Easy Tips on How to Elevate Your Spring & Summer Wardrobe

Over the last few years, I’ve learned to have a lot more fun experimenting with fashion. My style is constantly changing, evolving and becoming something new. You don’t need to spend a fortune on fashion to have an elevated wardrobe.  I like to save for a few key luxury items that I can wear year after year, but understand what it’s like to be strapped for cash and only find new ways to wear what you have in your wardrobe (see blog post here) or only purchase items that are within a really small budget.  It takes a few good things to create a luxurious look that you are happy with. Strike a perfect balance of high style and comfort and you know you’ve found the perfect look.

TIPS ON ELEVATING YOUR SPRING & SUMMER WARDROBE

Quality Materials & Design Details
Spring is here and that means less layers, so there are usually just one or two stand out pieces you’ll wear throughout the day. Whether you’re thrifing, going through storage to pull out favourites or purchasing something new, toss away the items that wrinkle really easily, are fading or will age quickly and focus on top quality pieces. Items that have great color and made with nice fabrics can elevate your entire look and make it look more expensive. Look for things that hug your best features, yet doesn’t cling to the least flattering parts or undergarments. Whatever you choose must feel good on and provide you with comfort.  There’s nothing worse than spending your hard earned cash on something that feels rough, uncomfortable or falls apart in just a short period of time. If you think people wont notice, wait until they hug you when they greet or say goodbye to you. Believe me, each and every one of us can even feel it. I love lace and transparency, but some look more expensive than others. If the lace isn’t incorporated into the design well, or if it’s thin and gets caught easily, avoid purchasing! If it doesn’t look luxe, no matter how much you spend, it won’t look good even when it’s on. Also, pay closer attention to little design details when you are shopping for spring and summer pieces or reorganizing your closet. Pay close attention to both the front and pack of something you buy. One of my greatest pet peeves is when a print or sequin detail is on the entire front but not on the back as it should be. The jumpsuit I’m wearing is is a lightweight brocade material with a very light sheen (even though that doesn’t come out in photos) and doesn’t pill or wrinkle easily. The print on the jumpsuit is a modern yet simple print that brings out the structure.

Cut and Fit: Structured Jumpsuits, Tailored Jackets, Pleated Short
Invest in well structure pieces. In the Spring, I keep a couple of light jackets and coats on rotation. A suit jacket looks expensive when it holds its structure and the material doesn’t fold in everywhere. The shoulders look strong and the material isn’t wrinkling at the body as you move. See how it moves as you move. I loved the way the structure held on this jumpsuit. The pleated wide leg makes it look more like a runway piece.

Luxe Accessories: Shapely Hats, High Design Jewelry, Soft Scarves/Hankerchiefs
Your accessories can always elevate your look, and is especially great in the summer when its so hot that you wear less layers and maximize on bracelets, earrings, handkerchief/scarves and hats. As I had discussed in this blog post here, great accessories are worth the investment, especially ones that you can see yourself  wearing with various outfits. Look for earrings that look more expensive than they actually are. The color of the metal and quality of material are things I really pay closer attention to. For hats, the fit and extra bit of design detail (such as ribbons or how well font is written on it) can elevate. The great thing about accessories is that there are plenty of beautiful pieces for those who have a tight budget.

Luxurious Bags: Structuring & Detail
While I don’t personally always invest in the most classic pieces, the ones that I own, I reach for a lot. You don’t have to spend a lot on bags, but I personally splurge on luxury bags and shoes because I know I’ll wear them for years and years, and they’ll usually hold it’s shape. When I work hard to save for something special, I take better care of them too (My first Valentino Garavani bag from over 10 years ago still looks new). I know some of you just take great care of every single purchase though and that’s fantastic!  This Chanel pearl bag is a great fun piece that I treat realyl well. It’s one monochromatic color and goes with so many outfits. Even though some may argue its an evening bag, I’d wear it day and night. I could see wearing as an evening bag at weddings, events and parties.

Shoes: Luxurious Little Details, Stiching, Material and Maintenance
Shoes will always make or break your outfit and there’s no getting away from it since we all must wear them to go out. You can have a gorgeous outfit, but if your shoes are in poor shape it can make your entire look appear cheap even when it is not. Just yesterday I went browsing in Macy’s shoe department. There are so many colors and designs available. Whether it’s a plain white pair of sneakers, a sleek pair of pumps or ones with a lot of color or design detail, take good care of your shoes so they elevate, not detract from your outfit. If your shoes look tired, see if you can give it a quick refresh with a brush or a wipe down. Don’t forget to repair and re-heel your shoes when they need them. You do not always have to buy what’s trendy. Classic pieces will always be in. Invest in some beautiful shoes and they’ll take you places! These Valentino Love Lock heels are among my favourite and you’ll have seen me wear them with various outfits.

SHOP THE LOOK

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have your own favourite tips on getting a luurious look and elevating y our wardrobe, please share with everyone below! For more inspiration on style and travel, follow me on Bloglovin♥, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to my mailing list for special announcements and exclusive content.

Xo,

Miki