It’s no secret that I love bold prints, the bolder the better. This summer, I’ve been especially fond of African-inspired prints (see more of my favorite summer trends here). I recently shared a beautiful Ako top (see original post here) that I added to my closet. To demonstrate that bold prints can be just as versatile as solids, I’m sharing 3 different ways I’ve worn this vibrant top. Because, yes, you can wear and restyle bold prints.

How to restyle bold prints

Pair with your go-to jeans

Pair with solid shorts for a casual summer look

Go bold by pairing with another statement print

(Want to know the secret to mixing prints like a pro? Click here)

Happy first day of August! Summer has been incredibly hot this year, which presents some style challenges. But, it’s still my favorite time of year, especially for fashion. Summer colors, summer prints, summer silhouettes, I love ’em all. With that said, here are a few favorite outfits featuring the best summer trends.

Best Summer Trends

1. Print jumpsuits

Original post | Shop this geo print jumpsuit

2. African-inspired styles

Original post | visit Ako-Africa for the top

3. Halter tops

Original post | Shop this top (on sale)

4. Versatile wrap dresses

Original post | Shop the dress (on sale)

5. Brights on brights

Original post | Visit Gordmans for the dress (or find it online here)

6. Gingham check

Original post | Shop the pants

7. Candy stripes

Original post | Shop the dress (on sale)

The heat wave finally ended in St. Louis. When I went out on Friday and Saturday night, I actually needed a light jacket. So, naturally, I started thinking about fall and fall transitional styles. Our favorite stores are beginning to release early fall essentials. I shopped J.Crew Factory because when its latest collection dropped, the new arrivals were on mega sale. And, everything is still on sale, like 50% off!

What I’m wearing:

Shirt c/o | Cardigan c/o | Pants c/o | Loafers (new version)

 Lip: Mac “Carmine Rouge”  (Ruby Woo) | Movaado Watch (on sale) | 14K studs (50% off )

My fall transitional style is anchored by super cool layers I can wear now and later. I needed a few new essentials, so I picked up a few things at J.Crew Factory.

I love a classic button-down for layering under sweaters and even strapless styles from the summer. And, a classic shirt with a fabulous print gets me every time. The pineapple print on this shirt is interesting because it draws your eye in before you realize what it actually is. I’m also fond of the colors–black and white with hints of blue.

Factory shirts have the best fit too. I always get a size small, which gives me a flattering (non-boxy) silhouette without gaping buttons or tightness around the hips.

I turn to J.Crew Factory for knits because I can always find wool-free options there. Does wool make anyone else itchy? I can’t wear that stuff. Anyway, the J.Crew Factory Cotton Caryn Cardigan, available in about 13 colors, is a perfect choice when you need a light layer or a pop of color.

Hello yellow! No surprise, I got the cardigan in Heather Gold, a beautiful fall yellow hue. Sizing? The fit is true-to-size. I’m wearing a size small.

Skinny, ankle pants are practical options for me during the fall. They have the perfect silhouette to balance layers on top or bulky knits. And, I never have to worry about hemming them (I’m short, y’all). I was pareticularly drawn to the Winnie pants because it is available in this Academic Green hue. I’m going to have so much fun colorblocking with these pants.

Just so you know, the Winnie pants is very fitted with just a little stretch. I find that they run small. I typically wear a size 6 in J.Crew Factory pants, but I needed a size 8 in the Winnie style for a comfortable fit (you know, a fit that doesn’t cut off circulation).

Location: Gaslight, The Hill, St. Louis

Fall Transitional Styles:

I tried a pair of Madewell high-rise jeans on a whim about a year ago. They were on sale. I needed a black pair (see them here). So, I tried them on. Let me tell you, they fit so well, I immediately understood all the hype about Madewell jeans. I fell instantly for the super-flattering, high rise and the perfect stretch on those black jeans. I loved them so much that I bought my next pair at full-price. And, look, I avoid paying full-price for jeans.

I’ve since grown quite fond of the Madewell Denim Bar. I love that you can not only choose silhouette but also rise (from 8″ to 11″). My favorite rise seems to be around 10″. Anyway, I had to check in to spread the good news. Madewell is currently offering an additional 40% off all its sale items with the code SHORETHING. And, there are several pairs of jeans eligible for this sale-on-sale discount.

Rocking my favorite Madewell jeans (see more of this look here)

Shop High-Rise Jeans On Sale (extra 40% off the sale price shown):

Shirtdresses are the easiest style to wear when you need to look sharp and polished in the summer. They’re versatile, taking you from work to a brunch meet up. They’re usually lightweight and breezy, keeping you cool all day. Overall, they’re just so easy to wear. So, I’m sharing a few of my favorite summer shirtdresses in today’s post. The one I’m wearing is from Nordstrom Rack (in-store only).

What I’m wearing:

Chelsea28 dress via Nordstrom Rack | J.Crew pumps (similar) | Movado watch (on sale)

Want to see just how versatile shirtdresses can be? See styling inspiration here, here, and here.

Shop summer shirtdresses: