A to Zee: How to Wear Summer Staples Year-Round

Dress Whites

Summer: This chic Doo.Ri dress is the perfect elegant summer-office staple—crisp and clean, it’s loose enough for comfort but tailored enough for sophistication.

The subtle sheer panel brings an extra element of cool—and cooling—without major exposure.

Doo.Ri dress, Michael Kors sunglasses, Kara by Kara Ross ring, Valentino Garavani clutch, and Jimmy Choo pumps.

Fall: Don’t pack away a white dress just because it’s after Labor Day. For those nicer cold-weather days, anchor it with an added layer of color—choose a neutral or, as seen here, something bright—and then give it substantial accessories: a heavy statement necklace or a businesslike bag.

Keep it light: A thin turtleneck adds coverage but no bulk.

With a structured bag, a loose dress is suddenly serious.

Doo.Ri dress, Jean Paul Gaultier turtleneck, R.J. Graziano necklace, CC Skye cuff, Mark Cross handbag, and Jimmy Choo pumps.

Hang Loose

Summer: I always complain that ladies have it easy: You can look pulled-together (and stay cool) without compromising style. There’s no maxidress equivalent for guys.

Max out your maxi with a floppy hat and sunnies.

Anna & Boy dress, Salvatore Ferragamo hat, Dita sunglasses, Vicki Turbeville ring, and Christian Louboutin sandals.

Fall: Keep summer’s long lengths—and relaxed vibe—for fall weekends. Just add tights, scuffed boots, and an elongating jacket.

Big for fall: the sleeveless jacket over pants or dresses.

Max Mara vest, Cacharel cardigan, Anna & Boy dress, Megan Odabash MO cuff, Push by Pushmataaha stone cuffs, Burberry handbag, and Frye boots.

Stable Influence

Summer: Nothing could be more classic than a nautical-stripe tee and skinny white jeans. To step it up, pair with a sexy, strappy shoe.

Summer’s saddlebag keeps the look practical and carefree.

Saint James top, Zadig & Voltaire jeans, Carolee earrings, Marc Jacobs bag, Crislu bracelet, and Maison Martin Margiela sandals.

Fall: Take it equestrian. Add a fitted blazer (in cool-weather velvet) and fall’s must-have shoe, the riding boot. Totally Ralph Lauren.

Perfect with jeans or skirts, great riding boots are worth the investment.

Salvatore Ferragamo blazer; Saint James top; Zadig & Volatire jeans; House of Lavande, Palm Beach necklace; Salvatore Ferragamo clutch; Crislu ring; and Michael Kors boots.

Brighter Days

Summer: The neon green of this Funktional top screams summer—hot, sporty—and works best with a neutral bottom.

Funktional tank top, Cosabella bra, 3.1 Phillip Lim pants, Alexis Bittar earrings, Ann Taylor belt, Ralph Lauren Collection clutch, and Aquazzura sandals.

Fall: When fall sets in, don’t shelve your brights; find new ways to accentuate them. I added matching tights, a contrasting bag, and a cool cape.

A cape offers an easy solution to in-flux temperatures.

Sally LaPointe cape, Funktional tank top, Cosabella bra, 3.1 Phillip Lim pants, Alexis Bittar earrings, Ann Taylor belt, Kate Spade New York handbag, and Christian Louboutin sandals.

Printed Matter

Summer: Summer getaway? The perfect time to experiment with mix-and-match prints. Accessories create infinite wardrobe options and are worth the suitcase space.

I love a good belt—it adds shape and unifies mixed prints.

Kenzo blouse, Wayne skirt, Kangol hat, Céline sunglasses, Meredith Wendell belt, Donatienne bag, and Alexandre Birman sandals.

Fall: There’s still plenty of mileage left in summer’s mini—throw it on over cropped pants. (Yes, pants with skirts are back!) Or, for the less style adventurous, try opaque tights.

Forget the basic coat. Wrap up in a winter “blanket.”

Rag & Bone cape, Equipment blouse, Wayne skirt, Lacoste pants, Lids cap, Yves Saint Laurent handbag, and 3.1 Phillip Lim pumps.

Photo: Hao Zeng; styled by Joe Zee
Source: www.elle.com