We went to Gulf Shores last weekend with our daughter and her husband. The storm kept to the east so the weather was ideal – slightly overcast with a nice breeze. Monday evening, arriving in Atlanta at rush hour, my husband observed that the outside temperature indicator was reading 98 degrees. Then he said it was 103! I was incredulous, having just come from the cool beach and remembering Friday temperatures being in the 80’s when we left. After asserting the temperatures gauge had to be broken, we passed a sign with the temperature reading – 99 degrees! What happened?
Obviously, summer has jumped on us with a vengeance! The next question is how to stylishly transition from the outdoor heat to an office that feels more like a deep freeze. This year has many great options.
One excellent choice is to start with a well fitted dress, preferable sleeveless or with short sleeves, then layer. The key is to choose lightweight layers that do not create bulk. While in the office, you add attractive layers, and then remove them when going out for lunch or an errand. The dress needs to stands on its own. You never know when you might run into a key client.
Scarves – There is a wide variety of this popular fashion accessory. Keep a selection in your desk drawer for covering your shoulders or tossed across your legs when you are at your desk. You may choose from silk or very lightweight wool. Wool will be a bit warmer but the ideal is to choose one that is a beautiful accent for different ensembles you might wear.
Sweaters – Cardigans and shrugs offer a wide variety of options and work with many different outfits. The lightweight cashmeres are my favorite. They offer more warmth than cotton and are easy to slip into a purse or desk drawer. Cardigans can be tossed over your shoulders or worn in the traditional way.
Jackets – Another excellent option, though not as easily portable. For an important meeting or a presentation, you might opt for a jacket and even add a scarf for extra warmth and added pizzazz.
I would choose base colors in the more expensive items like a jacket or the dress. Let the less expensive sweater or scarf make the statement. The key is to stay chic while staying warm. Nothing looks tackier than pulling out that warm, snuggy, hand knit sweater Grandma made for me in high school. Pack that away in the “sentimental” box and go for wraps that will help get that promotion, ace the sale or just make you know that you look great!
Need some help in choosing core pieces for your wardrobe? Call us and we will guide you in how to achieve a versatile wardrobe from just a few pieces without breaking the piggy bank! Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.