The sweater vest. We’re not talking about a mothball tainted sweater vest you might find in grandpa’s wardrobe, but rather a sleeker and sexier, yet casual cut. These vests have embellishments and themes that vary across the board. If your vest is noticeably textured, balance out the look with some simple jeans or dark pants. Toss on a fun tee shirt under the vest, but make sure it’s not too detailed if the sweater vest has embellishments. Throw on some sexy heels for a night out, or opt for ballerina flats if you’re running errands. While this look might be too hot for daytime these next few weeks, it is absolutely perfect for nightfall, not to mention the onset and duration of Autumn!

sweater vests in this observation:

The Funky Vest. Yes, you can actually wear these if you wear them right. We don’t want to look like we just came home from marching band practice, correct? So if you can help it, avoid the huge hat with chin strap and plume. But in all seriousness, when you go for this vest, you must stay simple with every other aspect of the outfit. Basic boot cuts, a black pant, or bland colored skinny jean will do the trick (avoid fancy pockets or seam work). As with the rest of the outfit, the shirt under the vest should be simple, simple, simple. Want to take the hipster route? Toss on a long, but fitted tee shirt and some leggings. Simple stud earrings is as far as the jewelry should go.

over the top items in this observation:

The cropped vest. NOTE: I would suggest always wearing an under layer. Unless of course you want to wear it with Jean’s least favorite wedge sneaker and call it a day! Since most of these short looks have plummeting v-necks, you can play with a ruffled or texture embellished shirt as an under layer. The short vest is one of the styles that has the amazing ability to be totally dressed up or down, and for that reason alone we love it. In order to dress it down, toss aside the ruffled tee shirt and replace it with a simple top. You can also play with a dress as an under layer – try to find one that shoots straight down and does not gather at the waist in order to avoid awkward and conflicting lines.

cropped items in this observation:

The Simple Vest. These vests are just simply…vests. There is no hoo-rah about them – no crazy shortness, buttons, patches, stripes, fur or peep holes. Yes, some of them have a bit of gather or are made with unique fabric or material, but they are all pretty classic in cut, length and overall ‘vest-ness’. These can be worn with anything underneath including a simple dress (which looks so great) to practically any pant. You might even opt out of a top under layer, (bow chikka wow wow), that’s if the neck line is appropriate. Again, toss on some sassy heels and you’re good to go! If the vest is super simple, pump it up by layering two completely different necklaces. Errands? Dress it down with a basic tee shirt, skinnies and your favorite Converse.

classic items in this observation:

To top it all off, the vest trend gets a big gold star for being totally transitional!

We’ve all been there, too busy to get dolled up after we hit the gym. So, how do we do it without looking a mess? Easy… plan ahead. Pack a bag with a fresh pullover or wrap shirt, include some flip-flops, so you can get out of your sweaty sneaks, face wash, and your favorite make-up. Don’t go overboard with the make-up, you want to look sporty. Remember to choose pieces that dry easily and quickly. Wear sleek bottoms that work as well outside the gym as they do in. Or, you could always change into a pair after the workout. With all the new yoga clothing out there, you’re bound to find a perfect pair. Toss your hair back in a low pony-tail, throw on some shades, and you’re good to go – for a few hours anyway.

gym clothes in this observation:

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I’m sure none of us expected this blast from the past to return, but these asymmetrical pieces with goddess appeal are bombarding the style scene this summer!

Busy neckwear is a no-no with these cutting edge necklines, however, a pair of large statement earrings, an eye-catching ring and a dramatic clutch are a definite yes. For an evening event, tap into a darker, more glamorous look with a playful hint of metallics. And if you’re thinking about flaunting a one shoulder dress during a summer’s day, choose a lighter and brighter look, topping it off with some neutral espadrilles and a wicker clutch.

These single-strapped dresses are elegant, sexy, and versatile!

items in this observation:

top look:

bottom look:

how to wear a floral patterned maxi
A floral patterned maxi dress alone is perfect for a hot summer day when all you want is one, long, flowing piece to make up your entire outfit. When choosing a patterned maxi, don’t overdo it with tons of jewelry. Opt for simple, hanging earrings. You can also ‘accessorize’ with your hair. Pamper your locks with rollers, hot or velcro (which Jean swears by), to get those oh so fabulous grecian goddess tendrils. It will fall beautifully with the free-spirited flow and pattern of the dress. If it’s too hot out, you can opt for a loosely coiled bun or simple low side pony.

the transformable nature of the maxi
If you decide to wear your maxi into the night, trade those flip flops for a sexier, strappy gladiator sandal and you’ll be ready to come off the beach and saunter into a romantically candle lit cafe. A belt doesn’t necessarily make your maxi day or night time worthy, but it will refresh the outfit and accentuate different aspects of the dress. Enhance a simple, solid colored maxi with a woven leather or suede belt right under the bust or loosely draped around the hips. If your maxi has gathers around the waist or underneath the bust then that’s where your belt should go. If your maxi has lots of ornamental details, a busy pattern or lots of layering and gathering then a belt is a no-no; you don’t want to wear your entire wardrobe. Finally, add a simple cuff bracelet, to top off the look.

waistlines, shoes and panties, oh my!
While some maxi’s gather under the bust or at the waistline to accentuate a curvy waist or create a waistline, other maxis shoot straight down to accentuate a thinner frame. For those maxis that are long enough to gracefully sweep the floor (creating a game of hide and seek with whatever fabulous shoes you have chosen to wear) opt for a sexy, simple gladiator sandal that contrasts the full coverage of the dress. For a shorter maxi, an open, sexy shoe will do the trick as well because you don’t want to cut off the length of the leg. Another maxi dress necessity is seamless underwear that won’t interrupt the cascading and sometimes clingy drapery of the dress. A visible panty line may distract onlookers when they should really be focussing on the outfit as a whole. Top off the look with a unique cuff bracelet.

Keep in mind, your maxi doesn’t have to max you out!!
From Gap to Missoni, this summer promises to maximize the availability of maxi dresses!