Eight Easy Ways to Update
Your Summer Style

For most women, summer is the dreaded season of bathing suits and bare legs — a time when hiding behind your wardrobe isn't an easy option. If you're tired of your summer staples and want to heat up those balmy nights out with a look that screams summer, you're in luck. New York-based image consultant Marla Tomazin says the transition from bulkier cool-weather clothes to slim-downed summer sleek is easier than you think. (The following summer style tips are courtesy of Marla —- the suggested item links are courtesy of She She Me!)

"Many women are perplexed when it comes to summer style," says Tomazin, who has been an image consultant for twenty years after earlier experience in the fashion industry. "They struggle to find the balance between staying cool while maintaining a look that is both classic and functional — and one that doesn't consist of only flip flops!"

Tomazin goes on to say that in all actuality, summer is the perfect opportunity to blend classic pieces with trendier looks. And you don't have to bare it all to do it. Read on for eight simple tips that Tomazin says will create lovely summer looks from now until Labor Day (and beyond):

Say hello to summer with sun-kissed skin. Nothing says summer like a sun-kissed glow. But relying on the harmful UV rays that come with sunbathing just isn't smart. Embrace sunless tanning as an integral part of your summer look. Whether you pay a professional or use an at-home self-tanning product, there are plenty of options for every budget. Try using Neutrogena MicroMist or Jergens Natural Glow Foam. Both will give you a healthy glow and allow you to embrace your bare legs in short dresses and cropped pants.

It's in the bag. Don't just swap long sleeves for short; update your accessories as well. Try trading in your black suede handbag for either a metallic, pale leather or neutral straw bag. A simple switch of your handbag can go a long way in summer-izing any outfit.

White hot. Say good-bye to winter white and hello to a pair of crisp white bottoms — a must for every summer wardrobe. Pairing almost anything with white bottoms creates a look that is very fresh for the season. Buy a pair of white jeans, cropped pants, shorts, or even a skirt. You'll look crisp and fresh, and your tops will pop against the white base.

Make a little wiggle room. If your shoes are looking a little worse-for-the-wear after spring's torrential downpours, worry no more! This season, you can switch out those restrictive closed-toe pumps and flats for open-toe shoes and sandals. But don't forget to properly primp your toes! Pedicures are a must during the warmer-weather months. You may need to think twice before you slide on sandals for work — not all offices deem open-toe as office-appropriate. Instead, she suggests slipping a dressier pair in your handbag that you can slip on later before heading out to happy hour!

Polish it off. Summer is a great time to experiment with fun new shades of nail polish. Try a new bright pink or coral polish on your toes and consider a pale pink or nude shade for your fingertips. Tomazin says that these cool colors will be sure to complement any summer outfit you throw on.

Lighten up. (Your locks, that is!) If you've been sporting a dark 'do all winter, it may be time to try something new. If the darker hue of your hair is bringing you down, you may want to try to brighten your hair color for the season. Subtle highlights can pack a big punch and make you look like you've spent a weekend on the beach (and not a day in the salon!).

Minimize when you accessorize. For the summer months, it's best to lighten up on your accessories. Choose lighter jewelry such as crystals and select other accessories in lighter hues to get you through the hot summer months. You'll not only look better, you'll feel much better in the hot sun!

Shop for one special top. Whether it is a cute t-shirt, flowing tunic, or a simple white shirt, choose something that will work with all of the bottoms you have from last season. Remembering the cute pieces you already own certainly makes updating your summer look easier.

"The summer season is the perfect opportunity to try out new trends and flirty looks that you may otherwise shy away from," Tomazin concludes. "Embrace the attitude of summer: the vibrant colors, the relaxed atmosphere, and the buzzing excitement of those unforgettable summer nights. It will show on your face and in your attitude—and no matter what clothes you may wear, you'll look and feel simply fabulous."

I loved Marla Tomazin's summer style suggestions so much I knew you would too…and I just love it when I find a kindred fashionista spirit! Happy holiday weekend darlings!

xoxo,

She She Me.

 

---

Be sure to check out the Home Page for updates from She She Me. Also, check out our all new Hot Products in the She She Mall. We are also adding New Stores each week so check back often for updates and fantastic savings! Also, don't miss the great girly merchandise in our Chic Shop.

---

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S SPONSORS

She She Me Sponsor:   Everything at Madewell begins with a great pair of jeans. We started out as a workwear company back in 1937, so we know a thing or two about denim. Today, our jeans are known and loved for their vintage details, expert construction and unbelievable fit. No matter what the season, you can always count on finding the perfect pair-just check out the amazing selection in our Denim Bar. We also have tons of downtown-chic essentials to pair with your jeans…from timeless tees and heritage leather boots to cool cardigans and vintage-inspired jewelry. Simply put, if Madewell were a person, she'd be your best friend and personal stylist-all rolled into one.

She She Me Sponsor:   We’ve all been there before. You buy a stylish pair of high heeled shoes only to suffer from immense discomfort later in the evening. Being active women in a busy cosmopolitan city, we’re always on our feet – running around, meeting people, working, living life… and painful heels just don’t cut it. At the same time, few of us have the time or energy to hunt down stylish shoes we can actually walk in.   Well who says cute shoes have to hurt your feet? Scarpasa was created for active women like us: Women who love being stylish, but who also love being able to go somewhere and not worry about whether their shoes will send them home early; women who need wearable fashion we can walk in – style for women on the go. After all, even the uber-fashionista deserves a break from her high heels sometimes.

---