Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

Summer’s Most Comfortable Dress Trend

Summer officially begins this weekend. If you’re like me, you’ve already found yourself switching to dresses. It’s so hot, and dresses are easy and breezy, especially a strappy, flowy maxi dress. In today’s post, I’m sharing a favorite maxi dress from the just-launched Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Summer Collection. If you find something you like in the collection , use code PSYCHE25 to get 25% off your order.

Gibson maxi dress

What I’m wearing:

Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Dress c/o (use code PSYCHE25)| Sunglasses | Sandals

Kendra Scott hoop earrings | Lip: Pat McGrath “Elson” | Nail color: Essie In The Cab-ana

Gibson maxi dress

I instantly fell in love with this version of the Cabana maxi dress (it comes in 4 print/colorways). The navy blue base with print accent at the top and down the middle make this dress so classic and interesting. The great thing about a classic maxi dress is I can rock it this summer and for many summers to come. It’ll always look fresh.

Sizing? I’m wearing this dress in a PXS. In my experience, Gibson items tend to run large, so if uncertain about a size, go down. I usually opt for XS. I experimented with the petite version of this dress because I’m 5’4″ and want the option to wear the dress with flats. It fits perfectly.

Gibson maxi dress

Seriously, simply slipping on this maxi dress made me feel like I was on a summer vacation. I was only going to Ikea, but it’s about the feeling, right? Ha.

My sandals are from Zara. I purchased them to fill a need for a white sandal. This pair is ecru and the texture and materials, an animal embossed upper, is not only stunning but easy to keep clean.

Be sure to check out the other fresh options on this Gibson maxi dress here. And, if you see one you like, be sure to use the code PSYCHE25 to get 25% off.

Style In A Time Of Social Unrest

Peace, my style friends. I disappeared for a minute there because, honestly, I couldn’t find the words and needed to catch my breath. 2020 has created a perfect, terrible storm, from a pandemic disproportionately affecting my people to the heightened awareness of the longstanding systemic racism in this country. A perfect storm.

I considered tapping into my social policy background, but the truth is social change can be slow and agonizing. Laws can pass quickly when there are huge disruptions to the norm (like what we’re experiencing), but the structure of the current movements pose some unique challenges. I thought about doing the popular thing right now–highlighting black talent (which we do often here)–but that approach seemingly departs from the issues we’re facing.  So, what does one do?

I don’t have the answers. I do know, though, that our conversations about style have always served as an important connector. I know you because of our shared interest in style. At the very least, our connection has likely removed barriers that would’ve otherwise kept us strangers. With that awareness, I hope to continue to talk about style here.

Style in Social Unrest

What I’m wearing:

Shirt (similar) | Tube Top | Shorts (sold out, option, option)

Bag c/o (get $50 off with “ECONOMYOFSTYLE” code)

Fedora | Red mudcloth mask | Braided slide sandals | Sunglasses | Anklet

Style in Social Unrest

The Denim Jumpsuits Your Summer Style Needs

The denim jumpsuit trend just won’t go away. And, you know what, I’m so here for it. What’s not to love about a one piece wonder? You throw ’em on and done! And, denim jumpsuits add a little je-ne-sais-quois to my one piece wonder collection. And, the options at the end of this post might do the same for yours.

denim jumpsuits

What I’m wearing:

Denim jumpsuit (size M) (similar for less) | Sandals | Denim head wrap

Cloth mask (not for sale, explore brand here)  | Saint Laurent Sunglasses (60% off)

Gold hoops (want this set)) | Michele watch (40% off) | Anklet (option)

denim jumpsuits

My jumpsuit is from Zara (check out a similar style for less from H&M here). I was immediately drawn to it because of its details, from its cuffed sleeves to its utility vibe to the pockets. It reminded me of a romper I regret getting rid of (see that 2015 oldie here).

denim jumpsuits

Denim jumpsuits like this one make getting dressed so easy. More importantly, they make looking chic and sharp a breeze. I didn’t even have to try here. Ha. I tossed on some sandals, a head wrap (haven’t had a haircut in over 2 months), a mask (because safety first), and I was ready.

Shop denim jumpsuits:

How To Make Neon Work In Your Everyday Look

No surprise. I’m a bright color lover. But, neon colors intimidate me a bit. After all, looking like a highlighter is not the vibe. Since the neon trend is all the rage this year again, though, I thought I’d get with it and at least give it a try. Interested in doing the same? Here are 2 ways to ease into the neon trend.

neon trend

What I’m Wearing:

Cropped tank top (size small) | Pants (option, shorts option, option) | Sneakers (option)

Bandana (sold out, new options from same brand) | Sunglasses | Watch | Anklet

1. Find your neon hue

We all have colors that spark joy for us, so I bet there’s even a neon hue for you too. This super bright, lime green color does it for me. I saw it and immediately envisioned it blending in with my overall wardrobe. I could use it to colorblock like I did in today’s look. I could also pair it with neutrals, like my cream pants (see them here). It’ll even look good with jeans.

neon trend neon trend

2. Ease into the trend

Instead of going head-to-toe highlighter, test it out. Neon accessories, from bags to belts to earrings, could make it easy to get a feel for the trend. Sandals and slides in the brighter hues are quite popular as well, and they can offer just the right pop of color to your summer looks. Since it’s summer, a barely-there-piece, like a neon bralette or cropped tee, could be easy to rock too. I’ve never met a cropped, tank top I didn’t like. So, this one in lime green (aka highlighter yellow) is a hit for me.

neon trend

Want to see even more easy-to-wear highlighter pieces. Check out the widget below.

Shop Easy-To-Wear Neon Styles:

Stylish Summer Staples Right At Target

I’d been eying the Who What Wear puff sleeve dress for a minute. It has a perfect breezy, babydoll silhouette and right-on-trend puff sleeves. I hesitated because I could only find it in black in-store, and I didn’t want another black dress. Imagine my delight, then, when I stumbled upon the fabulous frock in yellow. And, if you use Target Circle Offers, all Who What Wear items are 5% off right now (ending today). There are so many summer staples.

summer staples
What I’m Wearing:

Dress | Fedora | Sandals | Long necklace | Michele watch (on sale)

The puff sleeve dress has a wide neckline, which makes it easy to drape the sleeves off the shoulders. It’s simple yet stunning. Remember my ruffled midi skirt (see it worn here)? It’s also from the Who What Wear summer collection, which is packed with fabulous summer staples. See more of my favorites in the widget at the end of this post.

summer staples

Since this dress makes a statement with its fabulous details, I kept my accessories simple. My Kendra Scott Zorte long pendant necklace, for example, has a modern and minimal design with its shiny hammered pendant. By the way, it’s on sale (through 5/25).

Location: Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis

summer staples

Shop More Who What Wear Summer Staples: