Before we know it, the summer will be in full swing. Your trips are probably planned; flights made, hotels booked. However, your luggage is probably missing two very important pieces to make your dressing simplified and flawless.
Enter the maxi dress and jumpsuit.
Even if you have a stay-cation planned, these pieces will be lifesavers. Can life get any better than that? Not at all.
So why the buzz about the maxi dress and jumpsuit? That’s easy. They are both one piece layers that solve all of the hard decisions of coordination. You don’t have to fuss with matching patterns, colors, or styles. While that is fun and many of us could do it for hours, when you are in vacation mode, even that’s a chore! So let’s explore how you can rock this trend this season.
No matter what item you choose, the maxi or the jumpsuit, you have the first layer of dressing done from head to toe, so what is left is truly in the details. So how do accessorize? It first depends on what you are doing. Let’s go casual first. For running around town, sitting by the pool, coffee with friends, always make sure you have a cardigan or jacket within arm’s reach. While the external temperature will be cooking, the air conditioning in a lot of places will be frigid. Always make sure you have an extra layer to keep you warm.
If the idea of a jacket or cardigan is too structured for you, think of a wrap or shawl. Many brick and mortar stores, as well as e-tailers, will continue to stock scarves and light wraps well into the season, so keep your eyes peeled for what strikes you.
The second piece of advice for the casual look is in the footwear.
Heels or platforms go with the maxi or the jumpsuit; however, if you’re having a busy day around town, think of the flat. The gladiator in all of its styles is super popular. Mind you, no one will see the straps extending up your calf while wearing these long garments (as opposed to when you do wear a shorter skirt or short), the shoe will look new. Birkenstocks or similar shoes also seem to be carrying us into the season, so feel free to wear these comfy orthotics as well. The perennial flip flop is my go-to, but that’s because I like to keep things super casual.
Now let’s see how you can use the same pieces and jazz it up for a special night on the town.
Recently, I saw an article reference the technique of layering the jumpsuit with a sheer blouse underneath. This is positively brilliant. If you have an event, throw on a sheer blouse with Lurex threads and you have added instant glamour. Feel free to layer with the maxi as well. I am always layering tanks under my thin strap or low dresses since strapless undergarments don’t work for me.
The key to transitioning these one pieces to a special occasion is going to be adding just the right golden accessories. Think of a golden quilted clutch, a gold metallic scarf or wrap or a bold golden piece of jewelry.
As for your footwear, styles from the ‘70s are salient, so there shouldn’t be anything stopping you from hopping into those platforms. Going into the complete opposite direction, like a metallic beaded thong sandal, offers a comfortable alternative. Don’t forget your footwear when you want to be seen. Heels or flats, think beads or metallic.
No matter what the event, night or day, one piece dressing is your champion this summer. Have fun with the accessories and tailor them to your style and occasion. Summer is definitely too short for stylish complications.
Denise Bennett maintains a fashion blog on Perfect20.co and is a regular contributor to Spotlight News on Living.
The stores she lists among her favorites include: QVC, HSN, Payless Shoe Source, Avenue, Bath and Body Works, Bauble Bar and Birchbox.
