Summer is finally here in Cleveland! Middle-aged couples in their convertibles and license-less pre-teens roam the streets attempting to soak up the short two months of sun we get in this otherwise cloudy city. While most everyone else is excitedly breaking out their shorts and crop tops, I am thrilled to pull out my carefully cultivated summer wardrobe of sundresses, rompers and skirts. There is not much I hate more than just wearing a pair of jean shorts all summer, so when new collections come out, I am constantly scanning for new ways to wear my trademark summer dresses and skirts.
Taking inspiration from the No. 21 resort 2016 collection that hit Style.com just a few days ago, I am donning this nautical summer dress with pride. No. 21 did an amazing job of updating the traditional nautical look and pulling it into the 21st century by incorporating hues of burgundy and structured, almost sculptural, pieces into its collection. I took in not only the nautical theme, with my wide collared and blue hued dress, but I also attempted to integrate the sculptural tones of the collection into my look.
Classic summer styles like nautical are only iconic as long as they are being updated and tweaked on a consistent basis. Instead of opting for the traditional horizontal striped version of nautical, I chose a more subtle approach to the theme. The layers and wide collar of my sundress pull in a more subdued allusion to the nautical theme, hopefully making it somewhat unique and different.
As we all know, no outfit is complete without a couple good accessories. To add to my look, I’m wearing ankle strap flats, a basic black bag and I’ve stacked my watch with one of my favorite silver bracelets. In this case, pairing navy and black together is not a fashion crime. A navy outfit with black accessories, such as a bag and sunglasses, is perfectly legal, and I promise the fashion police won’t come after you.
Simple, strong pieces easily come together into this one look that is easy and comfortable to throw on when I am sick of the never-ending days of jean shorts and tank tops.
Get My Look: 1. Navy sundress. 2. Anke strap flats. 3. Classic black bag.
