Like all good things, festival season is coming to an end. For the lucky few, this ending marks a season of fun and exciting concert-filled memories; for those on the same page as me, this ending is just a reminder that my “festival” shorts did not make it to an actual festival. But, as a true fashionista, this lamenting slowly transformed into inspiration. I realized that a music festival or outdoor concert is not the only excuse to break out the crop tops and hippie dresses. In fact, with careful execution, these pieces of festival-wear can be worn nearly everywhere in the summer and even into the fall. So, don’t pack away your fringe bandeaus and muscle tees just yet, there are still plenty of places and plenty of time to rock them.
The Hippie Dress
Free People, $128.00
Chances are, you couldn’t survive a summer shopping spree without indulging in a dress resembling this one. So, if you are still looking for a reason to wear it, you’re in luck! A dress like this is casual enough to be worn during the day, but elegant enough to be worn on almost any occasion. In other words, it can easily be dressed up or down. If you want to wear this dress on its own, consider wearing it as a swimsuit cover-up (think: on the boardwalk, at grad parties, to summer picnics) with just a simple pair of sandals and a canvas tote. To dress it up a little, put your hair in a top knot and accent it with unique earrings and a feminine headband. For those of you who don’t mind covering this frock up a little, a simple cardigan will do the trick. A cardigan makes this tissue paper-esuqe garment appropriate for work and date night. Choose flat ankle booties or a wedge sandal depending on the formality of the event, then add a long necklace to complete the look.
Note: style a midi, maxi, or hi-low skirt the same way you’d style this dress — just add a basic camisole or tube top!
bp. Nordstrom, $34.00
Forever 21, $3.80
Urban Outfitters, $12.00
Urban Outfitters, $80.00
The Muscle Tee
Muscle Tee, Nasty Gal, $28.00
For the most part, a muscle tee can be worn in the same ways you would wear a normal tee shirt — just be careful that the amount of skin you are showing is appropriate for the situation (i.e. don’t sport a muscle tee to work or dinner). Because of the relaxed fit of a muscle tee, it is best to keep the rest of your outfit casual, too. Opt for your favorite skinny jeans or a simple skirt, and pair it with flat shoes. No need for fancy jewels in a muscle tee; keep it casual with stud earrings and a few of your favorite rings.
Hollister Co., $49.50
Skirt, Brandy Melville USA, $28.00
Earrings, Forever 21, $1.80
Converse, $55.00
The Crop Top
bp. Nordstrom, $24.00
Sometimes, a girl just can’t resist a cute crop top — even if she has nowhere to wear it. However, as high-rise shorts and skirts are becoming more and more commonplace, crop tops are becoming appropriate in day-to-day settings. Though they do have a reputation for being distasteful, don’t be afraid to rock a crop top in an informal setting; with the right pieces, crop tops easily remain subtle and respectable. To ensure your stomach is not completely bare, opt for a pair of high-rise shorts or a high-rise skirt. A crop top can come off as super-casual, so opt for a pair of tailored shorts instead of your usual cut-offs. Or, to ensure you’re not showing off too much, add a flowing skirt. If you want to cover up even more (or if it gets chilly), try a thin jacket unzipped or unbuttoned, so you keep covered without compromising your outfit. Lastly, avoid wearing heels and excessive jewelry with cropped tops — doing so has a tendency to make the ensemble look very busy.
Jacket, Brandy Melville USA, $45.00
Forever 21, $14.80
Stick to one bold bangle instead of several small pieces.
Bracelet, Forever 21, $8.80
Target, $14.99
High-Rise Shorts
Abercrombie & Fitch, $58.00
High-rise shorts have a tendency to bunch up in all the wrong places, so it’s in your best interest to splurge on a quality pair that will fit you right and make you look your best. High-rise shorts, like the ones pictured above, can be worn anywhere you would wear normal, mid- or low-rise denim shorts. In addition, high-rise shorts are also easier to dress up — with heels and a decorative top, they can even be worn at parties! Try pairing your high-rise shorts with a feminine, white blouse for a spin on the classic “jeans and white tee” outfit (which happens to look great with a tan). Make the look pop by sporting your favorite statement shoes and a cross-body bag. This look is ideal for everything from running errands to a date.
Blouse, American Eagle Outfitters, $44.95
Free People, $69.00
Urban Outfitters, $79.00
Forever 21, $24.80
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