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Our Editors' 8 Toughest Summer Style Questions, Solved by Our Resident Fashion Expert
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Sick of scouring the internet for the perfect length jean shorts or cool sandals that won't destroy your arches? We have an in-house stylist to solve everyone's problems
Even people who look at clothes all day for a living (hi, it's us, the People StyleWatch team) can find themselves stumped when it comes to summer fashion. It can feel impossible to blend being on-trend with navigating all the sartorial challenges the season presents — whether that's finding full-coverage fashion that is still cool (literally and figuratively) or getting enough support when everything from shoes to swimwear gets skimpier.
Luckily, we have stylist and fashion pro Vanessa Powell on hand to answer all the questions that have been haunting us all spring long.
Anti-Chafing Hacks
Q: Is there a summer version of Spanx that helps with chafing and coverage under sundresses but won't feel so restrictive?
A: We all want to wear floaty dresses or shorts on those hot summer days, but sometimes the chafe just ain't worth the breeze. For many, the Thigh Rescue from Megababe (an anti-chafing balm that looks like deodorant and is easy to toss in your bag) is a summer savior: Applying it helps prevent the friction that causes discomfort or rash.
If you want a more throw-on-and-go solution there are a few products from Bandelettes I recommend: the Anti Chafing Thigh Bands and the Lace Panty Shorts. The lace shorts are not only a pretty undergarment that offers a little smoothing, their lightweight material allows air to flow freely. And the thigh bands are a discreet and minimal solution that actually stay in place all day thanks to an inner silicone grip.
Megababe Thigh Rescue, $13.95; amazon.com
Bandelettes Dolce Thigh Bands, $20.69; amazon.com
Full-Coverage Summer Clothes
Q: I wear jeans and a T-shirt to work from home most of the year, but I can't find the dress equivalent. Everything has spaghetti straps or cutouts! Can you help me find something full-coverage but still casual?
A: A great shirtdress is what you're looking for here — it's flattering and foolproof, but I agree that finding a good one can be daunting. The key is to stick to a cotton poplin or linen-blend materials so it's structured but still breathable; it'll give you that crisp-yet-relaxed, classic "jeans-and-tee vibe" that's still warm-weather friendly. Plus, it’s a versatile item that can be dressed up with heels or down with sneakers or sandals. Here are a few I recommend.
Gap Crinkle Gauze Flutter Sleeve Mini Shirtdress, $55 (orig. $69.95); gap.com
Tuckernuck Blue Oxford Sleeveless Royal Shirtdress, $148; tuckernuck.com
Vineyard Vines Tie Front Linen Cotton Midi Shirtdress, $188; nordstrom.com
Grown-Up Jean Shorts
Q: Every pair of jean shorts I can find feels either way too short for me or way too mature. Can you recommend a pair of jean shorts that are actually cute and flattering?
A: Good news! Longer shorts are on-trend again, which means you can now find more modest alternatives to the recently trendy "diaper shorts" at tons of brands. For a relaxed fit, look for a baggy bottom Bermuda or distressed frayed hem. The result is ultra-cool comfort. For a more tailored denim option, look for a paper bag utility fit or an A-line silhouette to avoid fabrics that cut off the thighs. Here are a few to get you started:
Sun Hats for Curly Hair
Q: I have a big head and curly hair, which means I've never found a hat that looked decent enough to wear. But I'm at the age where sun protection may outweigh my vanity. Assuming I'm not going to wear a visor, how can I find a hat that isn't incredibly goofy on me?
A: For starters, hats with size options are your friend. Always size up if you have big curly hair, and look for flexible materials that can move with your curls. A stiff hat will most likely pop off or feel too oversized.
The most game-changing solution here, however, is to tie a silk or satin head scarf over your hair before putting the hat on. This helps keep the curls down and compact and the hat on. Plus, a little peek of the head scarf lining adds a fun fashion detail to the otherwise functional accessory.
Hats:
Brixton Women's Joanna Straw Rancher Hat, $89.99; amazon.com
Hat Attack Classic Packable Travel Hat with Fringe, $142; bloomingdales.com
Scarves:
Zara Satin Effect Scarf, $12.99 (orig. $17.90); zara.com
Gap Recycled Satin Scarf, $24 (orig. $34.95); gap.com
Affordable, Cute Sunglasses
Q: I’m always losing or abusing sunglasses in the summer so I am hesitant to spend a lot on new ones. Can you find a few good pairs under $50?
A: Even as a sunglasses connoisseur myself, I rarely invest in a pricey pair for this exact reason. Privé Reveaux is my go-to brand for under-$50, expensive-looking sunglasses. From cat eyes to aviators in both men’s and women’s you’ll be sure to find a pair (or three) you love. Other great affordable sunglasses sites are EyeBuyDirect, Aire from Revolve, A.J. Morgan, and Quay (pronounced "key").
Supportive Sandals (That Don't Look Silly)
Q: All of my summer plans are "on the go" — and while it's too hot for sneakers, flip flops and flat sandals don’t give me the support I need. Please tell me there's a non-orthopedic sandal that's somehow stylish and functional for someone who’s on their feet all day?
A: There’s quite a gap in the shopping market between supportive sandals and fashion sandals. Lucky for you I’ve tested a ton, never sacrifice style, and I even tapped podiatrists to learn that ankle straps, traction, and a supportive footbed are important for longevity and comfort. Teva leads the pack of stylish, sporty sandals, [and] chunky sandals continue to reign supreme season after season. Here are a few I love.
Keen Uneek Classic Two Cord Sandals, $104 (orig. $140); amazon.com
Birkenstock Milano Chunky Slingback Footbed Sandals, $220; bloomingdales.com
A Two-Piece That Works with Curves
Q: I’m a curvy girl on the shorter side and have a hard time finding cute swimwear that supports my body. I don’t want a low-rise loin cloth bottom but I also don’t want granny panties. Where can I find swimwear that smooths my lower belly and supports my curves?
A: Remember, bathing suits are meant to fit our bodies, not the other way around. It just takes patience to find what works best. Look for medium- to high-cut, semi-cheeky, high-rise bottoms. A higher-cut silhouette on the leg works well for women on the shorter side because it elongates the leg (as opposed to visually cutting you off at the thigh).
To support a curvy chest, look for thick straps with adjustable features. This adapts to customize not only chest coverage but the torso length too. Get started with these picks:
OOKIOH Como Top, $65; ookioh.com
CUUP The Balconette and Highwaist Swim Set, $158 (orig. $176); shopcuup.com
LOFT Beach Gingham Seersucker Shirred Twist Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit, $59.97 (orig. $99.95); loft.com
Easy-Pack Beach Items
Q: I love going to the beach in the summer but packing always seems like a process. Do you have any tips or product recommendations to streamline this?
A: As much as we all love fun in the sun, sometimes the process of packing for the beach can make the whole thing feel like kind of a slog. Lighten the load (and get to the beach faster) with multitaskers like an insulated backpack (so you're not lugging a cooler and a beach bag), a tiny but absorbent towel and splash (and sand)-proof carryall pouches. Here are a few product recommendations to streamline your shore prep.
Corkcicle Lotus Cooler Backpack, $143.96 (orig. $179.95); corkcicle.com
Beis Terry Backpack Cooler, $52.97 (orig. $88); nordstromrack.com
JBL Clip 4 Waterproof Speaker, $79.95; amazon.com
Nomadix The Original Towel, $31.96 (orig. $39.95); nomadix.com
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