No.312

by She She Me

She She Me Sponsors: Shopbop and NIMLI

Summer Occasions & What to Wear

So there I was, sitting in the sweltering sun sans chapeau and shades, positively melting into my skyscrapers! Why do the Powers That Be think that a metal folding chair in the middle of a football field in 90° weather is where friends and family want to spend a summer day? I don't care if it is an Ivy League college. I mean, what is wrong with the auditorium!? It's indoors, seats 4,000 and is much more conducive to not sweating like a dock worker (given that it doubles as a hockey rink). Besides, it would be so much more entertaining to watch the faculty and graduating class slipping and sliding along with arms wind milling madly to Pomp & Circumstance. On ice skates, no?

Anyhoo, once again I have completely misjudged the sartorial stipulations/suggestions of a given social engagement. Way back when I graduated college my commencement was held in a nice air-conditioned indoor stadium (as is only proper for any social situation involving muggy temperatures and vast numbers of people attired in their Sunday-go-to-meetin' finery) and I therefore dressed accordingly: the requisite cap and gown, ladylike hose, ladylike MaryJanes...and my swimsuit. (Okay. So it was a sorority thing. We all did it, but no one knew because all they could see what the hose, heels, cap & gown. Brilliant! After the formalities we all snuck into the sports facility for an impromptu pool party, but I digress...) Anyhoo, the point is that we were indoors, and therefore, cool and comfortable. Which is where I dearly wanted to be while attending my baby sister's endless commencement yawnfest. So I did what any sensible-though-slightly-wilted fashionista in similar circumstances would do: I madly fanned myself with my program while mentally planning my wardrobe for every possible social situation that could arise this summer! Here you go darlings:

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

• Let's get this summer style party started correctly now shall we? Every girl knows that the way to look her very best in absolutely everything is to start with great lingerie. Freya has a whole range of gorgeous lingerie, from A up to a J cup and the fit is fabulous! Skilfully shaped to make you look and feel fantastic. Life is what you make it, they say. So make it better in exquisitely elegant styles like these from Freya.

Afternoon/Informal Wedding: think wedding-on-the-beach or garden wedding. This occasion definitely calls for a very feminine dress. Call me old fashioned but I just don't understand why any girl would want to wear trousers to the romantic union of two people madly in love. (Honestly, it's just the best excuse to go out and buy a gorgeous dress now isn't it?) Go with something feminine and sumptuous in a non-skanky length. And while it is perfectly fine to wear a sleeveless, halter style or spaghetti strap dress, steer clear of anything too plunging or sexy — and be sure to have an elegant wrap handy in case it gets windy or chilly. Oh, and don't wear white — that's the bride's prerogative. Add a pair of strappy wedge skyscrapers (wedges are best for walking on uneven surfaces like grass, cobblestone patios, sandy beaches, etc.) in a gorgeous patent leather or perhaps a metallic finish and a nifty little handbag. Finish with a great pair of earrings, perhaps and fun bangle or bracelet and you are ready for your close-up Mr. DeMille!

Formal/Evening Wedding: think glorious wedding at the Plaza. (Bride Wars anyone?) Again, this calls for a very feminine dress, only something much more elegant and formal. Possibly even a floor length gown. And yet again, the no-white stipulation (you might be mistaken for the bride!) however, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a black gown to a wedding, especially a formal or evening ceremony. This is where you can really break out the glitz and glitter. Don a gorgeously embellished evening gown paired with glittery sandals (in a height appropriate for dancing the night away!), an elegant evening bag and the right touches of bling at the décolletage, wrist and ears and you will be the prettiest girl and the party.

What to Wear to a Summer Cocktail Party

Think drinks and nibbles on the patio with magnolia blossoms floating in a pool surrounded by blazing tiki torches. Mood all set? Okay. If the occasion is a bit on the casual side, perhaps an afternoon party, a great pair of shorts and a sleeveless shell is ideal. Cool and comfy while still showing your summer style. Add a pair of fun strappy sandals, a chic bracelet and conversation-piece earrings and you are all set for an afternoon of socializing.

For late afternoons/early evenings, or when the occasion calls for something a little more chi-chi I would opt for a summery sundress, something that will show off my gorgeous tan (read: spray tan - much more dermatologist friendly, and it doesn't cause premature aging and wrinkles!) This chic and classic vintage print sundress in a flattering empire wrap-front style is just the ticket. Great style, great length, comfortable breathable fabric. Add a pair of sassy sandals (either flats or wedges since you are on the grass/patio/deck) and a fun little bag. Stacked bangles and lovely dangles complete the ensemble.

For the evening cocktail party you'll want to dress things up just a bit more, perhaps with a flirty tiered dress or a gorgeous strapless dress, paired with stunning sandals. You might even want to take this opportunity to debut your new patio dress! As for shoes, you can go with something a little more elevated here, since the object of these evenings is to mingle and look devastatingly gorgeous. Simple accessories like a gorgeous pendant necklace and earrings will set off your tan to perfection.

• Summer Style's Little Helper: in Place by Embrace. Double stick strips that hold EVERYTHING in place. Perfect for plunging necklines, open-sided tops and dresses, strapless styles, even securing hems!

What to Wear to a Summer BBQ:

Think neighborhood BBQ or possibly even the company picnic. For some reason every time I attend one of these events, whether in the company of family, friends or work associates, the event always involves a rousing game of volleyball or a wicked round of softball. Therefore, I have learned to plan my attire accordingly. There is nothing more embarrassing than sliding into home plate in a tube top and miniskirt (like any of us would ever commit that particular fashion faux pas!) I

If you've got great gams, show them to best advantage in a pretty pair of shorts (not too short!) and a great tee shirt. Choose something that will breathe and move with you while you spike the ball over the net. Also, please, please, PLEASE wear a supportive bra - nobody wants to see the girls bouncing around unattended (so-to-speak). My choice du jour is this great little sports bra by Freya, with CoolMax moisture-wicking fabric. Maximum control, minimum movement! Footwear options: an adorable pair of sneakers, natch! Something flirty and fun that says, "Yeah, I'm a good sport!" Finish with a funky sports watch, a pair of hoop earrings and a great tote bag.

If you're sure the BBQ doesn't include sports activities, go ahead with a flirty little sundress-and-sandal combo, or perhaps a pair of cropped pants and a comfy cool top. Finish with sandals that flatter your footsies and a sassy little handbag.

• Summer Style Little Helper #2: For those times when you want to wear a tank or racer back style top but you don't want your bra straps hanging out, check out the Bra Strap Solution from Embrace. Easy to use, perfect solution!

Well darlings, that should get you out and about your summer activities in fine fashion! Happy summer shopping dears, and remember to smile pretty and try not to break too many hearts!

She She Me