Romantic Summer Dresses

Romantic Summer Dresses

Happy Friday! Happy date night! It's starting to be that time of year when all I want to do is be outside: eat outside, take walks, ride bikes, plan picnics, search for the few remaining drive-in movie theaters... So I'm planning as many dates with my husband as possible. One thing I like to try to do is to wear something on a date that isn't what I wore to work. Sometimes that turns into jeans (especially to a chilly movie!), but for an outdoor date I love to wear a date worthy of our special time together. Here are some dresses that caught my eye for just such a date out together!

This dress from Nordstrom is perfection. Dress it up as styled for a special event or wear flat sandals for a day date. Either way, say yes to that hat!

Updating a Chambray Shirt

Updating a Chambray Shirt

Wow. I really love this image for so many reasons. The bike, the basket, the hair, the proportions of the shirt tied up (almost a crop top!) and the full skirt that seems like she's going to ride a bike in. I want to be her friend, basically. Let's go ride bikes!

This picture is from 2011 at the height of the long-sleeved denim shirt. Here's how I think we can upgrade this vibe at home.

How to Make Mad Men Modern

I had a reader friend ask me a question the other day that really got me thinking: how can she make Mad Men-inspired fashion modern? For those unfamiliar with the show, it has so far focused on vintage looks with high waists, covered arms, and curve-hugging dresses. It's a fun style to play with because it's very flattering for curvy shapes while at the same time being fairly covered up. That makes it appropriate for a wide variety of settings, including work and date nights!

Here's my take on how to bring that Mad Men flair into the modern age.

Play with Unexpected Color

Take a classic shape, like a full skirt and a cropped jacket, but play with color. Try something from your closet that's the brightest thing you can see, and then build an outfit around it. Here, the skirts are the stars of the show, and the pieces they're paired with are much more modern in fit and color.

Via

Via

Add an Edgy Touch to a Classic Shape