J. Crew Summer Outfit Inspiration

Good morning, readers! I'm very excited because tonight I have another one of my fashion design classes tonight and start and start my recording class in one week! Today I thought I would share some recent J. Crew looks that have really inspired me. Like I've said before, I much prefer fall fashion over summer fashion. I love layering sweaters, skirts, tights....there is just so much variety! With summer outfits, I feel like if the one or two pieces you're wearing aren't cute, your whole outfit is doomed. And bright colors are really cute and all, but I also really like neutral and darker shades. So as you can see, I have a problem creating good summer outfits. Actually, I can do it decently, I just don't LIKE them as much as my winter outfits. I often stand in my closet wishing I could wear my riding boots and all my cute sweaters again or finding myself wearing black shorts and a cream or fall-colored top. I wish I could get into summer more!!! When I'm feeling like this with my clothes, I often look to J. Crew for inspiration. They have the best summer clothes of all time.

But see, I love this. I adore creating outfits. But you can't actually wear it in the summer, can you? You would be way too hot!

Oh my gosh, and this!!!

But you probably can't wear that, either. Well, you could, but you'd melt. 

So as I've been trying to create cute summer outfits, I realize two things: #1 you need to have the right pieces. #2 Accessories can make your outfit. 

We'll start with having the right pieces. Let's go over the summer essentials:

Button Down Shirt

(side note: my friend wore an oversized unbuttoned one over her swimsuit to the pool the other day and it was an adorable idea! I may have to try it out!)

Shorts

I love the J. Crew chino kind, but it's also essential to keep a pair of denim ones on hand. 

Tank tops and basic t shirts

Pants

If you're going to be in air conditioning or it's not boiling outside, pants are essential to keep on hand just to mix it up a bit in the summer. 

Skirts

Summer is the perfect time to wear them!

Now down to the accessories. 

Shoes

I don't know if shoes count as accessories, but whatever, I'm putting them here. 

Sometimes I think people forget how many options of summer shoes there are out there! There's flip flops, flats, sandals, sperrys, sneakers, espadrilles, wedges, Toms....

Necklaces

I'm finding these to be my new favorite accessory! I love short chunky ones or long ones with a pendant on it. 

Watches

Watches are sometimes that little extra pop that can take your outfit to the next level! A classic one like this is fabulous. 

Belts

They can really make an outfit! I love printed, neon, or just plain leather.

Now. Let's revisit those outfits. 

In the first one you see here, the model is wearing a heavy shirt over an oxford. To make this outfit work for summer, just take off the extra piece. Now you're left with just the oxford and the necklace. To complete the outfit, add a belt and a printed pair of shorts and you've got something like this: 

Which is much more appropriate for summer!

Here is another one a bit like the first one but more suited for summer:

After writing this post, I'm feeling very inspired and hope that you are too!