MY SUMMER STYLE ESSENTIALS IN ONE OUTFIT

What makes today's outfit proposal so fun is that it features many of my summer style essentials. As far as temperatures are concerned, summer has definitely arrived to Mostar and that means it's time to think about my summer style essentials. I've already started wearing summer outfits. This stripes on stripes look I'm sharing with you today is a good example of my typical summer styling. At every change of season, I think it makes sense to take some time to consider what we will be wearing in the next few months. You know, it really doesn't hurt to take a few minutes to think about what we want and need. This might save us time in the future (and we all seem to crave  more free time in summer).  Summer themed social media posts are everywhere and I love it! However, while it certainly doesn't hurt to look for inspiration in figuring out what our summer style should look like, it is also important to consider our habits and personal style. 

If you're the type to enjoy casual outfits the most, then that is the kind of summer outfits you can plan. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dressier style, then that is what you can work with. I feel like my style is a mix of the two, so that's what I'll be working with in my head. Getting dressed up in the morning is always easier if we know what kind of outfits we are going for. Style essentials can really help us, not only in planning our outfits, but in organizing our wardrobe as well. So, what are my summer style essentials? Some of my key summer items can actually be found in this outfit, such as for example: straw accessories, sunglasses, striped items, puffed sleeves and heeled sandals. You can figure out your essentials by asking yourself a few simple questions. Is there a print or a trend you love for summer? If yes, that can help you plan your outfits around it. Do you like straw accessories? If yes, then you already have yourself a summer style essential. Figuring out our summer style essential isn't terribly difficult. You just have to think about the items you like to wear and the way you like to wear them. 

THE STORY OF AN OUTFIT

This outfit is another example of shopping my closet. All of these items I had for a while, but this is the first time I'm wearing them all together. Let's have a look at this striped combo and talk clothes! 

A STRIPED VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH PUFFED SLEEVES 

You've seen me wear this striped vintage blouse so many times on this blog (most recently in this post: TWO WAYS TO WEAR A PUFFED BLOUSE). A statement blouse is a great way to upgrade your summer wardrobe. I'm a big fan of stripes, especially in the summer. Do you remember this post STRIPED ITEMS I OFTEN REACH FOR? If you ask me, striped tops, shirts and blouses are a fantastic option for summer. We can see that puff sleeves blouses and tops are trending this summer, so consider rocking a puffed sleeved item if you already haven't.

A STRIPED  SKIRT

I love to pair stripes with stripes. This simple striped skirt was my go to item this spring and I plan to wear it this summer as well. A striped skirt is a great item to have in our summer wardrobe. You can always go for a slightly longer version of it, if a typical mini skirt seems isn't your thing. If you don't like short skirts in general, then look for skirt lengths that start or end at the knee. Midi skirts are always a great option as well. Great things about a striped skirt is that you can always dress it up by adding heels or feminine accessories. Take this feminine outfit for example. Accessories and accents can always take you far, if you know how to use them.

A STRAW BAG

What to say about this straw bag? I was looking for a unique straw bag for a while and when I finally found this one last summer in a local shop I loved it instantly (it also cost me practically nothing). The straw bags are simply ideal for summer because they are light and feel natural. This straw accessory has turned into a cult one. I think that the straw bag trend isn't going anywhere. We'll definitely be seeing straw bags everywhere this summer. If you're looking for a more unique straw bag, consider buying a vintage or second hand one.

A STRAW HAT ACCESSORIZED WITH A SCARF

How to accessorize your straw hats? One of my summer style essentials is a straw hat with a scarf. I love to accessorize straw hats. If you ask me, the easiest way to do it is by wrapping a scarf around your straw hat. That way you can match it to colours of your outfit or even choose a different colour to contrast it. It definitely gives you more styling options. You can also provide yourself with some additional skin protection by opting for a bigger scarf. On the other hand, if you want an understated and chic look, opt for a tiny scarf. A straw hat accessorized with a scarf is such a lovely take on the scarf trend, don't you agree? 

A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses are a must for me, because on a bright day, I'm as blind as a bat without them. You know how they say that people with light eyes are very sensitive to the sun? It seems that the same applies to really dark eyes. A pair of sunnies is definitely a  summer essential. Taken that sunglasses offer additional protection against the sun for the skin area around our eyes (as well as for our eyes obviously), they should be everyone's summer essential!

A PAIR OF HEELED SANDALS

Heeled sandals are the unsung heroes of summer style. I feel that a good straw sandal can elevate any outfit and make it more elegant and sophisticated. To be honest, this naughty gal pair is anything but comfortable, but I love the block heel and the animal print so much that I wear them despite that. If you don't like heels or aren't used to wearing them, I recommend going for a kitten heel. Sandals with kitten heels can look so chic and they are often also a more comfortable option. Naked heeled sandals are all the rave this summer and they can be incredibly flattering as they create an illusion of a longer leg (skin toned heel sandals will do this as well). When we talk heeled sandals, it's important to remember the thinner the straps, the less stability the sandal will offer so make sure you buy a well made pair if that is a look you're going for. I think one of the reasons why this heeled pair isn't comfy is because it has no straps. Generally speaking, a block heel sandal will last you longer and offer more stability but this will also depend on the quality of a shoe i.e. the craftsmanship.  

Some of you have already started summer shopping, but it is never too late to examine our wardrobe and make more sustainable choices. By shopping our closets and building a wardrobe we would truly love and wear, we can reduce our carbon imprint. Moreover, buying vintage and second hand is a great way to be more sustainable this summer. Speaking of that, yesterday I read a post about slow fashion season  movement on Vintage Vixen blog and I signed a petition promising not to buy anything new (second hand buys are allowed) for the next three months. What do you say? Could you do only second hand buys summer? You can sign this petition here and join this movement. There are 8 days left! I will be linking this outfit with Nancy's Fancy Friday Linkup!