summer fashion — HOME - INRACHELSHOES

The 2020 summer is going to look much different from any other summer I’ve ever known. It is looking more and more like we won’t be going on as many summer vacations to beautiful destinations. And, I’m not going to lie, it has had this traveler feeling a little down in the dumps.

But instead of wallowing about all the places I won’t get to go this summer vacation, I am choosing to lift my spirits by embracing a summer vacation mindset wherever I wind up. So bring on the drinks with little umbrellas and bring on the summer fashion!

Of all the times for tropical, beach fashion to be all the rage, this is the year! I guess we all want to have a tropical state of mind, even if we aren’t traveling to our favorite tropical destinations. If you need a fashion pick-me-up, here are some of my favorite summer fashion trends.

All About Raffia and Tropical Prints

From designer brands to Target, resort wear is 100% in. According to Italist, “A 2020 fashion trend and predominant aesthetic for Spring-Summer is natural and tropical-inspired style. Specifically, bags and shoes constructed of woven raffia, rope, bamboo, and other plant-derived materials that evoke a certain summertime slowness that we desperately need.”

You have probably seen fashion featuring raffia, which is made from palm leaves, showing up everywhere from runways to department shoes. It is used for handbags and added to the wedges of shoes. It shouts “tropical escape.”

In addition to raffia material, tropical prints are back in a big way. Whereas Hawaiian print shirts were once deemed unfashionable and only worn by older men, they are now all the rage. Not only are these tropical shirts back in fashion for men, but women are also embraced tropical prints for clothing. Tropical prints embrace tropical flowers, trees, oceans, islands, gardens, flamingos, and more.

If you want to embrace a tropical state of mind, even while staying in New York City, these are a few ways to add a vacation feel to your wardrobe.

For Your Bags

The raffia trend is huge when it comes to handbags. Even if the material is not truly raffia, you can find plenty of woven bags that are in fashion. Whether you are making a quick run to a store or finally heading back to the office, this tropical bag will remind you that summer is here.

For Your Shoes

When it comes to summer shoes, it is easy to embrace all things tropical. From raffia wedges to floral slides, tropical is in! If you treat your feet like they are on vacation, your mind will follow.

For Your Clothing

As I already mentioned, tropical prints are back in! While some women are ready to go all-in and dress head to toe in tropic prints, other women may want to just add a kimono to their wardrobe. Either way, a fun, bright print that reminds you of all things summer is just what you need to lift your spirits.

For Your Face

Last but not least, trick yourself into believing you are on vacation the next time you leave the house by sporting a tropical print face mask! You can even find face masks with the same tropical print as your resort wear clothing.

If you have lived in the US long enough, you have surely heard that the fashion rule that you should only wear white after Memorial Day and before Labor Day. Well, now that I am officially “allowed” to wear white, it has me thinking about whether or not I want to put all my white clothes, shoes, and bags away come Labor Day. I’m thinking that’ll be a NO.

Some of the Possible Reasons This Rule Existed in the First Place

Now, if this is a new idea to you or one you’ve bee taught your whole life, you probably don’t know why this fashion rule started in the first place. I didn’t! So, I did some digging and found some interesting tidbits I thought I’d share.

According to Reader’s Digest, “Social acceptance for wealthy women was based very much on what you wore—and when you wore it. If you were “on-trend,” you only wore white during the warmer months, since you could probably afford to wear leisurely lightweight clothing—and afford to buy new clothes if you sweat through them.”
Then, fashion magazines started promoting and reinforcing the rule in the 1950s.
According to the Emily Post Institute, white signified summer resort wear, so there was a distinct shift in seasonal dress for work and play.

Basically, wearing white only during the summer became a way to show you were wealthier than your peers because you could afford to purchase different wardrobes for the seasons. Another fun fact for those of us who live in the Northern US, the rule actually shifts from Memorial Day to Easter in the Southern US.

Why I Wear White All Year Long

Have you heard the saying, “Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake.”? Well, I think the same way when it comes to my fashion choices. Who wants to be told when they can and cannot wear something they love? Life is too short! Plus, white has proven to be classy and chic year-round. If that wasn’t true, then why are American wedding dresses white?

Why You Should Too

Not only am I encouraging you to wear white all year, but so are the fashion and etiquette experts! The Emily Post Institute says, “Of course you can wear white after Labor Day, and it makes perfect sense to do so in climates where September’s temperatures are hardly fall-like. It’s more about fabric choice today than color. Even in the dead of winter in northern New England the fashionable wear white wools, cashmeres, jeans, and down-filled parkas.” Plus, Coco Chanel famously wore white year-round.

But, There are Still Some Times When White Is Not Right

Now, I’m not saying to go crazy and show up wearing white to your BFF's wedding. That would definitely be the wrong fashion choice. When you choose to wear white after Labor Day, make sure the fabric choice is right (such as not wearing linen in winter) and an appropriate setting (preferably one where you won’t get dirty easily). And, if this is too rebellious for the rule-followers in the room, opt for off-white in the off-season.