Outfit Inspiration: Summer Trends - Checked Skirt Outfit

The fashion world always puts out their spring and fall trend lists long before the season ever starts. Lesser known, but still available are the summer and winter trend lists. Since summer officially starts later this month, I decided to feature a few of the patterns, colors and styles on the docket for summer.

Today’s outfit revolves around what Glamour calls Retro Gingham. The transition to clothing came as early as the early 1900’s, but it was Dorothy in the 1930 Wizard of Oz that made it a fashion statement. It took off in the 1950’s and 60’s being donned by actresses like Brigitte Bardot, and Marylyn Monroe. Gingham has continued to cycle through the fashion world much like leopard print, coming and going with ease.

Gingham always makes for a fun outfit, whether it is work as a skirt, shirt, or in the form of accessories like scarves or bags.

I have styled this skirt on the blog one other time since I thrifted it a couple years ago. I have no idea what the brand is, but I love the asymmetrical hem, the ruffle and the buttons off to the side. You can see how I styled it for the 4th of July last year.

I once again styled it with a white tee, and denim, but this time chose a classic crew neck, thrifted Great Northwest brand, and my 3/4 length sleeve thrifted Rue 21 cropped denim jacket.

You can see my jewelry in the above picture. I love the layer necklaces and there is no reason to think they have to match. I did think the gold ribbon on the multicolored bead, and the gold chain went well together. Both pieces pulled in the black Chaps espadrille shoes. I got these at Kohl’s a few years ago.

I wanted a summery bag, so I grabbed this Anne Klein piece that I thrifted about a month ago. I really like the straw weaving on the front, and it definitely says warm weather.

I think this is a great outfit for a summer graduation or casual wedding. What do you think? Do you like the gingham trend? Do you think plaid is perfect for summer, or do you think it should be reserved for cold weather? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

For more gingham inspiration check out these other posts from my blog: Gingham and Olive, Tie Front Pink Gingham Shirt, Gingham Scarf Outfit, Green Gingham Button Down, Gingham Pants Outfit, and Gingham Under a Poncho.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I have included a few shopping links for you to enjoy. These are affiliate link. All opinions are my own.

Have a great Wednesday eve!

Outfit Inspiration: Chambray for Summer

I looked around on Pinterest trying to get my creative vibes moving and saw a few outfits with chambray shirts that reminded me what great pieces these are to have in our closets. Whether you have one chambray shirt, a dress, a skirt or a simple accessory, chambray next to linen is a great fabric for summer. Of course, chambray can be worn all year round, but due to its lighter weave and weight it is ideal for these warmer days.

Girlfriends, summer is still here for a while, and while our feeds, and the retailers are doing their best to move us forward into fall, Halloween and yes even Christmas, I am choosing to embrace these dog days of summer and live them to the fullest.

To me there is nothing more crisp and summery than chambray with white, and a little bit of tan. Thus, though Pinterest was the initial inspiration for this outfit, it is completely my own idea pulled together with pieces from my closet.

While, I have numerous chambray pieces, I went with this thrifted Cremieux, rolled sleeve button down with raw hemline. It needed its time in front of the spotlight. It can be worn on its own as a top, or as I did today used as a topper to add interest to the outfit. It also would provide a bit of warmth in the air conditioning, which in some places can be quite fierce. I’ll include a few options in the shopping links at the end of the article.

My under layer is a simple striped Croft & Barrow tank top, clearance at Kohl’s a few seasons ago. I chose blue and white, but any striped color combination would work for this look. You could also change the look by using a floral print or a graphic tee. Do what you love.

You also know, I have to add a little jewelry, so my necklace, a gift from my spouse, and the bracelets, seen in the previous picture were my add ons. I chose not to bother with a belt. I typically wear them all the time, but it is starting to seem silly when there is no chance of my pants falling down. Ha, ha.

My distressed, white, Stylus jeans are thrifted. I still have to laugh at how I was so against distressing for years, and now I actually look for it. I know not everyone is on the distressed bandwagon, but to each her own. Wear the things that make you feel comfortable and confident. The pieces I don’t feel good in are shorts and short skirts, due to my bad varicose veins. Rather than bemoaning that I don’t feel comfortable in those pieces, I just reach for the things I enjoy and live life.

My bag is a recently thrifted Fossil piece. I have been on the search for a few neutral colored bags. Shhhh! Don’t tell my hubby. He thinks I have too many bags already. Now, that can’t possibly be true! Ha, ha.

Another option with a chambray button down is to tie the bottom, for a cute cropped look.

It occurred to me I could also pull the tank out so it hangs below the tied up chambray piece for an additional fun look.

I thought about wearing white sneakers, but chose my denim Keds instead.

Here are a few possibilities if you are looking for something similar.

Do you have any chambray in your closet? How do you like to wear it? Do you wear it just in the summer or all year round. I love to hear from you, so please leave a comment or two. What did you think of this outfit?

Check out a few of my past chambray outfits by clicking on the links. Denim Daze 2.0, White with Denim, Denim Daze, Long Sleeve Chambray Shirt, Light Wash Chambray, With a Maxi Dress, Chambray Dress with Denim Vest, and With a Poncho.

I am including a few shopping links for chambray pieces, and neutral colored bags. Use these for inspiration or to buy yourself a little something. If you purchase something through one of my links, I get a few pennies, but every cent counts. These are affiliate links brought to you at no additional cost. All opinions are my own.

I hope you have a great day!