Staying Chic in the Heat
As a stylist in Houston, I giggle when I’m asked about the top fashion trends in our city. Anyone that has lived here for more than one year knows that it’s all about survival first in what can be best described as incomprehensible heat and humidity during the months of June – early October.
Since today’s woman wears many hats, here are some inspirations and tips on how to look put together and current while running from your car to the a/c in various “real life” situations!
For Work
Thankfully, most industries are adopting the casual, less “Suitcentric” dress requirements. This is great because it not only allows us to show our personal style, but even more importantly we can be comfortable!
I look for easy natural fabrications that allow your skin to breathe, hence not trapping heat to your body. Ideally, cotton and linen blends (less wrinkling) that skim your silhouette lend to a flattering non fussy look. If you must go with a synthetic, opt for an easy breezy silhouette! Stay away from anything tight to your body if you can.
Layering IS possible in this heat, and most times needed when you get indoors. We love our a/c in Houston, but it can be arctic with such high levels of humidity. The key to chic layering is to make sure you do not chop yourself up too much, meaning that the eye doesn’t stop more than 4 times when you look at what you have on, this will only shorten you and add width.
A great trick is to go monochromatic in your top/bottom and then bring a long layer, like a duster cardigan, a light weight topper coat, or the coolest trend out there, a long robe/kimono piece to create more length. Add a long scarf or layer long necklaces to break up the look and again add length to your body. Perfect for petites!!! If you are under 5’5”, just be sure to add a little lift with your shoe when doing longer looks. Also, try to keep your proportions balanced, if you do anything voluminous on top, go narrow on bottom and visa versa!
And for those of you who work from home, do yourself a favor, get dressed for work! It’s so tempting to just stay in the PJ’s or yoga pants since no one sees you, trust me I get it! But doing so almost inures getting into a style rut! Get up, shower, put on a bit of make up or at least mascara and lipstick, and as for inspirations on what to wear, refer to my off duty looks below!!!!!
Off Duty Looks
Okay, so we all are guilty of the look at me I just came from the gym (wink wink) yoga pant temptation when running errands or picking the kiddos up from school. I’m guilty of this as well, but c’mon ladies you can only get away with that for so long! Here are alternative options that will look fresh and effortless, and you’ll be comfy at the same time!
The new cropped denim: There are so many creative hemlines going on in denim now, I absolutely LOVE them! Pair them with a great graphic tee and some cool sneakers for that youthful carefree look!
Boho inspired
I am obsessed with a great lightweight gauzy top and shorts or cropped denim. It has a travel inspired vibe and is always appropriate and comfortable. Pair it with your favorite flats or a pair of espedrilles or flatforms. You’ll feel the “Mommie Envy” and everyone will whisper, where does she get the time to?????
Ruffles, ruffles, ruffles
Soooo simple, go more modern than Victorian for summer, but have a little bit of fun with your top, wear with shorts and ballet flats. I suggest a charm bracelet and simple earrings for that perfect put together look.
After 5/Date Night
There’s something so incredibly sexy and powerful about keeping it simple and modern for your after 5 looks! If super short body con is your style, then God bless you! But in my opinion, a perfect jumpsuit or romper with a strappy heel paired with fabulous jewelry will always be flawless and just as striking, add a bold red lip and fierce attitude then ”Voila” no one will touch you!
Feminine florals are also effortless and timeless. It’s all about looking like you just woke up that way right????? To add edge to this look, try a leather belt and modern heeled mule. Let the hair go natural with loose soft curls or a low ponytail would be beautiful!
Even denim can be fun for evening! During summer, a great pair of cropped jeans, sexy heels, and an easy floral blouse will always turn heads!!! Throw on some oversized hoop earrings to finish the look off.
Finally, nothing says “GirlBoss” better than a commanding entrance and/or exit! Throw a long lightweight trench over your shoulders and sport a pair of oversized sunnies, and all eyes will be on you!!!!
So while trends are fun and we all love to keep up on the latest, the most important thing is to live and be the fabulous authentic you! Stay cool #1, and no matter your age, ethnic background, economic status, or lifestyle it’s imperative that you ALL take time out for yourself so you can stay connected to your individuality! One small way to do so, is to identify with your personal style and share that with the world. There’s power in the ability to communicate who you are without saying a word, so I hope that you were at least inspired to take that step today!!!!
Xo
Lisa Powers
If you've been shopping in the River Oaks District, you've probably seen this gal buzzing around. Lisa is the official personal stylist for the Houston's most prestigious shopping destination. Bigger than her love of Tom Ford is her love for her friends and we feel so lucky to count ourselves among them.
Find her online at http://www.stylepointlmp.com/
