How to Add Edge to a Summer Dress

Summer dresses are a must-have seasonal staple. They are light, breezy and oh so comfy on a hot summer day but they are also innately “sweet”.

Something about a summer dress brings forth images of beachy rom-coms, picnics and gives off “I’m headed to the Hampton’s” vibes. Sometimes that fit’s my mood perfectly but other times I want a little more edge in my look.

I’ll admit that I’ve never exactly felt that my style could be pinned down to just ONE style personality. All it takes is one look at my Instagram feed to see how frequently I flip-flop between aesthetics. Trust me, some days I wish I could be one of those people whose outfits consistently subscribe to one style archetype but I am a woman of many moods.

Despite all my style moods, there’s ONE common thread with how I get dressed: Everything has to be balanced. Nothing too sweet, nothing too edgy. There has to be a Yin and Yang to my look.

Balance is what gives a look interest, what set’s it apart, what makes it stylish!

In the spirit of this theory of “balance” I’m sharing three easy ways I edge up a sugary-sweet summer dress to give it a bit more style.

How to Add Edge to a Summer Dress

ONE: Add a rocker belt. Summer dresses usually come with a ribbon-like self-tie belt. Switch it out for something tougher with more style. Think leather and metal accents. A big buckle or western details, maybe something with vintage flair.
TWO: Add a patterned heel. Typically a go-to with a summer dress is sandals, wedges or sneakers. Switch things up by rocking an edgy heel. Remember, my theory for style is to ALWAYS wear the wrong shoes- the unexpected ones.
THREE: Pair with a distressed denim jacket. Push a little grunge on that prep by adding a distressed or bleach dyed denim jacket- give it a little street-style cred.

Trust me, these tiny little tweets will instantly take your outfit to the next level.

Click to SHOP some of my TOP Picks in Summer Dresses:

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Seasonal Fashion Depression, Even Stylist’s Get the Blues

After what seemed like the longest January in history, with the WORST cold season ever, we have now reached that weird time of year where one minute you need a coat and the next it feels like full-on Spring. It’s enough to give you the Fashion Blues.

I call it that dreaded “in-between” fashion season which often brings with it Seasonal Fashion Depression creating anxiety filled “I have nothing to wear” moments. You know what I’m talking about, we have all felt it and typically resort to a dark, comfy, lackluster, less-than-stylish, uninspired “uniform”consisting of an oversized sweater and leggings.

This is when I like to cozy up to some fashion comfort food and embrace my favorite feel-good pieces while waiting for Spring Fashion to land. There are certain silhouettes and certain styles that go beyond the season, they exist in a timeless fashion bubble that remains chic year after year and are the perfect boost you need for fashion limbo season.

I have FIVE such go-to pieces that are sure to perk up your wardrobe and pull you out of that Seasonal Fashion Depression:

Denim Jackets. Classic, timeless and totally seasonless they are one of those staple items that will NEVER go out of style. One of the reasons denim jackets are so awesome is because you can wear them with literally anything. They lend a casual easy vibe to a look, work like a boss as a lightweight layering piece without covering up the rest of your outfit and are my go-to when a look feels a bit too stuffy and needs a little edge. Sometimes we need just one piece to change up our look and pull together a whole new outfit from our tried and true pieces. A denim jacket is one of those classic pieces you may already own from previous seasons, or just the piece you need to add for fresh styling ideas.
Midi Dresses- midi dresses always make me feel chic. They are an effortless put-together all in one way to boost your style plus they hide any extra pounds you may have put on during the holiday months.
Comfy yet Fashion Forward Boots– With all the walking and long hours on my feet I’ve had at work this winter my feet have been crying out for a little love so I have turned to comfort footwear. I know some of you are rolling your eyes but comfort footwear has come a long way. BORN makes some incredibly chic boots that feel like you are walking on a cloud from heaven. They have saved my feet on long days!
Chic Scarves. I love a good scarf. It adds a certain effortless glamour to any outfit and there are a million different ways to style one: modern one loops, a bow, turtleneck, infinity loop, waterfall, braid look, European loop, twist, fabulous fashion knot, etc.
Statement Bags. Nothing perks up a look faster than a great bag.