Style Your Wardrobe: What's Hot and What's Not

My last "What's Hot" post was a flying success so I thought I would entertain you with a summer edition. Women tend to make the worst fashion mistakes during the hotter months. While summer is the time to be relaxed and casual, it does not mean that we let go of our inhibitions and burn our bras so to speak. You can still be cute and comfortable and yet remain cool in 100 degree temperatures.
So I bring you the "What's Hot and What's Not" - Summer Style.

HOT - The Maxi Dress
Try to find one that defines the waistline. This will create curves (in the right places) and also will make you look taller.

Nordstrom - $98

Splurge

Piperlime - $84

Or Steal

Old Navy - $40

I am LOVING this print!

Also Hot - Maxi Skirts
I'm just now coming around to the maxi dress so I'm taking the "proceed with caution" approach to the maxi skirt. I do like J. Crew's version here, but I won't be sporting my bikini top with a loose button down shirt.

J.Crew - $88

NOT - The tiered knit maxi skirt

I mean say it isn't so! This is a disaster waiting to happen on some poor unknowing woman. If you are looking to make your hips and thighs look bigger, well then this is the skirt for you. If you are like the rest of us ladies out there, avoid the tiered or layered look.

Banana Republic $89.50

HOT - Shorts

There are all kinds of options out there. The Boyfriend, Bermudas, rolled or cuffed, printed, you name it. Try on several sizes and pick one that is comfortable for you. A few that I like:

J. Crew - 7" inseam: $45

Buy a fun color for the summer!

J. Crew - $65

Love the belted look, but wish they were a little longer. Mama needs a longer inseam.

Gap - $45

Classic Bermuda short

Old Navy - 7" inseam: $22

NOT - Jean Shorts

Unless you are attending your annual "redneck" dress up party, send the shorts straight to Goodwill.

Old Navy - $20

NOT - Leather Pleated Shorts

I had to throw this in here because I spit my drink out when I came across these beauties. 1. They are leather. 2. They are pleated. It took me YEARS to get my husband to wear flat front chinos. Please God tell me pleats are not coming back into style. I may cry.

J.Crew - $495

You read correctly.

HOT - Sleeevless Tanks and Tops

Just like shorts - you've got a plethora of options out there. Make sure that knit tops are not skin tight and remember the balancing act of bigger tops with skinnier bottoms and vice versa.

Nordstrom - $38

Cute ruffle detail

J. Crew - $40

Hang on a few weeks and this will probably go on sale.

Boden - $44

Nordstrom - $58

Anthropologie - $68

NOT - Cami's

Ladies, I know it get's hot, but the shelf bra cami is to be worn as a layering piece and not to be worn alone. AND just because it has a built in "bra", does not mean that we don't wear our real bra with it. We don't need to see the headlights if you know what I mean. So two talking points here:

1. LAYER - NOT ALONE

2. WEAR A BRA

HOT - Printed Skirts

If you don't like wearing shorts b/c they creep up into your inner thigh, then go for a fun printed skirt for the summer. Florals are hot and can go with many things. You can sport a tank/tee and flip flops, or dress it up with a silk blouse and your favorite summer wedges.

Tulle4us.com - $35

Modcloth.com - $40

Anthropologie - $88

You can also do the opposite - pair a printed top with a solid skirt. I love the Dorrie skirt from J. crew below.

J.Crew - $75

NOT - Mini Skirts

I know I covered this in the last edition, but repetition helps you learn better, right? I will lighten up a bit on this because there are lots of flirty skirts out there that are well above the knee. But if I cave on the short shorts, then I guess I'll loosen up on a cute short skirt. I will call you out on one that is TOO TIGHT!

No Denim Mini's - it's time to let go of your teenage years.

A cute mini from J.Crew - $80

Use your judgment here. If your vajay-jay is on display when you bend down to pick up your kids, then opt for a longer skirt.

HOT - Swimsuits

Now some of you are letting out a huge sigh. I'm right there with you. I'm pretty sure the last handful of goldfish I polished off just went straight to my thighs. But, we need to let go of our insecurities about our bodies. We all can find plenty of flaws about ourselves and we just need to let them go and enjoy the summer with our kids. They don't notice so why should we?

If you are planning on spending the summer at a club or community pool, here are a few great options.

J.Crew - $58 for the top and $46 for the bottoms

They are running a 20% off sale as we speak.

everything but water - $103

ruching in the middle hides the tummy

Victoria's Secret - $168

Ouch on the price, but the faux wrap creates a slimming look around the waistline

Saks Fifth Avenue - $155

Again - another faux wrap with ruffle detail

A few great places to look online -

1. Swimspot.com - free shipping and free returns, and you can build your own 2-piece!

2. Landsend - great prices and currently running a sale on all swimwear too.

NOT - the itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini

If you are planning on taking a trip with your special someone to a secluded island with other adults, then by all means bust out the skimpy swimwear. If you are like the rest of us and will be spending your summer chasing around small children who can't really swim, then please cover up. We are not interested in witnessing any wardrobe malfunctions.

NOT - The Monokini

Leave the Monokini to the Hollywood starlets. There are only a few truly blessed bodies that can pull this one off.

HOT - A Sun-kissed Glow

It is almost impossible to not get a little sun while frolicking with your children all summer at the pool. That being said, please use sunscreen with a higher SPF than 15. You will still get a nice tan and also save your skin.