New leaves uncurling on the trees, the whirring of the lawn mower and the smell of freshly-cut grass, mornings filled with chirping birds … spring has finally arrived and we’re sliding into summer! After a long Michigan winter, it’s so fun to dig out all of our warm-weather clothes. Goodbye turtlenecks, hello tank tops!
Spring is a great time to reevaluate your closet for the upcoming season, add essentials and some fun, new pieces. Making sure you have the basics and incorporating some new trends will create a summer-ready wardrobe.
When it comes to essentials, one summer staple is white denim. Whether shorts, jeans or even a jacket, you can’t go wrong wearing white (except to a wedding where you’re not the bride!) Add a pop of color with your top and accessories or even rock an all-white look which is classy and timeless. And when it comes to jeans, after years of skinny styles smothering our legs, they can finally breathe as boot cuts and flares are back on trend. A frayed or slit pant leg makes those white jeans even more current.
Another essential is the summer dress. Living in loungewear for two years of pandemic life has made us excited to dress up this summer! Midi-dresses are trending and ultra-flattering for taller silhouettes. Mini-dresses are sassy and great for shorter figures and a ruffled flounce hem with an easy-breezy shape is definitely trending over pencil styles of the past. We love a casual summer dress because it’s effortless! Throw it on, add some accessories and you’re done. SHIFT, in Downtown Flint, has some beautiful midi- and mini-dresses that feature other fun trends such as a flutter sleeve, ruffled hem or embroidery. Keep your dress casual with flats for running errands or lunch with friends, or dress it up with high-heeled sandals and a cute bag for a dinner date or summer party.
A fun way to freshen your look is to add a few new accessories – summer is a great time to play with colors. Add a pair of Happy June Clay earrings to your look. They’re made locally and their fun colors will lift your spirits and make you think “summer.”
Beaded jewelry is always a great addition to any outfit. Beaded bracelets by local entrepreneur Lotus Sky that are fair trade and gainfully employ women in Nepal are perfect for stacking, mixing and matching, while Ink + Alloy earrings are fun and colorful. Visit SHIFT in June for the “Bubbles and Baubles” Jewelry Mega-trunk show event to score some one-of-a-kind accessories to sharpen your style and bedazzle your collection!
Don’t forget that the change in season is also a great time to add some new home décor. Melamine dinner plates and salad bowls by French Bull have bright patterns that make a festive addition to any outdoor patio or summer party. Ready to relax? Enjoy your chilled rosé in silicone wine glasses which are not only fun, but safe for your pool area and great for boating.
So, reevaluate your closet and prepare for sizzle season! Mix timeless classics with hot trends and enjoy the summer while it’s here!
