And don’t forget! Once you’ve finished, leave me a comment below and share which category you’re most excited to clean out + refresh.
Lots of love and joy!
Raquel
CLEAN OUT + REFRESH
SHORTS // SKIRTS // SKORTS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Yes, you can wear all three of these. No matter your age, size, or shape, there are above-the-knee pieces that will make you look stunning for summer.
TIP: In some cases, tailoring may be the answer.
If you throw on one of these items and something doesn’t look right, but you’re not sure what it is, it could be the proportion. Try folding the shorts or skirt up an inch or two, then look at them. Adjusting your piece to a shorter length can often give you a more flattering silhouette.
If this doesn’t fix a broken piece into something you love, it’s time to give it away.
STYLES TO TRY RIGHT NOW
Midi skirts: silky or accordion pleat
Paperbag shorts
High-waisted denim shorts: black, white, and blue
Athletic skort: love this piece for running earrings in during the hot hot heat
CLEAN OUT + REFRESH
ACCESSORIES
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Accessories are most important during summer because, when you can’t wear a lot of clothing, these are the trick to showing your personality and style.
TIP
Because summer is hot, your outfit should be high energy. You create this energy by using bold or light colors in clothing, and mixing metals in jewelry.
To mix metals, choose your first metal and wear it in two places. For example, add a gold pendant necklace and a gold ring. Then finish styling your accessories with one more metal that’s similar to a piece you’re wearing. For example, add one more pendant necklace in silver or rose gold or add a ring in silver or rose gold.
STYLES TO TRY RIGHT NOW
Abstract print earrings
Dainty layerable necklaces
Wide-brim straw hats
Rafia earrings
CLEAN OUT + REFRESH
SNEAKERS + SANDALS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Summer is the most casual season, so sneakers and sandals should be your lifeline to get comfort and stay chic.
TIP
Be diligent when assessing the condition of these items. Because they are more casual, I find that people often let the quality and condition slide until they are practically falling apart. If the toe, heel, tops, or bottoms are worn down or peeling off, it’s time to say goodbye.
STYLES TO TRY RIGHT NOW
White sneakers
Animal-print sneakers
Platform sandals
Espadrille wedges
CLEAN OUT + REFRESH
COVERUPS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
While coverups can seem like they’re just around to serve a function, they’re also about fashion. Use your typical styling tools of color, texture, pattern, and shape to show off your unique personality.
TIP
Treat your coverup like any other outfit, and enhance this piece with accessories.
Link a jewel-toned caftan to a cobalt or royal blue statement earring.
Link a crochet cover-up to a rafia statement earring.
Link a floral kimono to a rose gold, red, or pink earring.
STYLES TO TRY RIGHT NOW
Whatever you love!
Coverup styles don’t go in and out like other items do, so keep your online or in-store search broad to find a few you can’t live without.
CLEAN OUT + REFRESH
SWIMSUITS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You don’t need a million swimsuits. You only need a few good ones.
TIP
It’s easy to get stuck on the size you think you are, but with no standard sizing, the truth is that you are always at the mercy of the brand you’re buying.
Swimsuits exaggerate this fact. You may wear a small in leggings and need a large in a swimsuit bottom. You may be a 34B in bras and a large in a swim top.
Because of this, make sure to try on a variety of sizes in store or order a variety of sizes online.
Rather than focusing on the size, give yourself freedom to wear the suit you feel most comfortable in.
STYLES TO TRY RIGHT NOW
Whatever you love!
Swimsuits are more about fitting to your body type than fitting to trends, so focus on where you want it to hug and where you want it to flow.
If you’re not sure which style is right for your body type, stay tuned…
I’ll be covering that next week + more on The Greer Guide. :)
