WHAT TO WEAR: Summer

It’s hard to believe that hot weather reaches Boston after such a long and brutal winter, so when the humidity begins to rise it’s bound to throw everyone off. Dressing to stay cool without wearing just a bikini top and daisy dukes can be a challenge, but with the right pieces it’s definitely possible to come up with an outfit that looks put together without making you suffer in the heat.

“Less is more” is generally the attitude towards clothing when you’re confronted with hot weather. For this reason, a basic crop top is a staple item for any summer wardrobe since it offers a variety of potential outfits without an excess of fabric. To deter any feeling of seeming overexposed, a pair of high-waisted culotte shorts is the perfect option to avoid showing too much midriff. The airy material allows for movement without clinging to your legs and also gives the illusion of a skirt without the hassle of worrying that a breeze will cause any embarrassing moments; another bonus is that you can usually get away with a shorter length than with a skirt. Feel free to pick a pair of shorts in a bright, summery color to offset the neutral color on top.

This Fashionista threw on a lightweight, patterned button-down to add some versatility and break up the color-block. The whole look is tied together by a pair of clubmaster sunglasses and my favorite accessory, a pair of gladiator sandals. These added an interesting detail without distracting away from the other elements and are an easy way to create more dimension to an outfit with little effort. This ensemble is great for meeting up with friends or simply running errands around town without letting the high temperature get in your way!

One Simple Change: To transition this look from day to night, swap the culotte shorts out for a pair of wide-leg pants. If you’re going for a more casual night out, a pair of jeans will work too!

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