Streamline your Summer Chic
with outfit formulas!

Streamline your Summer Chic!

Do you find yourself frequently reaching in the wardrobe for the same sort of outfits like I do? This isn't because you have no imagination - on the contrary, it's because you have perfect taste and know the shapes and styles that help you to feel and look your best.

When I buy something new I choose the colors and shapes I enjoy and the ones I know work for me best. Or I may be replacing basics when I will choose for comfort and quality because I know they will have longevity.

I'll never be a trend-setter but I'd rather feel like me!  

Pick out the outfits you wear most and discover the basic formulas that will help you to streamline your Summer Chic!

Select your most worn outfits

The outfits you choose to wear most frequently will be suited to your lifestyle and in a fabric and fit that feels comfortable. You choose them because they are versatile and probably take you anywhere. Note why you like it!    

I will wear jeans or wide leg pants around the house because they suit my figure.  If I'm going out for lunch, I might change my top but sometimes all it needs is to add a jacket to turn house casual into smart casual. And of course I make an effort with makeup and hair!   

Most of my outfits are a variation on a theme of top and bottoms that will co-ordinate and mix and match. 

Dinner on a Summer evening would usually find me in a slightly more dressy top or perhaps a dress if we were going out. A more special dinner might find me in a jumpsuit or longer dress. That really is my lot unless it's a much more special occasion! 

Your choices could be more casual, more tailored, or more feminine majoring on skirts and dresses depending on your own style personality. Once you have your basic outfits sorted you always have something to wear. 

My outfit formulas are pretty classic which means I can accessorize at will: 

1  A column of color with jacket

My basic outfit is a pair of linen mix pants in either navy or black. I have other pairs in different lightweight fabrics.  

I also have them in white but know that white pants make me feel fat so I rarely wear them. So no point using them in an outfit formula! 

Dark pants worn with matching top creates a column of color which is slimming. A light jacket complements my fair coloring and this one is so practical! This is the most washed jacket ever (about 15 years old) in a wonderful drip dry linen blend which is why it's so suitable for travel! 

Navy left, black right.

But I also have a few jackets in brighter colors for contrast. 

This outfit formula streamlines my Summer chic and makes me look and 'feel' taller.

2 Wide leg dark pants with a light top

I will usually wear dark pants of some description so black and navy pants (sometimes striped or spots) form the basis of many of my outfits for the Summer. I also have some mid toned taupe pants.

Light colored tops are good as I'm fair skinned and have quite a selection in white or ivory so there's always something ready to wear. 

Some are t-shirt casual, some prettier, and a few silky blouses that are a bit dressier. The light shades bring the eye up and I look and 'feel' taller. I also choose a v-neck or scoop neck. 

As long as my pants are dark and my top light I can wear any colored jacket. I've got a navy one with white spots which looks great with navy pants and as you see even a red one. 

As long as the 2 other pieces are plain I occasionally wear a slightly patterned top. Any of these outfits can be dressed up with different bags, jewelry and a scarf.

So from a basic outfit formula it's very easy to make changes. 

3 Patterned pants and plain top

I'm very fond of patterned wide leg pants too and this also makes a slightly different outfit formula. They are fun, more dressy than a plain color, and they often receive compliments.   

Choosing tops means I'm limited to colors within the pattern but it makes it very easy to co-ordinate.

This particular pair of pants looks and feels good with either white/ivory or a navy top. It can be t-shirt casual or a silky blouse.  

3 Dress

I don't wear a dress very often but I know the shape that suits me. So you'll see that two of these dresses are very similar. 

The difference being that one is Ralph Lauren the other Roman. Quite a difference in price!!! But once you know the shape that suits you, the price point is your choice!

I love spots, stripes and geometric patterns but never feel right in flowers so I avoid them. A plain colored dress will take you anywhere and is very flattering.  

Of course I have a few sundresses for holidays but the weather in the UK doesn't demand them very often!

4 Smart dress

We don't socialise a great deal so it's usually for holidays that I will have something a bit more special in the closet. 

If I'm travelling, everything has to be machine washable and crease resistant. 

I always choose a plain or small pattern as a large pattern overwhelms me. And, always, a jersey type fabric that flows with my curved figure. 

Look at hip shapes to see what I mean! 

Your streamlined Summer Chic is complete! 

Once you have sorted out a few basic outfit formulas you will never again worry that you have nothing to wear! Unless a very special occasion crops up you have an outfit to streamline every Summer event.    

Your outfits don't have to be as basic as mine. But an outfit that flatters your face and figure will always enable you to receive compliments. Not the outfit YOU! 

Take a look at easy wear Roman...