Check out these hand-picked elevated casual looks for the summertime...
This week I went shopping for casual summer clothes and found a great selection of tops and various denim styles along with some fabulous third pieces. I loved almost everything I tried on. The winning looks are below. Keep scrolling to see what I put together...
Tap the play arrow on the video above to listen to my commentary on each look. The video will follow along as you scroll down the page.
Outfit Details: Cotton Blend Blouse | Straight Leg Jeans | Slide Sandal | Camera Bag | Bracelet Watch | Ear Cuff
If you want quality and style without spending a fortune, try Rails. This loose style cotton blend blouse should not be tucked in and ideally should be worn with a slim bottom. The length is perfect, not too short or long. This particular pin striped high-rise straight leg jeans are something a little different from your typical blue jean wash. A customer showed me this denim handbag while we were shopping and I realized this denim style pairs well with everything… just like your favorite jeans!
Sonora Square Neck Organic Cotton Blend Blouse
RAILS
Fluttery short sleeves frame this structured blouse cut from an organic-cotton blend and topped with an on-trend smocked square neckline.
Le High Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
FRAME
Crafted from premium stretch denim with excellent shape recovery, these striped high-rise jeans feature a slim straight-leg silhouette that's casual and cool.
Outfit Details: Keyhole Blouse | Ribbed Tank | Straight Leg Jeans | Slide Sandal | Camera Bag | Ear Cuff
Those pinstripe jeans go beautifully with other prints too... like this floral blouse. Blouses like this one can be worn to work or styled more casually for the weekend. This one was a bit sheer so I put a scoop neck thin ribbed gray tank underneath. It disappears underneath the navy. Here’s that denim crossbody again and a neutral block heel sandal that I’ve been wearing with EVERYthing.
Peaceful Bouquet Keyhole Blouse
VINCE CAMUTO
This breezy lightweight blouse is covered in delightful blooms with an airy keyhole neck.
Ribbed Racerback Tank
TREASURE & BOND
A softly scooped neckline and sporty racerback define a long and lean tank with a finely textured rib-knit design
Le High Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
FRAME
Crafted from premium stretch denim with excellent shape recovery, these striped high-rise jeans feature a slim straight-leg silhouette that's casual and cool.
Outfit Details: Crop Top | Raw Hem Jeans | Slide Sandal | Straw Tote | Bracelet Watch | Chain Collar Necklace | Ear Cuff
I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of slim ivory jeans and this pair finally made the cut. Lightweight super-stretchy denim doesn’t flatter my backside. This straight leg pair is not only a great value, but the fabric is a little bit heavier. They have just enough stretch that it doesn’t squeeze my fatty parts but has enough cling to give me a nice shape! The high-rise works perfectly with this square neck gingham top. No one can see my tummy. The top can be warm with the buttons in the front or in the back. Also, I wanted to give you a close-up of this cool two-tone necklace and my ear cuff. They add just a little street style to my otherwise preppy look.
Linen Blend Sunside Button Back Crop
MADEWELL
With buttons down the back and a square neckline, this cropped top is a cute look for your next outdoor hang.
Straight Leg Raw Hem Jeans
TOPSHOP
Frayed hems add an element of lived-in appeal to straight-leg jeans fashioned with just the right hint of stretch.
Outfit Details: Button-Up Shirt | Raw Hem Jeans | Slide Sandal | Camera Bag | Bracelet Watch | Chain Collar Necklace | Ear Cuff
The same ivory straight leg jeans from the last look are paired here with this super soft pretty button-up shirt. Here’s that denim crossbody again and this time I added Birkenstocks. Decades ago my not-so-stylish cousin wore Birks everywhere and I thought they were hideous. Ummmm… they’ve grown on me and she gets a kick out of seeing ME in them now.
Hunter Button-Up Shirt
RAILS
A classic plaid-patterned shirt with a roomy fit and front-button closure is the perfect throw-on-and-go piece for your closet.
Straight Leg Raw Hem Jeans
TOPSHOP
Frayed hems add an element of lived-in appeal to straight-leg jeans fashioned with just the right hint of stretch.
Outfit Details: Balloon Sleeve Top | High Waist Jeans | Slide Sandal | Camera Bag | Bracelet Watch | Chain Collar Necklace | Ear Cuff
This puff sleeve v-neck linen top needs a little tuck, and is perfect for summer. These straight leg jeans are a nice fit with plenty of stretch. I found a pretty faux-pearl necklace (you won’t believe the low cost!) and added a denim crossbody along with a neutral sandal.
Balloon Sleeve Linen Blend V-Neck Top
CASLON®
Billowed balloon sleeves frame this lightweight linen-blend blouse topped with a perfectly dipped neckline.
Alexxis High Waist Crop Jeans
AG
A cropped cut and roomy fit take these stretch-kissed jeans to the top of your favorites list.
Outfit Details: Silk Blouse | High-Rise Flare Jeans | Slide Sandal | Bracelet Watch
Flared jeans have made a comeback. To look their best on us petite ladies, they need to fall almost to the floor. These are a high rise, making your bottom half look long and lean. Marigold is a big trending color this season, so this feminine blouse is a perfect addition to your closet. One thing that drives me nuts is when the arm holes are cut so low that your bra shows or you have to layer. This one does not have that problem.
Trista Floral Ruffle Silk Blouse
PAIGE
A side tie adds definition to the waist of this silk blouse framed by ruffles and finished with a hook-and-eye closure at the chest for a convertible neck.
Le High Flare in Sunfaded Rips
FRAME
This high-rise jean puts a fresh spin on retro style with a form-fitting silhouette through the hips and thighs and an easy flare from the knees.
Outfit Details: Rib Sweater | Wide Leg Jeans | Square-Toe Sandal | Bracelet Watch | Hoop Earrings
All the cool girls are wearing baggy jeans this spring. I like trying trends but I don’t like to spend a lot on them. I like that this pair is fitted to my bottom and only baggy in the leg. If I ever tire of this style I can cut them off into shorts! I prefer showing a little ankle so I'll either roll them or hem them a tad. When one piece is baggy I like the other piece to be more fitted. This pretty sweater with a sweetheart neckline was just right. I’ve paired the trendy jeans with a trendy Velcro sandal. I bought this pair last year and was pleased to see they were re-released this season.
Sweetheart Neck Rib Sweater
HALOGEN®
This day-to-night knit top is designed with a sweetheart neck and soft ribbing for curve-accentuating charm.
Baggy Wide Leg Nonstretch Jeans
TOPSHOP
Relaxed wide-leg jeans with subtle whiskering on the front are tailored from light-wash, nonstretch denim.
Outfit Details: Tie Strap Top | Bermuda Shorts | Slide Sandal | Bracelet Watch | Hoop Earrings
While a man in “jorts” (jean shorts) is NOT fashionable, they’re fine for ladies. At this stage of my life, I prefer my shorts a little bit longer so I’m always on the lookout for a great pair of Bermudas. This denim pair fits well. I added a sleeveless eyelet peplum-style top and a sandal to dress up the denim.
Rosalie Tie Strap Top
MADEWELL
With geometric eyelet embroidery, this sweet top has a peplum waist and straps that tie at the top for an adjustable fit.
'90s Icon High Waist Bermuda Shorts
GOOD AMERICAN
Distressed hems add to the relaxing vibe of these whiskered-front Bermuda shorts in a sustainably made wash that are tailored with stretch and a high waist.