Does the end of July feel like the end of summer to anyone else? I always have to remind myself that there’s still plenty of summer weather left through August, and even through September, October, and sometimes November where I live!
A while back I took a poll in the PMT Challenges Facebook group asking what questions they had about summer style. One of the most asked questions was about summer completer pieces, so I’ve got two posts for you on it! Today’s will be summer completer pieces for casual outfits, and later will be one for business casual outfits.
One question I get often–very often–is, “What if it’s too hot for completer pieces?” Let me preface this post by saying that most of the time I try to make outfits*not* rely on completer pieces in the summer in order to look, well, um…complete. 😀 There are other ways to make outfits look complete, and personally, I scarcely wear completer pieces when summer gets going! The outfit needs to work with AND without the completer piece in case it’s too hot. This post is *in case* you need/want to wear completer pieces in the summer. Make sense? Awesome!
Now, some reasons you might need a completer piece in the summer:
- need layers to account for air conditioned spaces
- temps fluctuate a lot where you live from morning to afternoon to evening (happens where I live!)
- you live in a place with cooler summers
- you like to have your arms covered a little
If that’s you, let’s move onto the completer pieces!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually 6/8 or S/M in clothes, 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Kimono
This is a really lightweight, breezy option, and one that you could be more inclined to wear even when it’s really hot. They may be more or less breathable depending on the material. The one I’m wearing here doesn’t breathe well, but it’s still lightweight, and at least it’s cute! ?
Kimonos come in all sorts of designs, colors, and prints. While you can wear them over dresses, I find them easiest to wear over denim shorts and a plain tee or tank. If you plan to keep it on all day, a printed kimono is a super easy way to spice up denim shorts and a tank! I also really LOVE this one, and it’s only $14.99!
Shop for the Look:
Top: Everlane (similar) (similar) (similar)
Kimono: Target (exact -wearing size S) (similar option)
Shorts: Nordstrom/Blank NYC (similar)(similar-cheaper)
Sandals: Target (similar–so comfy) (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (same in white) (similar) (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)
2. Utility Vests
If you’ve been around PMT, you know I’m a huge fan of utility jackets, and the same goes for utility vests. I actually prefer wearing them for spring and fall as they’re too hot for me on humid days. But, I love that they add structure to outfits without being super duper thick, and their huge pockets are very useful!
I’ve been asked what sleeve lengths you can wear utility vests with, namely if sleeveless tops are okay. I think you can wear utility vests with ANY sleeve lengths. Above I’m wearing it with a cami dress with really thin straps. In the spring and fall I’ll wear it with short sleeved and long sleeved tops and dresses. This is a piece that will transition into other seasons very well!
Shop for the Look:
Dress: Old Navy c/o Thredup (super similar)
Vest: Old Navy (similar, similar, similar)
Sandals: Born (this year’s version–so comfy)
Bag: c/o Lily Jade (exact) (similar)
Necklace: Dear Mushka (exact)
Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar-cheaper)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)
3. Denim Vest
Denim vests are even thicker than utility vests and therefore harder to wear in the middle of summer, but so cute! They’re great to wear over t-shirt dresses and my favorite maxi dress. Also cute with skirts and a tank top! Target has one right now that has amazing reviews HERE. I might try it since mine is way too thick to wear during any part of the summer and doesn’t get much use!
Shop for the Look:
Dress: Target (similar, similar)
Vest: J.Crew Factory c/o thredUP (similar) (similar)
Shoes: Zappos (similar)
Bag: c/o Lily Jade (exact)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)
Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar-cheaper)
4. Short Sleeved Cardigan
I’ve never owned a short sleeved cardigan and only have this one because I wanted to test them out for you. In fact, I thought they were kind of pointless. But THEN! One morning I was out with our family, and I was wearing this tank top and shorts. It was supposed to be 85 degrees later that day, but the morning was still chilly. While I was out in my tank top, I saw a woman wearing a short sleeved cardigan, and I actually wished I had this one with me! It wasn’t so cold that I needed a jacket, but my arms could have used that thin layer. So, I think I’m sold.
This one is quite thin and fairly breathable. It gives you a little bit of warmth but won’t make you want to pass out from heatstroke as the day gets hotter. 😀 It’ll look cute with jeans and a tee as summer ends and we head into early fall, too. Find it in grey and beige HERE!
Shop for the Look:
Tank: Old Navy (exact -wearing size S)
Cardigan: Old Navy (exact-wearing size S)
Shorts: Target (exact-wearing size 10)
Sandals: Target (similar–so comfy) (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (same in white) (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)
5. Denim Jacket
While I don’t wear the denim vest much in the summer, I wear a denim jacket a lot more. It’s usually if I’m out during the evening, when I truly need a layer and covered arms to stay warmer. I’ve said before that I love denim jackets because they go with almost anything! I wear a lot of dresses and skirts in the summer, and a denim jacket works almost every time. It’s so easy to grab it quickly from my closet without much thought and head out the door!
Shop for the Look:
Dress: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size S)
Jacket: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Bag: c/o Sole Society (exact)
Sandals: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact–size M)
Stay tuned for completer pieces you can wear to the office!
