The weather is blazing hot and you still have to go to work. What are you going to wear? Sure, a maxi dress will keep you cool but it's not professional. Shorts are a no-go. Same as thong sandals and flip-flops. If your professional life requires a more corporate dress code, knowing how to dress for the high temps can be a conundrum. Summer dressing was created with vacations in mind and contradicts the formality of corporate dress. How do you get it right? 
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It's all about wearing structured clothing in breathable fabrics.  Here's some fabrics to look for to keep you cool: 

Soft and light, you will want to update all your go-to cotton clothing in this fabric for hot temps. Look for silk blends for a slight-sheen and more dressed-up vibe.  

AKA Summer Denim, chambray is soft and light and not at dense as denim. It looks dressy enough for denim-free work environments...seriously! 

White linen is the official look of summer, but it's usually celebrated in more festive environments. Not to worry, linen blazers WILL become your summer version of wool in the winter. Look for linen blended with cotton to decrease wrinkling. 

Cotton with holes! Eyelet dresses under a linen blazer will be your favorite summer look. 

TIP: Stay away  (far away!) from synthetic fabrics in hot weather.  The key to keeping and feeling cool is for your clothing to absorb perspiration and not wick.  Have you ever lounged in your polyester and spandex yoga pants after a workout? EXACTLY. 

And because you may want to keep with the casual vibe of summer dressing, here are some work appropriate shoes that aren't pumps:  

Need help keeping your cool? Let's connect for a Personal Shopping Experience to update your summer wardrobe just before the weather changes!  I'll select some transitional pieces that you can wear into October. Click here to complete your Style Assessment. 

Texture is an element in style that is highly underappreciated. While color speaks to emotion, texture speaks to personality. An all black outfit in a flat fabric is instantly elevated  to sexy and chic when done with leather and fringe. Here's how to make the Textures of  Spring  2019  your own by your Style Personality: 

Next to a strand of pearls, nothing is as timeless as lace. It's sophisticated and sensual without being sexy when paired on tailored silhouettes and can be worn as a day-time staple.  As a Classic Style Personality, you'll look fantastic when you update your suiting with a lace blouse or pair up a lace pump with a simple sheath dress.  Be sure to look for lace in your signature hue on your next shopping excursion. 

Your childhood dream has come true! It you're a Feminine Style Personality, now is the time to dress as a ballerina princess in this uber romantic fabric. Pair your tulle pieces with structured items to keep the look from being too ingenue. Pair up a tulle skirt with a tailored blazer and kitten heels. For just a touch of tulle, lookout for accessories and embellishment on basic pieces.

Fringe sways to the beat of the Sexy Woman's walk! This embellished fabric shouts excitement and confidence of the Sexy Style Personality. Fringe details on shoes in a bright color are the perfect accompaniment for a sleek white pant. Try out an all-over fringe skirt with a crisp white blouse for work. 

Crochet brings up memories leisure and comfort; the perfect texture for the Comfort Woman.  The ease of crochet provides the perfect sensibility for your Style Personality while invoking interest. Team up a crochet maxi skirt with a bleached denim  jacket and basic tee for a casual work day. On the weekends, a crochet flat is great with your favorite shorts and tank matched to a belt bag.

WARDROBE CHALLENGE: I intentionally left out the links to purchase these items! I want you to shop your closet for the texture that works for your Style Personality. Don't have it? Email me for shopping suggestions. 

 As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, it's now the perfect time to plan your Spring Wardrobe. Here's how to do it:

1. Take Inventory of your Fall/Winter Wardrobe. 
If you've read or watched Marie Kondo's book or Netflix series then you know how to rid yourself of clothing items that do not Spark Joy. If an item brings up a negative feeling (makes you feel fat, old, dated);  and shows visible signs of wear, get rid of it.  Outside of weather challenges, if you didn't wear it at all this season, get rid of it.  

4. Take inventory of your Spring/Summer Wardrobe.
​Eyelet fabrics, wispy dresses, linen pants and bright pastels should be reserved for their wardrobe debut in May. Bring out anything in  navy nauticals, jacquard florals, stripes, and tissue weight cashmere. Keep out your twill trench if you have it. If you are not on a weight loss plan and an item doesn't fit, get rid of it. It will take up space in your closet and cause a negative emotion because you can not wear it. 

5. Create 5 favorite outfits.
Now is the time to have fun! Once you have your wardrobe organized by item and color, it's time to shop your closet. With an idea of your upcoming activities and the weather, create 5 distinct outfits. Coordinate a dress with a blazer and heels; jeans and blouse with booties and a trench; skirt with a knit sweater, blazer and sandals; and anything that works for your lifestyle. 

6. Create a shopping list (if needed) .
If you are have difficulty shopping your closet or wishing you had a particular item to complete an outfit, take note of it. If you see something in a magazine or on the internet that works for your Style Personality and current wardrobe, add it to the list. Once you've determined your shopping budget , go get it!