Spring/Summer Trends 2026: Sheer Fabrics and Polka Dots

Once again sheer fabrics are floating around the fashion scene like some sort of ethereal ghosts. I don’t mind sheer fabrics and find that they can be very romantic and beautiful, unfortunately I think in today’s world too often sheer fabrics are wore to draw attention to body parts rather than to create a look that is feminine but still in good taste. Today I am showing you an outfit that tries to do just that.

Polka dots, in my opinion have become the warm weather version of leopard print. It seems they come around every spring/summer, but are put aside in the winter months when leopard print becomes once again predominant.

Today’s outfit takes both of these elements and combines them to create an easy, but classy look that is both feminine, modest and perfect for a summer date night, a wedding or some other event where you want to dress up a bit, but not overdo.

It seems almost every summer I bring out this thrifted, vintage, Outback Red skirt. It is typically the skirt I reach for when I want a different option to cropped pants for the summer. It is lightweight and with a banded, elastic waist it’s easy to get on an off. The waist is actually looking a bit worn with bits of the elastic showing through. I am trying to think of a way to mend it without changing the waist too much. Perhaps a seam binding or something of that nature over the top edge of the waistline. What do you think?

Thank you to those who took a moment to offer feedback last week on my baggy red jeans. I will be looking at taking the hems up a bit so the legs lay flatter.

Here are a few cute polka dot skirts: JC Penney, Kohl’s, Maurice’s, and Gap.

For my sheer piece I chose this thrifted Maurice’s jacket. I was drawn to this piece due to the embroidered design, which almost looks like snowflakes, but could also be fancy diamond shapes. Whatever they may be, I find it easily useable all year round. The sheer fabrics allows whatever piece is worn underneath to add color and interest. Please don’t show off your girls, or even your girls tucked into a bra. This might be okay for the bar, or a club, but not for work, university or church. Just my opinion. We have come a long way from the days of what was defined as indecent exposure. Sadly, it seems, now anything goes, or at least goes right out the window. Can we just leave some things to the imagination, please? Okay, I will get off my soap box. Ha. ha.

Here is a light blue button down from Loft; a black button down from Old Navy, and a fancier black topper from Chico’s.

I decided to keep it easy and chose a simple, navy tank top to wear under the jacket. I thought this provided cohesiveness to the outfit and kept the color combination of navy and white clean and crisp. Even thought the two blues are a bit different, the sheer topper hides the contrast.

I chose simple for my shoes, bag and jewelry, but also an element of elegance. Ballerina shoes are back and this silver pair I thrifted a number of years ago when I was still working. They are Life Stride brand. Here are some cute pairs from DSW, JC Penney, Macy’s, a wider width style from DSW, and these are a little more expensive, but they have arch support from the Walking Co.

I have had this sparkly, black clutch for years and I honestly can’t remember where I got it. It is Cosmopolitan brand. I like it because it is a little bigger than many clutch bags, but still quite stylish.

I didn’t notice the tarnish on this three piece layered necklace until I saw this picture. The other thing I didn’t notice was that the single stone has changed color. It used to be a more purply blue like the shorter layer beads. Oh well. It’s probably time to send this one along.

What do you think of these Spring trends. Do you have sheer pieces in your closet that you like to wear? How do you wear them? Do you like polka dots? I love to hear from you so leave me a comment or two.

I have included shopping links for you to look at. These are brought to you at no cost. I am currently not working with an affiliate program so I do not make any money from these links. I place them here for your benefit and to give you options for similar pieces and ideas.

Have a great week!

Styling an Easter Outfit Around a Scarf - Casual Look

Hi everyone. These are definitely disturbing times we are living in. I am so thankful for my faith in Jesus, my family and friends, and all of you lovely subscribers who are on this journey with me. I am not alone and neither are you. I hope that you are staying safe and healthy. Everyday there is another article in the news about the virus and the long term ramifications on our health, the state of health care in our country, or the world. It can be very scary and really blow our anxiety levels right through the roof, so please follow along for a little break from the bleakness. Follow me into the world of spring color.

I am not starting my Pantone series yet, but I do hope to work on that a little over the weekend. Things look a lot different around here as I am sure they do in your household as well. My older daughter, who is my photographer is trying to stay safe at home and is not venturing out much, and I totally respect that. Therefore, we will not be getting together for pictures for a little while. My younger daughter works and since her son is off school I see both of them several days a week, so we have contact. If you have the option of staying home and not having contact with other people, even your family, please do so. It is really best for everyone. For those of you who are helping your families with child care or in other ways, just be sure to wash hands, sanitize and try not to have too much up in your face contact (hard to do with babies and toddlers.)

As my title says, I decided to give you two spring outfits this week that would be perfect for the upcoming Easter weekend. I know most of us won’t be having our normal family gatherings, but whoever you are with you can still dress up and maybe Face Time or Skype with your other family members. My older daughter said her husband’s family is going to do a progressive dinner of sorts, where they each make something, divvy it into portions for each household and then deliver it to the rest of the families involved. Then when they are all back safe in their own homes they can have video dinner time together. What a great idea! I am not sure what our family will do, but even if you are in your own home with just your spouse, or another significant family member you can still celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and the hope that this current darkness will pass.

Today’s outfit centers around the pretty print scarf I got as a gift. A fiesta of feathery friends, and flowers adorns the light pink background on this long, rectangular piece. There are plenty of colors to choose from including several shades of blue, green and yellow. For this outfit I opted to focus on the blue, green and pink.

This St. John’s Bay utility jacket was my first utility piece. I had never had a utility jacket up until I bought this one at JCPenney I have these longer sleeves rolled up once and they actually came with tabs, so you could roll them up farther and button them. You can see how I styled this same jacket with a striped tee and a pair of distressed crop pants here.

My light pink pants are Christopher and Banks which I got on sale at the end of last season. These are very comfy and have good amount of stretch making it easier to move around. I was not really thinking about my hair in these pictures, so this is what you get. Ha, ha.

Here is a closer look at the scarf and you can also see my SO thrifted polka dot denim shirt. I thought it went well with the medium blue in the scarf.

Once again I went for my thrifted olive American Eagle hobo bag. I didn’t realize how closely it matches with my jacket.

I added this simple beaded bracelet for a pop of orange. I got this last summer at a street fair when we were visiting family.

It must be spring, because the bright blue thrifted Keds are back in the rotation! Ha, ha.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this colorful outfit. On Thursday, I’ll use the same scarf to show you a more dressy outfit.

What are you going to wear for Easter Day? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I hope you are all staying safe out there. Hugs and prayers for you all.

I’ve included a few shopping links. I know it is easy to shop from home, maybe a little too easy, but it is where we are at, so enjoy looking at these. These are affiliate links, which means when you click on a link I get a few cents. When you make a purchase through a link, I get a little more. I appreciate all your clicks and your comments.

Spring Trends 2020 - Polka Dots

If there is one thing that is prevalent this year for spring trends it is patterns. From polka dots, to plaid, to pinstripes, to florals and tropical greenery, and more, patterns abound. Being a girl who likes color, I am all in when it comes to wearing patterns. It is an easy way to add visual interest and colors to an outfit, with just the addition of a printed top, skirt or scarf.

Today’s outfit revolves around polka dots. Yes the cheery dots are back and bolder than ever. Most of what was on the runway featured larger more bold polka dots, but any dots will do and if you are feeling really bold, why not go for a head to toe polka dotted outfit, like the one featured in this post?

I think everything in this outfit I have used on the blog before. With the ever increasing emphasis on recycling of all sorts, it is a great practice to only purchase pieces for your closet that are going to get used over and over.

Let me tell you about this outfit from head to toe and provide links to other posts where I have used the same piece.

Polka Dot Top

This “top” is actually a short dress/tunic that I got on clearance at Charming Charlie a few years ago. The dress is too short for my taste, but I thought it would be cute with cropped pants in the summer, or used like this, tucked in, so it looks more like a regular popover blouse. It is fully lined, so no worries on having to wear a cami underneath. You can see I styled a similar look with a different polka dot skirt and a navy eyelet jacket here.

Abstract Polka Dot Skirt

I call this George brand, high waisted, pull on skirt, abstract polka dot, because the dots are more squishy than perfectly round. I really like this midi length skirt and midi’s are the trend for spring and summer. Go figure, we go from midi skirts to hot pants. No hot pants for this girl. I’m sorry, but hot pants are only made for ladies with long, slim, pretty legs, and mine have none of those qualities. Back in the day, but not any more. This skirt is fully lined, but very light weight, so perfect for spring and summer. I originally posted this skirt with a striped crop top and jean jacket. You can see that post here.

Classic Blue Cardigan

This ANA cardigan has been a warmer weather staple in my closet for many years. I can’t seem to find another post using this sweater, but I know I have worn it on Instagram. If you don’t follow me yet, on Insta, just look me up. You’ll see more of my every day looks over there and pictures of our cat, Plato and a few other things here and there.

Trendy Bag and Necklace

Large tote bags are making a come back, at least for the spring and summer. Like I said in my introductory post on the Spring Trends, I like a fun, large tote bag, especially for traveling, because you can throw extra things in there like a book, notebook and a bottle of water. This tote was a clearance find at Kohl’s and I love the texture details and the gold design. 

Another Spring Trend is chunky chain jewelry. I got this necklace a couple season’s ago and haven’t worn it that much. Now I have more of a reason to.

Classic Blue Heels

I’ve worn these bright blue Croft and Barrow heels numerous times before on the blog. For a while I couldn’t find them. I had packed them away in a shoe box, inside another box. I’m not sure what I was thinking. Ha, ha. You can see how I styled them with a denim skirt, a floral dress, a maroon skirt and white jeans. They are very versatile shoes and I noticed when we did these pictures they are starting to show signs of wear, so I need to be on the look out for a replacement pair.

Are you a polka dot fan? What do you think of this outfit? I’d love to hear you thoughts.

Thanks to everyone who supports the blog. I’m including some shopping links. These are affiliate links, and all opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Have a wonderful day.