Labor Day Look Book
Ahoy, long weekend! We're just 48 hours away from kicking off our Labor Day celebrations, which is both very exciting and very hard to believe (September? Already??).
We're keeping it local this year, cooking out with family and friends, maybe hanging by the pool. Code word: low key. For some, one last trip to the beach may be in the cards...or maybe a visit to see some friends before fall schedules fill up.
With so many fab ways to bid summer adieu, I thought 'why not put together a look book in honor of the occasion?'. Whether you're planning to shop, sip, or snooze by the seaside, I've thrown together a few outfit ideas to make your fete fashionable.
DOWNTOWN DINNER DATE
Grabbing dinner with your main squeeze or a great group of friends at a local hotspot sounds like a great time to me! Sure, a dress would be really cute, too, but evenings spent socializing around the dinner table are a great opportunity to break out some trendier items in your repertoire that you don't wear on the regular.
Try a pair of cropped flare jeans with an eye-catching shoe and clutch combo. These velvet sandals not only tap into the current glam grunge vibe, but those block heels are meant to navigate treacherous urban terrain. Grab that versatile striped blouse hanging in your closet, then finish the look with a choker necklace for bonus style points.
SHOP 'N' STROLL
Dress | Necklace | Flats (under $30!) | Purse
One of my favorite ways to spend long weekends is to gather the girls and spend the day strolling and shopping around town. It's such a fun way to explore a new place or reconnect with where you live. Since we're not out of the hot 'n' humid woods just yet, a swingy dress punched up with updated accessories fits the bill perfectly. I love marigold for fall, especially when pairing it with other autumnal tones like crimson, navy, and olive.
Red lace-up flats are an easy, affordable way to elevate solids and basics hanging in your closet; plus, they're a perfect shoe to transition away from summer sandals. Embrace your go-with-the-flow leisurely afternoon and leave the large work tote at home in lieu of a kitschy crossbody bag that fits only the essentials -- and leaves plenty of real estate for shopping bags!
OUTDOOR CONCERT
Evening outdoor events are the right time to look dressed but not dressed up. The difference? Don't go overboard with any element of your outfit. Keep it pretty but pared down. Take a lacy peasant blouse and wear it with a denim pencil skirt. In essence, it's a white shirt with jeans taken up a few notches. Go with a chunkier heel in case you go cavorting through gravel parking lots or grassy lawns. Mules (both flat and heeled) are major this fall! They look equally awesome with skirts and dresses as they do with ankle pants and joggers. Luxe up this low-key look with a high-end shoulder bag that'll leave your hands free for al fresco drinks and dancing.
BACKPORCH SUN DAZE
Whenever I've spent the day in the sun, I love coming home to shower and change into loungewear. A slouchy knit and printed shorts can feel just as comfy as your yoga uniform if the material and fit is right. The bell sleeve and criss-cross neckline of this sweater disguise the fact that it's just a step above a sweatshirt in terms of comfort. Throw on some printed shorts and your go-to gladiators for sunset cocktails at your back porch party.
UPTOWN ESCAPADES
Jumpsuit | Earrings | Bag | Heels (just $35)
Let's consider this a catch-all category for any occasion which implies exclusivity or invitation-only access. Yacht parties, bottle service, art gallery openings, reservations at a bucket list restaurant...you're a big damn deal and you want to dress like it. Jumpsuits are an "it" girl staple, especially potent when worn in a cool color or print. Keep an eye out for 'suits with details like cut-outs, ruffles, and cropped pant legs.
Now's the time to grab those cutting-edge accessories fit for a street style power player. Bold, sculptural jewelry and a trendy bag cement your stylish status when you're playing in the big leagues. Balance the look with an equally fierce shoe in a subtle neutral.
SOCIAL SOIREE
Dress (under $70) | Sunglasses | Earrings | Sandals
From rooftop parties to restaurant rezzies, it's hard to beat a mini dress with studded heels. Pleats are having a moment this year, but you need the right hemline and accessories to take the vibe from sweet to sassy. I love a solid pleated dress in a bright, saturated color with edgy accessories. Strappy, studded sandals and not-your-average sunnies add personality. Keep the vibe fierce but fresh with eccentric earrings (hint: Kate Spade is the queen of tongue-in-cheek chic).
Have an amazing holiday, everyone!
xxBrooke