Have you ever shown up to an event completely over- or under-dressed? Feel like you missed the memo on what to wear? Summer is usually fairly forgiving on dress codes, but here are my favorite looks for summer’s most common soirées.
From Ravinia to a backyard BBQ
There is nothing more I love in summer than sitting outside, eating amazing food and listening to music, whether it is at home with friends in the backyard or at a festival. In Chicago, we have an amazing array of outdoor music venues and Ravinia happens to be my favorite.
I usually favor dresses, but pants make sprawling out on a picnic blanket 10 times more ladylike. I found linen blend pants in the Junior section at my favorite off-price retailer for less than $20. Paired with a plain white tee or tank, cork wedges or block heels (no stilettos—you will sink in the grass, gals!) and your favorite classic, structural jewelry, this is a pulled-together look with the comfort of PJs.
From a Cubs/Sox game to a playdate at Maggie Daley Park
This is your chance to balance a mix of casual comfy with a dash of sporty spice thrown in. Athleisure is in, and moms are rejoicing in the fact that they can stay stylish in sneakers. Finding the perfect pair of sneakers that don’t scream I AM A MOM! but still keep your feet blister-free after a marathon game of tag are in order. You can’t go wrong with a classic brand and style, which is why I picked up a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths in white. Every time I crack open a fashion magazine, a new celebrity is sporting these shoes.
High fashion and comfort don’t often intersect, so when I see an example I dive in! Pair them with anything from cuffed white denim to a T-shirt dress for a day of play. Add a crossbody bag to carry all the kid necessities.
From a rooftop brunch at Cindy’s to a baby shower at Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
Do you like to iron? Me neither. I have resigned myself to the fact that I cannot buy clothing that requires an iron, or else it will sit in a crumpled heap in my closet for eternity.
I recently bought a gorgeous chiffon maxi dress from the brand Eliza J. and shoved it in my suitcase for an overnight trip. No wrinkles. It is incredibly flattering, many styles come in sizes up to 24, and it has held up through washes (I don’t do dry cleaning either).
While it may seem a little formal for brunch, I am always in favor of being more dressed up than the alternative. Eliza J. styles are classic, well constructed and ultimately flattering. Check Nordstrom Rack or department store clearance racks for a deal on this brand.
