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!

Outfit Inspiration - Pinterest Summer Look

When looking for outfit inspiration I used to look at catalogues and adds that I would get from various retailers like Christopher and Banks, Kohl’s, JC Penney, and others that would send flyers with outfit possibilities to get you to go purchase various pieces from their stores. It seems these days there are fewer and fewer who do the paper adds, choosing to stick to online marketing with only occasional pushes via snail mail.

I have also used fashion magazines like In Style, Vogue, Elle and others to get inspiration, but lately I can’t even bring myself to look at those magazines due to the political and social agendas so many of them have. I’m all for human rights and treating one another fairly and with kindness, but I get frustrated when various entities try to shove it down my throat, when all I want to do is put an outfit together. The same is true of retail stores, but my purpose in this blog is not to create hate and controversy. My desire is to encourage and inspire.

That being said, I now frequently turn to art, as you saw at the end of June when I styled an outfit around the colors in two paintings. I am also trying to remember to look at my Pinterest Boards, after all, I pin those outfits, recipes, home decor and so on for a purpose. They are suppose to inspire me to try new things and give you styles that are fun and easily duplicated.

Today’s outfit is an easy style that can be replicated with any a-line skirt, tank top or tee, and accessories. You can make it completely your own, by using a different print and color skirt, adding black or other colored accessories instead of brown, and by switching in a graphic tee for the solid colored tank top. This outfit was inspired by this pin.

This thrifted skirt has been in my closet for a number of years and it is starting to show some wear. I don’t wear skirts that often, but this one is a piece I often reach for in the warmer weather. It is a brand called Outback Red. So, I did a little poking around on the internet and discovered that this brand used to be sold by The Limited. Do you remember that store? I do. It was very popular in the 80’s, thus the style of this skirt. Since the 80’s were over forty years ago, can we now say that item made in that decade are vintage? Ha, ha.

My white tank top is also a thrift find, along with the layered bead necklace, and belt. The skirt has no belt loops, but I think the belt adds a touch of polish to the outfit. What do you think?

Style Tip - Adding a belt to skirt or dress can add interest to your outfit and give the appearance of a narrower waistline.

I found two of these tank tops at different times thrifting. This one is a creamy white, while the other has a taupe vibe to it. They both have a banded bottom, which is nice if you wear it out with jeans in that it doesn’t show off the love handles like some ribbed tank tops do. For this outfit I tucked it in. In fact the necklace would go well with either of the tank tops I am talking about.

You have seen my bag on the blog before. This one I got a Walmart a few years ago when patchwork was the rage. I think it is a very classy looking, structured piece, and the low key tans and browns go with many outfits.

Style Tip - While bright colored handbags are fun to use (I have a number), bags in classic colors like neutrals, black or navy add a touch of class to any look.

I wanted a similar look to the pinned outfit, so I knew I wanted to wear sandals. I got these gladiator sandals last year, and when I want something different from my usual sneakers these fit the bill. They are easy to get on and off, with a zipper on the back of the heel. They are airy, comfortable and you don’t have to worry about them falling off. They also cover most of the varicose veins on my feet.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you use Pinterest for outfit inspiration? Where do you get your outfit inspiration from? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, or you can also leave me a comment on Facebook.

(Pardon my arm flab! Ha, ha.)

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