Summer is close to ending and like all good things, it’s kind of hard to let go of the carefree season. How about a last hurrah for the summer that gave way to gingham ruffles, straw hats, and vibrant tassel earrings?
To be frankly honest, I find dressing for warm weather the most difficult. It’s hard not to give in the laziness of just throwing on a tank top and denim shorts because of the heat. Not that there’s anything wrong with the ensemble mentioned, it’s great if properly styled and accessorized, but lately I want to be a little more adventurous with the outfits that I go about with.
Why do I find it hard? Well, looking basic is really the last thing I’d like to be and layering definitely adds a little more oomph to any outfit but when it feels like you’re being baked alive the minute you head outside then do you really want to torture yourself like that? I found that when it comes to summer dressing, it’s better to go for statement pieces, I mean, that’s what I did this past summer anyway… but hey if you’re as good as Aimee Song with layering then go figure.
Anyway, enough of what I think. I gathered my friends and had a little small talk about dressing and their personal style. Obviously, we worked on this shoot to demonstrate our styles. What’s a talk without the walk, right? Perhaps you and me can learn a little something from them?
WHAT WAS YOUR SUMMER STYLE?
It depended actually on where I went, if it was more of a beach destination, I’d go for the usual swim shorts and breezy tank tops, but for staycations, I went the resorts wear type of vibe, specially when I'm staying somewhere fancy or Instagram worthy lol.
TOP 3 HEATWAVE FASHION ESSENTIALS?
Statement sunnies! We use the basic and classic ones pretty much on a daily basis so I think it's cool to give an upgrade for the season.
A variety of hats! I'm a hat person, I love wearing caps, fedoras and specially the straw ones during summer.
Printed summer shorts. A floral one is my go-to. From a dip in the pool to a casual tiki party, printed swim shorts are a must-have for summer!
GO-TO HOT DAY ENSEMBLE?
A plain white crewneck paired with a printed summer shorts and white sneakers.
On Mike:
Floral button down - Markus Chino pants - Markus Bomber jacket - Tank Suede loafers – Salvatore Mann
Everything on Mike is available at The SM Store.
On Mike:
White tank top – Coco Republic Khaki button down – Coco Republic Pinstripe Trousers - Markus Suede loafers – Salvatore Mann Straw hat – Stylist's own Watch – SM Accessories
Coco Republic, Markus, Salvatorre Mann, and SM Accessories are all available at The SM Store.
Jessa Velasquez
WHAT WAS YOUR SUMMER STYLE?
I'm more of a chill beach babe! I like wearing pieces that are simple yet can still be stylish even on a bum day at the beach! ;)
TOP 3 HEATWAVE FASHION ESSENTIALS?
Sunnies to protect my eyes from the sun.
Denims... what's a summer outfit without a pair of denim shorts or pants? ❤
Earrings… Always remember to add accessories to your outfit!
GO-TO HOT DAY ENSEMBLE?
Off-shoulder top, lazy culottes & mules!
On Jessa:
White blouse with scarf - GTW Frayed flared denim jeans - GTW Pointy slip-ons - Parisian Belt - SM Accessories Headband – SM Accessories Earrings - SM Accessories
Everything on Jessa is available at The SM Store.
On Jessa:
Striped off-shoulder blouse – GTW Front tie culottes – GTW Hoop earrings – SM Accessories Ring necklace – SM Accessories Straw hat – SM Accessories Nude heels – Parisian
Everything on Jessa is available at The SM Store.
Zedrik Europe
WHAT WAS YOUR SUMMER STYLE?
My summer style is kind of an all around type of style, mainly because when summer comes it really depends on where I'm about to head to. But if I were to put it, it's more on the fine & fancy type with the playful mix of denim/chinos, prints, and nice outwears.
Though hot days can really be tricky & picky, so I think just creating simple yet well put together pieces that you can easily move in can make the season more meaningful. Less stress, more fun & fashion.
TOP 3 HEATWAVE FASHION ESSENTIALS?
Sunnies — I will never forget this one ever. I think it's everyone's best friend especially if you really want to achieve that summer look… of course, you can’t skip eye protection too! You can't enjoy summer if the sun is blinding you. ;)
Printed shorts — I just love print on shorts and it's my go-to piece whenever I go to the beach to swim or just casually hanging out with friends, paired with a good plain top or matchy-matchy print. Having your own pair of printed shorts can really make a difference to your outfit! It’s definitely a summer must-have.
Denim/Khaki/Chino pants — I know the Manila weather can get really hot and you just want to wear shorts if given a chance, but as working guy like me, wearing Denim/Khaki pants is my thing for those hot days! Mainly because you can just pair them with a nice slip-ons or sneakers and paired up with plain crew neck shirt and tuck it in.
GO-TO HOT DAY ENSEMBLE?
Plain crew neck shirt, tuck in (or not) to pants either denim/khaki/chinos bottoms, a good slip on or sneakers, a nice watch and sunglasses.
On Zedrik:
White button down – Markus Blue chino type jacket – Tank Denim jeans – Tank Suede chelsea boots – Salvatore Mann Watch – SM Accessories Sunglasses – SM Accessories
Everything on Zedrik is available at The SM Store.
On Zedrik:
Grey crewneck shirt – Baleno Tropical print button down – Coco Republic Khaki pants – Tank Leather shoes – Salvatore Mann Watch – SM Accessories Sunglasses – SM Accessories Belt – SM Accessories
Everything on Zedrik is available at The SM Store.
Ida Anduyan
WHAT WAS YOUR SUMMER STYLE?
Like Mike, my it’s-so-freakin-hot-today style depends on where I’m going for the day and on my mood which is either lazy or boujee. Lazy being your usual denims, bright tees… you know all that jazz. Boujee (fancy) being ruffles, statement denim, unusual summery silhouettes.
I’ve been definitely avoiding darker colors this season and have been going for the happier hues like yellow, red, or if I want to be completely safe, white never fails me. I’m also all heart eyes over this season’s highlighted pieces like ruffled denim, gingham, embroidered anything, and straw & rattan pieces, I’m eating it all up.
TOP 3 HEATWAVE FASHION ESSENTIALS?
Flared, frayed, high waist denim jeans - A fun alternative to the staple piece for the hot, fun season. I’m not really a short shorts type of person. Not anymore, at least.
Colorful tinted sunnies - I can wear them indoor too so that’s a plus.
Straw hats & rattan bags - I kinda cheated, but sorry, I can’t choose one! I really love the nature/native aesthetic going on here.
GO-TO HOT DAY ENSEMBLE?
An off shoulder blouse with statement sleeves, paired with cropped flared jeans, plus simple midi sandals, topped with a straw hat screams “I’m not in the mood to let the heat bother me today but I also want to look cute so”.
On Ida:
Sheer embroidered dress – Stylist's own Distressed jeans – GTW Lace-up pointed shoes – Parisian Statement earrings – SM Accessories Bag – Stylist's own
GTW, Parisian, SM Accessories are available at The SM Store.
On Ida:
Button down with statement sleeves – GTW High waist cutoffs – GTW Leather Mules – Parisian Tassel earrings – SM Accessories Belt – SM Accessories Scarf – Stylist's own
GTW, Parisian, SM Accessories are available at The SM Store.
I know I put a little itsy bitsy tip up there in the beginning of this post about not layering and going for statement pieces instead (unless you're Aimee Song). Well obviously, my guy friends are Aimee Song.
Kidding aside, what I didn’t tell you is that it’s this just a personal preference that you may or may not want to agree on. My guy friends obviously have their layering skills down pat, and I have yet to see them drown in their own sweat, thank goodness.
This is what’s beautiful about dressing up, we express who we are without even saying a single word. Our styles and preferences speak for themselves. As we celebrate the season of going to beaches, let’s also celebrate our individuality. Let’s celebrate that some of us prefer swimsuits as tops, and some of us prefer long flowy sundresses as their ideal sunshiney look.
#LoveYourSummerStyle, it’s who you are, it’s how creative you can be, it’s how expressive you can be. Also, I don’t know about you guys, but it’s fun to share to people who you are without even talking to them. Some people call it judging, but hey, how you present yourself does say a lot about your personality, right?
Today’s media has given us unlimited resources of inspiration. We have Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and through these, we can easily collect ideas and even copy our favorite fashionistas and celebrities just like that… but copying isn’t so cool, now is it? Let inspiration be inspiration, not some rigid guide as to what you’re supposed to be. Celebrate who you are, celebrate it through what you wear. If you want to wear something, go and wear it! Don’t let the fear of what other people would think stop you, but do know your boundaries. If you want to try unusual combinations that would make people’s eyebrows go up, then by all means, do it. You’ll never know what fits you if you just wear what the others wear. You’re you, you’re not them, celebrate who you are, sweetie.
How about you guys? What’s your summer style? Share them in the comments below, would love to hear them.
Lots of hugs and kisses for Michael Macalos for shooting all the lovely photos in this entry.