June 2010

1. Sergio Rossi – Python Embossed Bugatti Handbag – Neiman Marcus
2. Melanie Auld Designs – Infinite Hoop Earrings – Max&Chloe
3. Diane von Furstenberg – Afari Top – Matches
4. Elie Tahari – Theora Pants – Zappos
5. Lauren by Ralph Lauren – Braided Leather Belt – Lord&Taylor
6. Ettika – Turquoise and Sandalwood Bracelet – Max&Chloe
7. Citrine by the Stones – Wire Nugget Bangles – Max&Chloe
8. Lucky Brand – Wicker Bangles – Lucky Brand
9. Tod’s – Sand Suede Lace-Up D’orsay Flat Shoes – Bluefly

It’s HOT! And the last thing we want to think about is what to wear to work. We want comfort without sacrificing style to the heat. Dresses! Skirts! Sure those will do. But, what if those options just don’t fit well into our day’s activities? Here is the rundown on one of many ways to put together a great work outfit well suited for these warm summer days:

Try a pair of lightweight dress pants. A few fabric choices are cotton blends, linen blends and tropical wool. Did I just suggest that you wear wool in the summer heat? Yes, I did! Tropical wool (sometimes called ‘summer weight wool’) has a more porous weave allowing our body heat to escape and fresh air to enter. So, don’t be afraid! It is also beneficial to select a pair of pants in a light colored fabric too. This combo should keep you comfy throughout the day. Here’s a great pair by Elie Tahari [4].

Pair the Elie Tahari pants with this thin and loose fitting silk Diane von Furstenberg [3] top. It will keep you cool no matter the day’s events. Not only does the print have a summery vibe, but it will also hide any perspiration marks. I have noticed many of these flouncy styled tops in stores right now are too full, too long and/or too sheer. A simple solution is to add a belt or cami with the top to create a flattering feminine fit. This medium-width brown leather braided belt by Ralph Lauren [5] is perfect for summer!

A gorgeous timeless quality handbag that can be utilized all year round is a worthwhile investment! J’adore this one designed by Sergio Rossi [1]! The supple python-embossed leather is stunning. The taupe color palette makes it such a versatile handbag too. Plus, the size allows us to carry all of our *stuff*. I’m sold!

Normally, I would have selected either a dark brown handbag or a dark brown pair of shoes with the showcased outfit. However, these Tod’s flats [9] were too good to pass up. First, Tod’s makes a quality shoe. Second, flats are ideal on a hot summer day. Third, the flexible rubber soles create more cushion for our swollen feet. Although these shoes are made with suede material, the peep toe style feature will continue to keep our feet cool and yet still be appropriate for the office. And finally, the sand color allows us to add another versatile piece to our wardrobes.

Of course, I wanted to incorporate some additional colors to the otherwise neutral color palette in this hot summer work outfit. An easy way to make this happen is to have fun with jewelry. For this particular outfit, I chose to keep the earrings in a complimentary gold tone and then add color by mixing various bracelets. These Melanie Auld Designs [2] earrings were perfect! Next, I loved the gold tone set of wire bangle bracelets by Citrine by the Stones [7] and decided to mix them with the Ettika [6] turquoise and sandalwood bracelet plus the charming Lucky Brand [8] green wicker bangle. Our summer work outfit is now complete!

So you see, it is possible to stay cool and still look fashionable at the office!

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