STAY CLASSY IN SUMMER’S OFF THE SHOULDER TREND

This week, the fashion world exploded with the Duchess of Cambridge’s slightly “daring” off the shoulder tailored look at the Museum of Natural History’s benefit in London. Flattering on all body types by accentuating the décolletage, you too can “class” up this silhouette. Take a tip from Kate and incorporate Summer’s favorite “off shoulder” style into your fashion wardrobe this Season.

 Created by designer Barbara Casasola for her Spring 2016 collection, the pinstripe cream colored dress is the perfect cross between classy yet cool. The Duchess dressed things up with dainty dangle earrings and strappy heels, but you could easily pair this look with  sandals for lunch with the girls, or your favorite comfy sneakers for the perfect “Athleisure” look.

At the workplace, keep your off the shoulder dress sophisticated by accessorizing with skinny cotton pants and classic oxfords for all day comfort and style.

On another day, create a different outfit with your skinnies by pairing with a lightweight cotton lace off the shoulder top for perfect polish.

Great for work or play, streamline your look with all neutrals. Go with a cream colored knit top paired with wide leg “culottes,” making a fashion comeback this year.

Other neutral cropped pant styles we like:
“Rylie” Taupe Jogger Pants
“Margaux” Metallic Floral Capri Pants
“Crepe” Black Satin Cropped Pants

Don’t limit your style to just black and white. Jazz things up with a pretty floral print off the shoulder blouse paired with your favorite skinny jeans, if appropriate. On other occasions, you can accessorize your top with a chic midi skirt or wide leg trousers for perfect sophistication.

Substitute your pants with a classy chic A line skirt for a fun, flirty look. Go all black in an off shoulder lace tunic and matching skirt, or switch things up in a “black and white” style with a white jacquard knit A line.

Another chic off the shoulder style that can be adapted to both work and “classy” events is Summer’s favorite romper.  Feel light and airy this Summer in a breezy white lace shorts set accessorized with nude colored sandals and handbag. Or, go with a  classic basic black style paired with minimal gold jewelry and a colorful handbag. Keep your look sophisticated by keeping hemlines longer for extra coverage, combining with classic handbags, jewelry, and shoes, and styling hair in a chic topknot, sleek pony, or loose curls carefully shaped in place.

Feeling a little daring? Go with a pretty printed cotton romper combined with solid colored accessorizes to streamline your look. From florals to Aztec to animal print, you’ll feel confident and polished in a whimsical print romper this Season.

Other printed romper options to try:
“Essie” Coral Printed Off the Shoulder Romper
“Summer” Ivory Printed Strapless Shorts Set

Extend the romper look to full length pants in a trendy printed jumpsuit, perfect for any Summer occasion.

Straight off the Spring 2016 runways, try a printed strapless jumpsuit for pure class and style. Whether on your way to the office or out and about for the day, you are sure to turn heads.

Our Favorite Printed Jumpsuit Styles:
“Cierra” Printed Jersey Jumpsuit
“Denna” Crepe de Chine Pantsuit
“On the Go” Purple Printed Jumpsuit

 

Feeling a bit whimsical? Forgo the solids and try a silky floral patterned cold shoulder top. Paired with skinny denim pants, a mini skirt, or trousers, you’ll be the talk of the town everywhere you go.

Our favorite patterned “cold shoulder” finds:
“Agne” Printed Cold Shoulder Tunic
“Ariana” Black Printed Blouse
“Cabana” Ivory Animal Print Tunic
“Cabana Sanctuary” Fuchsia Tunic
“Chain Reaction” White Silk Crop Waist Blouse

And finally, you must add a chic cold shoulder dress to the mix this Season. Whether for work or play, your dress will have you looking stylish without all the fuss. Tussle your hair and you are ready to rock. Choose a bold color to brighten your day, or an intricate pattern for some whimsy and fun.

Get similar cold shoulder dresses featured here:
“Naida” Coral Cold Shoulder Shirt Dress
“Floria” Printed Cold Shoulder Dress
“Design To Mezmorize” Printed Knit Dress

Whichever you choose, from tops, to rompers, to jumpsuits, to dresses, you can add in the romantic off shoulder style to your fashion wardrobe this Summer and still stay classy. Pair with tailored items for a classic, timeless look. No matter what remember, it is the confidence and inner charm you exude that people will notice most, so be sure to dress in the clothes that make you feel the best YOU can be. Let us know which off shoulder look YOU dare to try this Summer by commenting below.

Here at Posh at Play, we want you to remember to,
Be You, Be Fabulous, and Always Be Feminine.

SIZZLING SUMMER WORK STYLES

Don’t let the hottest weeks of Summer cramp your work day style. This week, we’ll show you “cool” ways you can beat the heat and still stay fashionable at the office. Many of this Season’s trendiest styles that we’ve mentioned in our Summer blogs are perfectly suited to fit the workplace. With just the right accessories, your office outfit can transition from day to night, from playtime to work time. Take a look at our top picks that’ll keep you looking fabulous at the office and chic on the streets.

PATTERNED PENCIL SKIRT

Forgo the solids, and brighten up your Summer work style with a tribal patterned pencil skirt. As the weather warms, pair your skirt with a cool silk camisole and slide on heels, adding a bright fuchsia jacket for chilly offices or after work cocktails. We love Hale Bob’s brightly patterned knit stretch Ponte pencil skirt paired perfectly with a black faux leather tank top. For extra hot days, go with Hale Bob’s silk stretch black embroidered tank or black studded sleeveless top made from 100% silk to help keep you cool. Complete your look with Hale Bob’s bright blue or purple Bolero jacket or go a bit more neutral in black or white.

WIDE LEG JUMPSUIT

For an all-in-one chic Summer style, try the wide leg jumpsuit. Easily adaptable for the workplace, go “Boho” by pairing your stylish jumpsuit with thick nude wedges or go classic with black patent leather pumps. When the weather is at it’s warmest, look for strapless or tank-styled jumpsuits to keep you cool. We love Liberty Garden’s black lace and twill jumpsuit, newly arrived at our online store Posh at Play. Complete your office style with a trendy lace Kimono from Liberty Garden or top with a sophisticated silk purple scarf from Hale Bob.

IVORY LACE DRESS

From Helo Rocha to Dolce & Gabbana, ivory lace from head-to-toe is all the rage on this year’s runways, and continuing into the Fall Season. Don’t just reserve your lace for weddings or formal occasions. Bring your dress out to work with you this Summer by pairing with leg-lengthening nude ankle strap pumps like Steve Madden’s best seller “Anibell” or go retro with Sergio Rossi’s suede kitten heel pump. Three of our favorite Summer ivory lace dresses to try are Hale Bob’s tailored cool cotton crocheted dress, romantic tank dress, or embroidered mesh dress for chillier workplaces. Your lace dress is sure to keep you cool in the office as well as for after-hours cocktails.

FLORAL DRESS

Nothing says “Summer” more than a bright floral patterned sundress. Don’t be afraid to bring a little touch of sunshine to the office on your next workday. In order to keep your look “professional,” steer clear from sandals and wedges, and look for more tailored and structured accessories to complete your look. Start with Hale Bob’s purple floral tank dress, featuring a mock-wrap silhouette to hug your feminine curves. Complete your look with Steve Madden’s ankle strap pumps and elegant pearl strand from St. John Collection. We also love Hale Bob’s purple printed long sleeve floral dress if you tend to get chilly at the office or the black and white floral print shirtdress, perfect to pair with a black blazer for a shabby chic style.

SHORTS AND BLAZER

When the weather becomes unbearable, simply switch out your tailored pants for shorts in the hottest months of Summer. Look for cotton shorts with pleating and cuffs, or patterned silk shorts to keep you cool yet sophisticated at the office. Don’t forget to complete your style with a white button down or silk tank and structured blazer. We love Hale Bob’s black cotton eyelet shorts, sure to keep you cool, or go with the silky black and white printed shorts for a fun patterned style. Complete your look with Hale Bob’s black studded silk tank top and coral printed silk jacket and you are sure to turn heads at the office with your chic work fashion.

WIDE LEG PANTS AND FLORAL BLOUSE

Bring the Hawaiian Islands to work with you in a colorful floral print blouse paired perfectly with wide leg pants to allow air flow on the hottest Summer days. Not only are wide leg trousers a trending look this Season, but also they will help keep you cooler rather than tight, constricting leggings and pants. We love Hale Bob’s coral silk crinkle tunic or try the black silk floral button down for a more tailored approach. Pair with AC Collection’s black flare jeans or go breezy in Hale Bob’s black studded satin wide leg pants. For after hours errands or dinner with the girls, roll up the cuffs of your blouse and tie in front for a more relaxed, post- work Summer style.

MAXI DRESS

And finally, as we’ve been talking about the trend all Season long, what better way to wear the maxi dress than in the office. Dress up your maxi dress style by pairing with a vest or jacket at work. Get a similar look as pictured above with Liberty Garden’s black cami crinkle dress topped with AC Collection’s grey scoop neck vest. Change up your maxi dress style by adding Hale Bob’s ivory Bolero jacket or pair with the white studded sleeveless jacket for a bit of glamour. No need to save your maxi dress for the beach or pool. Bring out your Summer style Monday morning at the office.

What will you add to your weekly office fashion style from your Summer wardrobe collection: your favorite pattered pencil dress and cami, sleeveless jumpsuit, ivory lace dress, floral dress, shorts and blazer, wide leg pants and floral blouse, or maxi dress? This weekend, peruse your closet and see what you have to brighten up your workday week. Too busy to spruce up your Summer work wardrobe? Shop conveniently from your office or home with our easy online store Posh at Play, perfect for the busy working woman. Shop day or night, and with quick delivery service and FREE USPS priority shipping, you’ll be the “fashionista” of your own workplace.