Cool Fashion For Summer
Q&A With Stephanie Johnson, Three Daughters Boutique
I don’t know about you, but it felt like fashion and what-not-to wear took on a whole new meaning when COVID-19 forced many of us to work from home. Initially, most people gleefully welcomed the idea of showing up on Zoom calls wearing anything that looked like work attire from the waist up, but from the waist down it was a mish-mash of yoga pants, sweat pants, and pajama bottoms. As time went on, even that standard began to lose its marginal professionalism.
Here we are, a year later, trying to come out of the leisure-wear coma and begin doing things again – back to working in the office, comfortably dining out, and attending events. I have always loved fashion but last year was more like anything goes, so I figured the smart thing to do would be to ask my friend, and someone I trust, about what’s cool this summer. Local businesswoman, Stephanie Johnson, owner of Three Daughters Boutique in Lincoln’s Haymarket, and store manager, Maggie McGowan, were more than excited to share the latest fashion trends and offer suggestions about how to pull off the new styles with confidence since a lot of us may still be suffering from “loungewear disorder.”
Here’s some advice Stephanie and Maggie offered to our readers.
What are “must have” trends for the summer?
Matching or monochromatic sets are big again, i.e. jackets, pants, and tops all match and work as a set, unlike what we have been seeing over the past few years of mix-and-match items of different colors and patterns. Another return look is the one piece jumper, like what the gas station attendant used to wear back in the day, but it’s trendy now.
What can we expect to see with colors and patterns?
According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, you can expect to see earthy neutrals, sand, and peachy colors, core classics of black and grey, and bold colors like these: French Blue, Marigold, and Raspberry Sorbet
What trend surprised you the most?
You’ve heard the saying, “Everything comes back?” Welcome back scrunchies, banana clips, and Crocs! Some of you may still have these items stuffed way back in your closet that you’ve been saving (or wearing), so dig them out!
A high-waisted jean that has a 9 inch to 11 inch rise has a lot of women thinking they can’t do this style, but it can be very flattering if you know how to wear it with the right top. Try it tucked in!
With pant bottoms, anything goes right now – kick flare, skinny leg, wide leg, bell bottom, straight leg, or pipe leg. If you feel good in it, you should wear it.
What accessories are in?
Dainty accessories, mixing metals, and chain necklaces are being shown. Omega necklaces are back, too.
How do you think this past year impacted designers?
Some of the smaller designers didn’t survive the shutdown, while larger designers made adjustments to the COVID lifestyle – creating luxury loungewear, clothing with comfort in mind, and offering items at lower prices.
What other advice do you have for the 55+ reader?
Age appropriate clothing is your best guide. A skirt length at age 20 isn’t appropriate at age 60. Bright tie-dye items may need a rest. Most importantly, wear what you are comfortable in.
A lot of people have had their colors done, which is great. Before you buy a whole new wardrobe, make sure you are wearing the right makeup as this can allow you to wear a broader range of colors. Also, don’t discard pieces in your closet that maybe you love but you don’t think goes with your color palette. Consider reinventing them with a different shade of lipstick or a fun piece of jewelry that is your color.
We’re very conscious about sustainability and where material comes from. Spend money on shoes so you treat your feet nicely, and on staple pieces. Spend less on trendy items. Combine an inexpensive top from Target with a nice pair of boutique jeans and great shoes to create an outfit that looks like a million bucks.
Take an honest friend with you shopping, or shop at a boutique that you trust will tell you what looks good on you.
Whether you’re looking to add a new top to go with existing jeans or pants, want new outfits for that summer vacation that you couldn’t go on last year,
or need a fun, new dress for your niece’s upcoming wedding, it’s time to wake up from that sleepy lifestyle and feel alive again!
Find a fresh look with Stephanie and Maggie at Three Daughters Boutique, 311 N 8th St #102, or visit 3daughtersboutique.com.
*Adobe Fashion Color Trend Report, New York Fashion Week 2021, pantone.com