STYLE GURU STYLE: Simply Striped

The time is here for summer travel plans and exotic vacation destinations. Sun-kissed tans and blissful cabanas beckon all those who wander. But no vacation is complete without a chic wardrobe to boot. Thus, packing your suitcase for your next trip can often be an endeavor to say the least. When imagining lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails on a yacht or wandering the streets of a romantic European city, the fantasy always includes the perfect outfit for every occasion. You want to look effortless and confident wherever you go. I often end up cramming my entire closet into my suitcase in a fruitless effort to plan carefully and maximize space. But what you may be missing, like I have many times before, is that the basic pieces in your closet can be combined (and reused) to create wonderfully unexpected and chic ensembles. Don’t fret over splurging on a new avant-garde wardrobe because you most likely already have the essentials, just waiting for a little inspiration in order for fashion magic to be born.

Louis Vuitton’s resort 2016 collection showcased how to take some basic style concepts to a whole new level. The collection included minimalistic designs with an eye for aesthetically pleasing lines and constructions. From simple sheath dresses to denim and high-waisted shorts, Vuitton’s collection heightened common pieces and gave them an edge with unique pairings, such as a plain black dress worn over an asymmetrical white blouse or leather-on-leather combinations. I borrowed from this idea of taking basic pieces and making them fresh with my own look. Opting for a more lightweight aesthetic as seen in Look 36, I wore distressed high-waisted shorts with an oversized blue and white pinstripe button-down (which I “borrowed” from my mom’s closet). These fundamental items pair together nicely to create a complementary coalesce of textures and patterns. The more formal look of the button-down is balanced out by its loose fit, as well the casual feel of the shorts. I wanted to dress up the look a bit with a pair of strappy, laser-cut heels for that extra wow factor. With my favorite pair of sunnies and an easy, relaxed hairstyle, I would feel right at home amongst the posh California vineyards or a swanky resort.

Get My Look: 1. Distressed high-waisted shorts. 2. A striped button-down. 3. Intricate heels.

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