To some, the differences between your spring and summer wardrobe can be subtle and difficult to put your finger on. You just dress for warmer weather right? WRONG! It’s about taking your favorite spring pieces and making them feel lighter, brighter and more carefree! When I think summer style I think fewer layers and more details! Mixing patterns, fringe, texture, pom poms and anything vacation related will get you on the right track. This totally doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a whole new wardrobe. You know here at She Smiles I’m all about repurposing your favorite pieces for the season and adding in a few affordable new items that will elevate your look. Think about how you can create your own summer capsule wardrobe. This means a few key pieces you can mix and match endlessly. This includes versatile accessories and jewelry too! Start by pulling the pieces you love for summer from your closet and then decide which pieces you want to purchase (if any) from there. This will make styling outfits and getting ready in the morning a breeze! 
I’m wearing one of my favorite trends for spring and summer: mixing floral patterns. I love mixing patterns period (so bold and sassy! It just screams confidence) but found this summery twist on the trend to be so feminine and playful! I, of course, opted for the summertime top layer: a denim jacket. I threw on my favorite pair of strappy brown wedges and reached for my boho inspired brown fringe crossbody. When accenting any summertime look with a neutral you want to avoid black! Always opt for a light brown or white (see more below)! It will brighten your look while still making it cohesive. You can shop my entire spring to summer look, along with everything mentioned in this post, at the bottom! I’ll be linking budget-friendly options so if you decide to add anything new to your summer wardrobe it won’t break the bank! Everything is under $100! To learn about how you can incorporate summer 2018’s top trends on a budget read on! 
LIGHTEN UP YOUR LAYERS
Listen, I live in San Francisco. I am the layer Queen. You may assume that because it’s almost summer you can kiss all outer layers goodbye BUT there is always a time and place for a great jacket or kimono, so don’t throw those into the back of your closet just yet! Embroidered denim jackets are perfect for cooler summer nights. Sleeveless duster style jackets over a pair of denim shorts, a crop top and paired with wedges is the perfect concert look. Think light! Easily removable! A third piece that will add to your look and take it to the next level. Create your summer capsule wardrobe by grabbing 2-3 outer layers from your closet that are light and airy.
ADD A PRINT TO YOUR NEUTRALS
For those of you that love to stick with a neutral color palette (check out my post on How to Style Neutrals For Summer here!) you can still keep with the chic look while giving it a summertime twist. Adding in some of the season’s trendiest prints to your neutrals will add great contrast and spice up what can often be a ho-hum outfit. The checkered print is the one to add to your wardrobe this season. It sends some 90’s/Clueless/Business Lady realness and I am here for it. It’s bold yet classic and can be translated into a night out look as well as one that is more subtle and casual. If you already have a checkered skirt or breezy top then this is the perfect item to add to your capsule wardrobe! If not, shop the options I list at the bottom of the post.
THINK VACATION
Last summer we saw a lot of pom pom embellished sandals, straw bags, and bold tropical prints. The vacation trend is back this year and feeling more poolside glam than ever. You want to think boho beachy Bahamas with this trend and focus on bright color palettes offset with pops of forest green, big floral/leafy prints and earthy accessories. A tropical palms crop top with pom pom drop earrings, white shorts, and an oversized straw bag make for the perfect brunch-to-beach uniform. You can add some funky earrings or accessories to your capsule wardrobe to bring in the vacation vibes or opt for one bold printed dress or top!
I GO BACK TO BROWN
While I am always a fan of bending the rules of fashion I try to avoid black as my go-to neutral accessory color since it’s a little harsh for a summer look. I typically opt for different shades of brown and nude to accent my bright summer palette. They are just lighter and add an element of boho/western vibes which I love! In particular, I love pairing a brown fringe bag or booties with floral prints (just like I did in these pics!) to anchor the look with a neutral but still play up the summery boho feel with the fringe detail. Investing in some great light neutral wedges or sandals or a fringe crossbody will be the perfect additions to your summer capsule wardrobe. You will be able to pair them with everything!
YOUR SILHOUETTE IS YOUR STATEMENT
2017 was all about the statement sleeve and while we’re still seeing that trend going strong it may not be the most realistic option with the rising temps this summer. Enter the statement shoulder. This trend is versatile in that it can be both sophisticated and also playful. The best part is you can keep cool for the summer without sacrificing your sense of style. I would look for tops that have a ruffle detail or bold shoulder in both solids and prints to use as the core of your capsule wardrobe. This way even a classic t-shirt and shorts look will feel elevated! What are your favorite trends for summer 2018? Tell me in the comments below! Xoxo, She
