Texan Magazine
By Lisa Dante
The classics never go out of style. Polka dots are a timeless fashion staple that are always on trend. Fashion guru, Tim Gunn, who I worked with when I modeled for Liz Claiborne said, “ Choose your favorites and never be a slave to trends. Wear what you like and what works for you.” Always consider your lifestyle and your needs. Polka dots are a fun classic. Their unique appearance makes you think of something sophisticated and modern at the same time. They’re classy, elegant, retro, preppy and feminine. Polka dots are flexible enough to blend with formal, casual, or street style as well.
I love a black and white polka dot pattern with a pop of red or any bright solid color.
The key to pulling off the print is to channel your inner French girl with cat-eyed sunglasses and dainty jewelry. Can you mix stripes and dots?
Of course! There are a variety of ways of mixing two patterns from tame to extreme. The key to successful mixing is to vary the scale of the patterns, from small to large. Keep in mind, the smaller the dots the more sophisticated and less whimsical you will be. You can even wear polka dots with stripes, plaids or florals. Not brave enough? Just rock them on your shoes, bags or accessories.
Speaking of accessories….you probably pulled out your straw hat early this year. Summer in Texas started way before it was supposed to. The 100 degree temperatures that we saw in May are normally reserved for August. But no, not this year. Sun protection is serious business in the southwest.
Do you have a straw hat that you truly love? Hats are a great way to shield your face from the sun in style. Straw material is very lightweight and the fact that the hats are woven means there are small openings, which allows for ventilation and cooling during even the hottest of summers. Depending on the tightness of the weave and the size of the holes, a straw hat can be excellent at providing sun protection.
When someone refers to a straw hat, they are often referring to a wide variety of materials. I’ve found that “natural” material versus a “synthetic,” breathes better and is much more comfortable in the heat of summer. Did you know that straw hats are usually rated with a UPF factor, (Ultraviolet Protection Factor.) A 50 UPF factor offers a lot of protection.
When traveling and trying to pack light, if you took only one straw hat, take along different colored scarves or hat bands to wrap around the brim. That way you can interchange them and get many different looks from the same hat.
When it comes to summer style, less is more!
