By: Esra Erdogan/Columnist
esra.erdogan@fiusm.com
While scrolling through slideshows of what the Coachella festival attendees were wearing this past weekend, I realized how much I wish it were summer.
When I say summer, I mean the sweaty, hot summertime when nothing but shorts and a crop top are appropriate. Luckily for me, spring is fading. But my closet isn’t ready for summer yet.
The mistake I always make while shopping seasonally is forgetting to ask myself if I will be able to wear the clothing item next year. Since summer clothes are so basic, it makes sense to spend a teensy bit more so you can count on the piece next year. Denim shorts, gauzy tops and sandals will never go out of style while mint skinny jeans, neon flats and Ikat prints probably will.
Lately, I’ve been fantasizing about well-cut denim shorts, clingy white V-necks and multi-colored jewelry. Summer is a great opportunity to try on any and all jewelry to dress up the basic items in your wardrobe.
Although I’m not big on wearing jewelry, I’m trying to break out of that habit to make my summer basics more fun.
Tom Binns inspired bracelets and necklaces would be a great complement to any summer emsemble. Neon colored jewelry, whether it’s braided friendship bracelets or beaded necklaces, are cheap and easy to find at most fashion outlets.
Art Deco style necklaces with a pop of neon are funky and easy to match with almost anything. Of all places, I saw a necklace in the window at Ann Taylor that I’ve secretly been pining for. The great thing about jewelry is that you can find interesting pieces at almost any store if you’re willing to look, even if you wouldn’t normally shop there for clothes.
If you are looking for inspiring and affordable jewelry, check out the online shops at Etsy. I cannot praise Etsy’s offerings enough and often spend many nights crouched over my laptop poking through all the independent designers’ wares.
As for clothing, it’s time to bite the bullet and spend a little more on basics. I know that the essential line at Forever 21 is tempting. Tank tops at the price of a cup of coffee are irresistible. But how long do those things really last you? Not very long, in my experience. This time I’m browsing around American Apparel, Gap and J.Crew for quality basics that won’t completely break the bank and will last more than a season. The following are some suggestions that will set you up for summers to come.
Look for basics with interesting cuts or details. A standard tank top is just that— standard. Beading, laser cut detailing, interesting silhouettes and other cuts and details will make your basic white tee look not so basic. However, don’t buy anything with too much detail. Otherwise you’re running the risk of not being able to wear it past the summer.
Denim shorts. The number one staple of summer is nothing but denim shorts. This year, every color and print imaginable is popping up.
Stick to Forever 21 for funky and floral print shorts. Fork over a few extra dollars for a nice pair of jean shorts. Light wash, white and black are necessities.
Stay away from frayed styles; they end up shedding very quickly and lose their original shape, especially if they have a lot of holes to begin with. Instead, stick with basic shorts with a short cuff and back pockets. Dress them up with neon, leather or patent belts. With the recent crop top trend, your waist can show and a skinny belt adds a lot of personality to a plain pair of shorts.
As for footwear, you can’t go wrong with a pair of leather gladiators. I’m still not over them. I’ve seen a lot of gladiator-like styles in major department stores. Buy genuine leather so they don’t break and since you only need one or two pairs, you’ll definitely get the cost-per-wear down pretty low by the end of summer.
A better quality shoe will also last you through fall and probably next year’s season as well. I’ve also been obsessed with getting a pair of suede ankle boots in taupe. Please don’t ask me why. I guess I really wanted to go to Coachella.
If you’re still lacking inspiration, visit Australian blogger Geneva’s site at http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com/. Not only does her blog have major summer style eye candy, but her d.i.y. tutorials are cheap and original; they take on a lot of designer-inspired pieces.
Haute Topic is a weekly fashion column. Esra Erdogan is graduating this spring. The fashion column will be continued by columnist Vanessa Paredes.