Summer is passing us by in a whirlwind of outdoor activities, social events and if you’re lucky, a few getaways. The last thing any of us want to be worried about while we are living our best summer lives is what to wear. So, I’ll just lay it all out on the table for this month’s topic: What To Wear and Pack for Your Summer Vacation. It’s the over 40 edition!
What to Wear For Summer
I think many of our readers, like myself, are big advocates of keeping things light, cool and casual during the sweltering summer months. The humidity alone will make you want to just stay in the house in the A/C. But it’s summer and we are going to enjoy it, right? So instead, fill your summer closet with light fabrics like cotton/rayon blends, hemp and linen, and yes even some polyester.
What makes most of these fabrics so great for the summer is their breathability, moisture wicking properties and wrinkle resistance. Clothing in these fabrics are perfect to slip on during an exceptionally hot day, or to throw in your suitcase or overnight bag. You might not think of linen as easily packable, but if you roll it up tight (or lay it down flat) it makes for the perfect travel companion. And honestly, if you do get a few wrinkles, will it ruin your summer fun? I think not.
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Summer Style On The Runway
Let’s talk about how some of the designers played around with summer fashion. Alice + Olivia represented the season with bright colors and prints, great to wear for everyday or to pack on a weekend trip. One look that I really loved was a bold floral pattern tracksuit. You can wear it all as one or mix and match the separates. The wide leg pants were to die for and I’d just wear them with a fitted white tank top! On the other end of the spectrum, we had Victoria Beckham showing off lots of solid, clean colors and layers with feminine touches and clean lines. I could imagine myself wearing the white floor-length, billowy dress she put down the runway, cerulean blue rope belt and all!
How To Wear Your Summer Wear
So, what are some of my favorite summer go-tos? My summer uniform is a super soft, t-shirt or tank top in a neutral color (think Monrow or Splendid) and a pair of airy, cotton wide leg pants. I layer with something like this Banana Republic Quinn Straight-Fit Denim Shirt. The layering makes my outfit look well thought out, and the casual shirt serves to keep me warm in the A/C or if the temps drop in the evening. I also love a nice, comfortable low-profile sandal, in a neutral or metallic color. These Sam Edelman Gladis Leather Sandals are perfect, as they have black, brown and a print. They will literally go with anything. Finally, I’ve gotten back onto the belt bag bandwagon (after resisting for way too long). The hands-free summer living has me hooked and one of my favorites is this Hayden Bag by Rebecca Minkoff. It fits all of your essentials and comes in such snazzy colors!
What To Pack for Summer Vacation
1. When you’re hitting the road, pack light. I mean this both literally and figuratively. Some summer clothes are made from magical fabrics that are lightweight and don’t wrinkle. Additionally, they have the tendency to be much more fluid and interchangeable than fall/winter clothes. They can mix and match very easily with one another. When packing for a summer trip, don’t be afraid to pare down, as a few basic tees and tanks paired with a couple pairs of shorts, a skirt and a pair of jeans can give you over a week’s worth of outfits. The same goes with shoes.
2. Pick your summer shoe staple and wear the heck out of it! The relaxed vibe of summer takes some of the pressure off of feeling like I have to look so glam. I mean, I love to look fabulous, but the fab of fall/winter is different than that of summer. So I like to pick a great summer sandal and wear it with everything. A great option to go with all of my day looks is this Birkenstock Yao sandal. It’s got the comfort of the noted brand but it’s more feminine and low profile than the original design. It goes with shorts, jeans, dresses and the delicate profile can make it office appropriate (depending on your office dress code). It also makes it easy to pack for any summer travel to only have to bring one, maybe two, pairs of shoes.
3. Try a jumpsuit. I dubbed 2019 as my “Year of the Jumpsuit”. I stocked up on them to wear this summer. They are perfect for keeping cool, but still looking elevated. They are also a great option if you are like me and work in an always freezing office. As much as it would be nice, I don’t like to wear dresses at work because my legs are always cold. This makes jumpsuits a great option. I like sleeveless, wide leg jumpsuit like this Gap Pring Apron Jumpsuit for my day looks. I can put on a jean jacket or blazer for work if I get a chill. This Cross Back Wide Leg Jumpsuit could be a great option for a fancier weekend look, a night out or even a wedding.
4. Don’t forget your SPF, but top it off with a hat. I’m generally one to rock the “big hair, don’t care” look, so hats can be a challenge for me. But a great summer hat or visor offers style and protection from the elements. A modern baseball cap, a fedora or even a floppy straw hat will work. All of these options travel well and can be folded down into a suitcase or overnight bag. Looking your best through style is important, but protecting your skin from the sun is even more important. So why not do both?
Shop For Summer Vacation
Banana Republic Quinn Straight-Fit Denim Shirt, $79.50
Sam Edelman Gladis Leopard Print Calf Hair Leather Sandals, $80
Birkenstock Yao Strappy Flat Sandals, $110
Rebecca Minkoff Hayden Belt Bag, $198
Madewell Packable Mesa Straw Hat, $38
Eileen Fisher Hemp Organic Cotton Chambray Straight Pant, $178
Gap Print Apron Wide-Leg Jumpsuit, $79.95
Express Cross Back Wide Leg Jumpsuit, $88
Now you are ready for your summer getaway, in style!
–Carmen Turner
You may like to read more of Carmen’s wearable trends posts like How To Wear The Unexpected Fashion Details Trend and How To Wear The Raffia Accessories Trend For Spring 2019.
Spring Summer 2019 Runway Photos: Vogue.com
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