Stripes are a Summer staple, so we're always looking for ways to reinvent this classic pattern. Accordingly, we headed to Nordstrom in Santa Monica, and with a little inspiration from Olivia Palermo, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Taylor Swift, we created three outfits that will have you looking très chic all Summer long.
The transition to warmer days is in full effect, and so is our transition to our Spring and Summer staples. At the top of that list is our go-to maxidress, and we're looking for a few fresh styling tricks to give our favorite dresses a seasonal makeover. With that in mind, five celebrities inspired five styled takes on the style we love — from Rachel Zoe's casual day out in a black maxi (and all the right accoutrements) to Jessica Alba's cool-girl take on a floral print version by Karen Zambos. Not only are we highlighting these inspiring celebrity examples, we're giving you the necessary ingredients to re-create the looks. Click on to see and shop five maxidress styles worth mimicking now.
Alessandra Ambrosio has been spotted around town sporting boho-chic dresses and cozy-cool sweaters that prove that even with a baby bump, you can still be fashionable. This time around, while running errands in Brentwood, the model mom donned a Gypsy 05 sheer printed maxi that subtly show off her stems. She toughened up her flowing frock with a Muubaa leather jacket and black snakeskin Rachel Zoe flats, then upped the cool factor with a pair of Wayfarer shades. Re-create this ensemble with a sheer maxi, black flats, and killer shades for a day of shopping with the girls, then toss on a black leather jacket and matching scarf when the temps drop.
Since Summer is practically synonymous with effortless glamour, we want nothing over done. Our dresses should be easy to slip into, to layer over our swimwear, and to take us to the beach. The answer to what we're looking for looks like this — a beautifully printed maxi dress ($70, originally $78) that would look as perfect on the shore as it would at an outdoor wedding.
What's a better surprise than trolling through Mom's closet and finding out that her old favorite maxi now makes the perfect Summer dress for you. That's exactly where Fab reader Icedivastar stumbled on her Summer fashion gold in the form of this pretty printed vintage find. It may be Mom's from the '90s, but it makes the perfect nod to this season's '70s trend, especially when styled with a floppy hat and cool, braided belt.
Congrats to Icedivastar!
Everyone else, submit your looks, and I might just feature you on FabSugar!
It's the carefree chic Summer look that's gorgeous on every body type, whether you're tall and lithe, curvy, or expecting a baby. Fab reader Megan Zietz expertly pairs a printed maxi, long cardigan, and statement necklace for an eclectic chic look that works on all levels. We particularly love how she belted the maxi to add polish and shape.
Congrats to Megan Zietz!
Everyone else, submit your looks, and I might feature you on FabSugar!
We recently showed you how to max out your style, and this look from Fab reader summerskin was a cool mix of short and long, high and low. I love how she paired an ultralong maxidress with a cream-color H&M blazer, tan infinity scarf, and black crisscross wedges. This look is a little bit of Winter and Spring rolled into one — and it's a perfect look for shopping or a dinner date.
Congrats to summerskin!
Everyone else, submit your looks, and I might feature you on FabSugar!
BellaSugar editor Annie Tomlin came to us with a style challenge concerning a cropped sweater she has, which resembles the one in the photo. The challenge: "I cannot figure out to wear it without looking 3-years-old." The solution: the cropped sweater is cozy and feminine, so we're giving her a boho luxe look. We paired a fitted knit maxidress ($198) with these suede wedge booties ($347), offbeat jewelry, and a printed scarf for a look that easily transitions from day to night. Fab tip: if you want to keep the look polished, it's important to stay with a fitted maxidress rather than something flowy.
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Fall's on its way in, which means Summer's on its way out. I'm sad to see it go, but there's a consolation prize: End of Summer sales! The best part is snagging Summer steals like this Port Dauphine Dress ($70, originally $138) at Anthropologie's sale. Even if Summer is fading, this will look just as chic with a denim jacket in September. If maxis aren't your thing, shop the shorter variety and transition to Fall with tights — either way, you've got a sweet deal.
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If you haven't already made a maxi a wardrobe staple, I'm highly recommending you do. They're the epitome of easy dressing but also amazingly complimentary. I've got one in black that's become a closet favorite, and I set out to find a lighter color in a casual strapless style. When I came across this ultra soft — and ultra sexy — Velvet Slinky Tube Maxi ($129) I couldn't wait to slip it on, until the pricey tag killed my shopping buzz.
To see the look for less, just read more.
