Into the Blue: Summer Color Trends Are Feeling The Blues

Shades of blue were all the rage last winter. And, summer color trends are still feeling the blues. Our options are just more plentiful now, from sorbet shades of blues to electric blues. I personally favor deep hues, so cobalt is always a must-have. When I saw this dress on hm.com, it was a no-brainer.

summer color trends

What I’m wearing:

Blue dress | Sneakers | Jacquemus bag

Kendra Scott bracelets (c/o): Masie cuff, Whitley chain bracelet

summer color trends

I wore this ensemble to attend a launch party at a local vineyard in my area recently. It was just the breezy, one-piece wonder I needed for the occasion. I tossed it on after work and was ready in an instant.

summer color trends

The blue color was the perfect base to build a color-blocked combination when paired with my Jacquemus Le Chiquito Long bag in orange.

Remember when I broke my toe a few months ago? Well, it healed with a complication, and I’ve since had to have surgery. The saga never ends, y’all. Be careful on steps! As I recover, my shoe choices are limited to soft sneakers only. I’m at the stage of fully embracing this limitation as a style challenge. What else can I do, right? The Nike Daybreak sneakers have been my perfectly comfortable shoe. I’ve since purchased them in black/white too.

Location: Noboleis Vineyard, Augusta, MO

Want to see more summer color trends? Go here, here, and here.

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The Best Summer Dress Trends To Wear Now

Post-vaccination vacay. Outdoor festival. Day trip to a winery. Summer is almost here, and we might actually have reason to put on our pretty frocks this year. So, what should we wear? Today, I’m rounding up 3 top summer dress trends for 2021.

Saturated Shades

Saturated colors are coming in hot this year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Bold hues look especially dashing on dresses. So, skip the black and neutral dresses, and reach for your brightest frock. Need some inspiration? I found this poplin mid dress at Zara for under $50.

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

Zara dress | Telfar bag | Birkenstock sandals | Fendi sunglasses (shop options for less here)

Sizing: I’m wearing a medium, but a small or even extra small would be a better fit. The top of this dress is very stretchy and the bottom is voluminous.

Color aside, I also love this dress because it offers some cool styling possibilities. The straps could be worn up or draped on the shoulders for a subtly sexy vibe. I’m sure I could get away with tucking them for a strapless look as well. And, of course, with bold color numbers like this one, colorblocking with contrasting colors always offers fresh styling options.

Pastel Palettes

If bolder hues are a bit much for you, but you want to embrace color this summer, this next trend has your name all over it. Pastels hues pack their own power. Pale shades of blue are especially popular this year. So, this tiered dress from Zara was a must for me. It also has puff sleeves. Nuff said, right?

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

Zara dress | Zara denim jacket (similar) | Teva sandals (also here) | Jacquemus bag

Fendi sunglasses (shop options for less here) | MaskC face mask

summer dress trends

Sizing: I’m wearing a medium in this dress. While it’s oversized, the buttons across the chest and the cuffs on the sleeves fit snug, so I’m glad I took the Zara size recommendation and sized up to a medium.

Fresh Florals

Thought you were over florals for summer? Wait a minute. You must see the amazing collection of pieces featuring this fresh floral print at H&M. There’s something so irresistible about the hand-painted, wild flowers print. I opted for the bandeau dress because showing shoulders is kinda my thing. The print is available on several pieces at H&M though.

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

H&M dress ($19.99) | Birkenstock sandals | Jacquemus bag

summer dress trends

Sizing: This dress runs large, so size down. I sized down to an extra small.

Shop summer dress trends:

Favorite Kicks In The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Are you shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year? I had no plans to. But, I wanted a new pair of casual sneakers, and the sale has several stylish options that are priced right. I decided on a classic stylethe Nike Blazer Low SE sneakers. The White/ Pink Quartz-Pollen Rise colorway fits my style needs perfectly. And, anniversary sale pricing (plus an on-hand Nordstrom note) made the purchase an easy one. Today’s post shares one way I’m styling these sneakers (more inspiration coming soon) as well as the the other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale sneakers I deliberated.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sneakers

What I’m wearing:

Lime sorbet blazer (on sale) | Shirtdress | Sneakers (on sale) | Earrings (on sale)

When you have a closet filled with bright pieces, colorblocking is a must for expanding styling possibilities. This summer, I’ve been enjoying experimenting with new-to-me color combos. This peach and lime sorbet combination has quickly become a favorite. See here how amazing peach also looks with mustard yellow. Want more colorblocking inspiration? See here and here.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sneakers

Since sneakers add a cool-girl vibe to dresses, I had to mix my new pair into this coloblocked combo. What can I say? The shoes were a harmonious addition.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sneakers

Here are the other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale sneakers I loved and considered:

Veja V-10 Sneaker

Veja Esplar SE Canvas Sneaker

Sperry Crest Vibe Slip-on Platform Sneaker

Ugg Chayze Platform Sneaker (white/black leather)

This Affordable Brand Slayed The Dress Game This Summer

I’ve shopped H&M more this year than I’ve ever shopped the brand. Like ever. The selections have been incredibly stylish. The price point has remained low. H&M is having a great year, and my wardrobe is grateful for it.

You’ve already seen some of my favorite dress buys this summer (like this Turquoise number, this puff-sleeved orange beauty, this white eyelet stunner, and this black off-shoulder fabulousness). You would’ve even seen more, but the inventory has been selling out so quickly, I missed the chance to get.

I thought I’d check in with another find that’s perfect for enjoying the rest of summer.

H&M smocked dress

What I’m wearing:

Dress ($34.99) | Denim jacket | Fenty ‘$Sweetmouth’ Gloss Bomb

Favorite lashes | Nails: OPI Funny Bunny | Earrings (similar)

This blue-white dot dress is airy and comfy. The combination of a midi length with spaghetti straps at the top is sophisticated. It screams summer and can take you from a walk on the beach to brunch.

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

Sizing? As a heads up, the dress runs large. I sized down one size to an XS. The smocked bodice is very stretchy.

Have you been shopping at H&M more too?

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

Location: Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton (opening Fall 2020)

A Glimpse Inside A Boutique Brand Coming To STL

How are you doing? It’s crazy how much our world has changed and continues to change. Like you, I’m continuing to adjust to the new normal. Lately, I’ve been appreciating all that my city of St. Louis has to offer. From walks in my neighborhood park to quick trips downtown, being able to explore the city feels super special now. Talking about special, I had a unique opportunity to explore Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton. It’s a boutique brand that’s totally our aesthetic and vibe. It’s expected to open in Clayton this fall.

Today’s post shares a little sneak peek into the hotel. Stay tuned for more though. By the way, I’m holding the 2020 A-List Issue of St. Louis Magazine. It’s on shelves right now! Not in St. Louis? Check out my feature in the issue here.

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

What I’m wearing:

Zara dress  | Fenty ‘$Sweetmouth’ Gloss Bomb | Favorite lashes | Nails: OPI Funny Bunny | Earrings (similar)

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

Location: Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton (opening Fall 2020)

St. Louis Magazine A-List Awards 2020