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Chic Q&A with Cady: Keeping it Simple

posted by ChickSpeak
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 2:35pm CDT

This past week, after a flurried rush of getting ready for an Independence Day party I was already late for, I realized that I had shoved through lace dresses, high-waisted satin shorts, and a seersucker sundress only to end up keeping it simple- a v-neck white t-shirt, cut-off jean shorts, and gold hued, beaded gladiator sandals. In the end, what’s more patriotic than jeans and a white tee?

With the excess in fashions this summer, and coming up this fall, it’s easy to go a little bit too overboard with ‘looking the part’. In the end, most of the events we attend and happenings in our lives can be easily outlined by a simple yet classic look, highlighted with glitz and glamour, and a little bit of the latest trends to add the final icing on the cake. The key is making sure you’ve got enough understated sparkle to shine, and not just blend in with the crowd.

This week, Chic Q&A with Cady will help you to get through the rest of these hot summer months without sweating in the satins and thick linens of the summer to look fashionable. Instead, take classic cottons, jeans, and thinner, breezier materials, and make airy, cool simplicity look chic and fashion forward.

I’m normally really into staying on trends, and I love the leather and satin tap shorts I’ve seen everywhere this summer (I have a few pairs!). But, I live in Atlanta, and it’s just too hot to wear these shorts anymore. What can I wear that’s cooler and still fashionable, and not start sweating the instant I put it on? -G. L, Atlanta, GA

Leather tap shorts are a beautiful thing between the pages of a fashion magazine, but can be completely uncomfortable, hot, sticky, and ill fitting in every day life- especially since they’re mostly paired with tighter, polyester tops or tank top cut leotards to keep a sleek, tucked in look in check.

Since so many designers are mixing materials this season, you have a few different options on keeping your summer staples in rotation with your wardrobe through hot weather. Pair your leather shorts with a light cotton, pastel toned tank top, or an even thinner, breezy button up cotton shirt that hangs loosely. Either option tucked in at the waistline and paired with wedged, strappy sandals or colorblocked flats will still look very trendy, and give you a little more breathing room. And keeping it simple with your top allows you to have more fun with your accessories and footwear. Look at these light u-back tank tops by BDG, on sale at Urban Outfitters for only $16.

My friends tell me I’m not fashionable enough because all I wear are v-neck tee shirts and skinny jeans, in random rotations. How can I spice up my style? -S.L, Virginia Beach, VA

Everyone has a certain style of outfit that’s there go-to look. A v-neck shirt and skinny jeans is definitely one of those combinations that’s popular with many different types of chicks. Very Audrey Hepburn, with a modern-hipster twist. But there’s nothing wrong with shaking things up every once in awhile.

Judging from your stand-by outfit, you probably have a tall, lengthy figure. Mixing a high-waisted denim tulip skirt or navy blue linen shorts (or both) into your rotation would add trendiness, and still have the classic look that you love. Plus, it’ll match with just about all of the tees you already have! Check out this pair of navy blue, high-waisted shorts with charming pleats and cuffed hems, keeping your Audrey Hepburn look alive and well.

Also, any fun, playful jewelry added to your ensembles would add some color and fresh patterns to your outfits. Look at local antique shops and online vintage sites for unique, patterned bangles and playful charms.

How can I take a sundress I wear all day on the beach as a cover-up, and wear it out later and not look like I’m bumming it? -G.F, Durham, NC

Depending on whether your cover-up is patterned or solid, you can easily convert your look to be ready for the night by adding only a few final touches.

If your cover-up is patterned, I would suggest an adorned headband to pull salty-hair out of your face, and add a touch of charm. This black, tan, and grey bedazzled headband from Forever21, priced at $5.80, looks beachy with a little more sparkle.

If the dress is solid colored, bright, jade green jewelry channels the seaweed smell in the air, and adds an exotic feel to any ensemble. A long-chained necklace or thick bangle combined with your cover up will make the look very Grecian and island-y.