dimanche 11 août 2013

White summer

As much as I love my black and grey, one of my favorite summer staple is a white top. Not very original, I know. But its common adoption when the temperature rises is easily justified: it's fresh, light, can be either casual or chic, works with everything.

I've managed to gather a little collection over time, leaving me with a few options depending on the rise or fall of Celsius degrees, the level of style/effort I'm willing to put in an outfit: 

1) For those days when the mere thought of sleeves provokes a sweat break, nothing beats the cool and breezy camisole.

Carolines Mode

My version from h&m trend is a bit more on the vintage side with its tiny pleated ruffles, certainly inspired by some old Chloé collection.



2) Worn casually with jeans à la Keri Russell, untucked with shorts or tucked in a midi skirt, the possibilities of styling the white shirt are nearly infinite.  

You'll rarely find me wearing shirts in winter but I do love to wear this item when it's hotter. It adds a bit of structure to any outfit and somehow makes it look like an effort was made when dressing (must be all those buttons!). For this reason, I've collected a fair amount of sleeveless, batwing, silk, cotton, linen shirts.


(All the pretty birds, kerirussellsource)

Uniqlo (silk and linen) shirts get the highest rotation: They're well cut, stand the test of time and are versatile enough to work in both casual and formal occasions. 



3) The lacy romantic blouse: To inject a dose of sweetness in what would be an other wise plain outfit. Perfect for a date or just when feeling like upping my game style wise.


La Garçonne

Isabel Marant lacey tops


4) White t-shirts of course are the obvious companion to good old jeans/denim shorts, the ultimate summer relaxed outfit.

 
 
 Cameron Diaz (Just Jared)

For my white tees, since being introduced to linen, I haven't gone back to cotton. I prefer the rumpled, breathy and fresh fabric.
After a string of h&m, Zara and Co. purchases that barely lasted a summer, I've invested -during sales and at consignment discount price- in Isabel Marant Etoile linen tees and the difference is telling. Besides not being utterly transparent, they remain in shape and haven't gotten yellowish after more than 2 summers of wear & wash.

(Isabel Marant Etoile, Zara Basic linen tees)

With these white tops, I'm wearing lots of navy, black, grey and kaki. Very monochromatic or two-toned, top + (mainly solid) skirt/pants looks. 

Whereas I used to be (moderatly but still really) drawn to boho, colorful, printed looks, this summer, even more than last year, makes me realize how much I long for quiet, simple outfits. I still stray occasionally in the technicolor mixed territory whenever I feel like it but it doesn't happen on a daily basis like it used to, a few years ago.

Do you have a different approach to summer looks compared to other seasons? Do you stay to true to your style no matter the season?

7 commentaires:

  1. I love white tops! Sadly they often need replacing, as they can get dingy after a couple of years. I always regret not buying multiples of shirts and tops that I love, but often you don't realize how perfect something is until it's too late and no longer on the shelves!

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    1. I know! It's so frustrating to have to let go of beloved clothes... I can even scour eBay/consingment stores for an identical twin when the loss gets too emotional! Hehe!

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  2. I love rumpled white linen but all my linen tops have got a bit dingy and needs to be replaced now, I can't find any I like enough. My style is the same all year round, really, but I do love reaching for sandals and a little chambray dress. I don't wear dresses most of the year so summer dresses feel really special.

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    1. Yeah, lots of stores propose linen tops but finding the right one is another matter...
      I feel like even if our style doesn't really change, just because it's summer makes it special. Maybe it's the drawback of that long winter and depressing spring...

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  3. The only way I feel right in white is when I pair it in a graphic/dramatic way. Otherwise I feel invisible (not in a good way). Perhaps because I work in a corporate environment? Not sure.
    Had a (dramatic) white jacket made last summer; purchased a pair of white pants, black (skinny) jeans and black maxi skirt-wore those in varying combos ALL last summer. Wore the white pants/black jeans with drapey button downs (like Kerri Russell).
    It hasn't been as hot this year (rain), wearing a lot of graphic b/w or b/beige prints. Mom (who hates my mostly black color palette) made me a few (solid) jewel-colored maxi dresses. Love the dresses, but I pair them with black leather accessories. Haha!
    What has your summer bag been? Are you carrying the leather duffel/barrel bag?
    -Missone

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    1. Why do moms hate black clothes so much? It reminds me of my mom and I endless bickering over my shopping taste for black but in the end I won! Hehe! Even converted her to (a little) black!
      Your summer combinations are very versatile and stylish however funnily enough, I would feel quite visible in a white jacket! :))
      You're very lucky to have a mom sewing clothes for you. It's so special to have unique clothes made for you.
      As for my summer bag, I've rekindled an "old" flame: a Gap kaki satchel! Still, the duffle gets a lot of love.

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  4. Thanks. Maxi dresses: so regal and comfy. That's one item, I would like to add to my summer closet. I especially like the ones with drapes and pleats but I wonder if that wouldn't be too dressy for daily life in the city...

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