Cocktails in the Courtyard

What do you wear while visiting with friends over cocktails in a courtyard when ninety degrees at eight in the evening?

I chose a very lightweight knit tank dress and chiffon cascading vest from Covered Perfectly with minimal jewelry and sunglasses.

Metallic leather is considered neutral. I always enjoy wearing silver sandals since they bookend with my silver hair. (Bookending is repeating the same color at the top and the bottom to pull a look together.)

If I had worn black sandals, I would have looked even shorter. I attempt to make myself look taller and thinner by avoiding numerous horizontal color breaks.

This vest is one of the most versatile items I have ever owned. This evening it served as a light, elegant top layer. I would never feel comfortable wearing this tank dress on its own, but I do enjoy wearing it often as a first layer.

Filmy lightweight layers have been components of all my most comfortable looks this summer. They are soft, feminine, and elegant without making me feel even hotter.

The sunglasses are by Dolce and Gabbana. The silver and black earrings are several years old. The shoes are old by BCBGeneration.

A reader asked me this week why I don't show more new items on the blog. I rarely go shopping anymore, and I stopped accepting products to review because it became too overwhelming.

I hope that sharing how I put together my basics in different ways will help you build a wardrobe that serves you well no matter the price or number of pieces you own.

Summer Style

I am the first to admit I don't have a strong summer dressing game.

My sister and I recently spent the day at The Biltmore Estate having lunch and touring the gardens and the conservatory.

From earlier this year.

I wore a Foxcroft tunic from a blog post earlier this year, with dark wash jeans and flat sandals. We planned to do lots of walking, and the weather person predicted cool temperatures for the day. However, instead of seventy degrees, it was more like ninety degrees that day.

Even though I was wearing a long sleeve tunic, I was still reasonably comfortable. I live in an area that isn't normally very hot, and I do not spend time outside during the heat of the day, so I don't have a separate wardrobe for summer. 

I am certain that those who live in areas with long hot summers may laugh at my choices. Even when the tops have sleeves and wear them with white or light wash jeans, I am still fairly comfortable. I wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light color natural fabrics during our hottest weather.

Sundresses and sleeveless tops are not my favorites, regardless of the heat.