I spent the majority of this weekend outside — and I have a terrible burn to prove it (sorry, Dr. Dellatorre [my dermatologist]). Between a polo match on the National Mall and a day-long zydeco festival at Wolf Trap, I perspired away under the hot summer sun, and all I could think about was refreshing myself with a long, tall lemonade.
(Wall Art — $159, Ballard Designs)
What better way to beat the heat than with a citrus-inspired wardrobe to boot? I’m imagining a lemon frosting concoction of a dress like this Milly number ($338, Shopbop):
Pair with classic Jack Rogers in summer-ready white ($96, Nordstrom):
Alternately, I’m loving this Lilly “Sullivan” shift ($148, Lilly Pulitzer):
I like the idea of wearing it with a big white necklace — something like this statement-making Hive & Honey wood beaded lovely ($68, PiperLime):
It would look equally cheerful worn atop this See by Chloe shift (on sale for $142, The Outnet):
Pair either with these easy-on, delightfully-styled K. Jacques t-straps ($245, Net-A-Porter):
Love the airy simplicity of the style — perfect for offsetting the heaviness of the necklace and the breeziness of the shift. For those of you loving the matchy-matchy aesthetic, imagine how picture-perfect you’d look rounding it all out with this Kate Spade tote ($175, Bloomingdale’s):
If that’s too much for you, take a page out of Tory Burch’s lookbook with a versatile white-accented rattan clutch ($275, Bergdorf Goodman):
I also dig this little white wicker basket bag by Warehouse ($48, ASOS):
If you need something a touch bigger for your daily routine, I’m loving this Tory Burch slouchy carry-all. I feel as though you could wear it all summer long and not have to switch bags once ($350, Bergdorf Goodman):
Endlessly wearable and fresh-looking. Top it all off with these inexpensive, fun-in-the-sun, plastic yellow shades ($30, TopShop):
After all, summer is all about the cheap thrills, isn’t it?
The italian ice pictured above has got me absolutely drooling. Imagine enjoying one poolside in a little white bikini ($44 for top, $40 for bottom, J. Crew):
Throw on a breezy lemon-yellow caftan by Tashia (on sale for $272, My Theresa):
Add the simple K. Jacques featured above or these inexpensive Steve Maddens ($69.95, Steve Madden) — the design on the top of the sandal echoes the interlocking shape featured on the caftan nicely:
(As would Jack Rogers.) You might also consider pairing the caftan with some crisp white poplin shorts or white jeans for shopping and lunch. Other options for citrus-fresh daywear? I’m in love with this sweet, retro-styled Anthropologie dress ($98, Anthropologie):
So fresh and yet old-timey, like a yellow-and-white striped straw from an old-fashioned ice cream shop. I like the idea of wearing it with some perforated flats — perhaps these darling Pradas (on sale for $329, Barney’s)?
If you’re ready to introduce other citrus colors into your palette — and money is no object — don’t you adore this kicky Pucci number (on sale for $1,037, The Outnet):
Pair with white sandals or espadrilles. I kind of die over these recessionista-friendly lace-ups by Spiegel ($49, Spiegel):
For the more label-conscious, these Ralph Lauren Finlays are perfectly styled (on sale for $251, Neiman Marcus):
Alternately, pair a breezy white dress or some white shorts and a white caftan with these cheery Juicy Couture flats (on sale for $153, Zappos):
The perfect summer splash! Other ways of refreshing your summer look? Tote your coins around in this precious little Kate Spade purse ($60, Kate Spade):
Or maybe throw on this aptly-titled “Strawberry Lemonade” necklace from Anthropologie ($38, Anthropologie):
Perfect with a little white crew-neck or a white strapless dress like this Lilly (on sale for $217, Zappos):
…especially when paired with these strappy Belle by Sigerson Morrison sandals ($195, La Garconne):
I also love the above sandals with this demure eyelet C&C California dress ($148, Shopbop):
(Love the daintiness of a cap sleeve.) I’d pair with a sunny tote, like this cabana-ready yellow striped Tory Burch tote ($195, Tory Burch):
Alternately, this Mar Y Sol tote would be a fun addition to your summer wardrobe ($88, Nordstrom):
(DKNY has a similar version in canvas for $85.) Now that you’re properly attired, sit back, relax, and enjoy a tall glass of lemonade! It’s summer time, and the living’s right.
