Hilary Arthur has been in the fashion industry for 17 years—14 of which she spent in New York City. She recently hosted a summer fashion show with looks from local boutiques at our Style Insider Happy Hour June 6. See how Hilary combined these items to form trendy summer outfits.
Summer Trend Tips:
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Wear nude shoes to enlongate legs
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Mix metals and colors to texurize outfit
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Add a belt to give dresses more structure
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Use a blazer and tights to carry a white dress through fall
1 Erin is wearing a medium length cream-colored dress with a vintage feel—a strong trend for spring and summer. Her shoes’ texture adds variety to the simple, classic dress. Hilary advises not to overdo accessories with a dress like this.
Clothing from Pappagallo in Lancaster, clutch from Charlotte Shoppe in Lancaster.
2 Hilary says it’s important to have pants at both extremes—skinny and wide. This pair is a linen-cotton blend that will easily move with your body, but can wrinkle a bit. Rachel’s look is topped off with a handmade belt from Morocco, a matching clutch and a trendy pair of earrings.
Clothing from Festoon in Lancaster.
3 This look adds a pop of color with blue skinny jeans that connect well with a classic white blouse. The necklace, though big, is very light and makes the outfit even more fun. Hilary says to try something unexpected like this for a casual event.
Clothing from Shoe Gallery Etc in York.
4 Simplicity is the trend with this outfit. This dress can be appropriate for a summer wedding, worn with heels, or to the grocery store with flats. Nude shoes are a hot trend because they make legs look longer, and Hilary says one of her favorite trends is layering bracelets. The jewelry shown here is available for under $10.
Clothing from Sweet Melissa’s Dream in York.
5 This easy, dressy dress flaunts the cutout shoulder trend. The belt gives this dress structure, but can be slipped off to give it more flow. Wedge heels give weight and texture to complete the outfit.
Clothing from Sweet Melissa’s Dream in York.
6 Erin’s second look shows off a trend that is all about prints and fun colors. She’s wearing jeggings and a white bag that Hilary says can be worn all year long.
Clothing from Charlotte Shoppe in Lancaster.
7 This next look doesn’t need much of anything but the one piece because it makes such a strong statement itself. Once again, the nude high heels make her legs look extra long. The outfit is topped off with an animal print clutch and statement earrings.
Clothing from Flair in York.
8 Polka dots are a trend that Hilary says she loves, and this polka dot dress couldn’t be more flattering. It’s comfortable, shows off curves, and can be easily complimented with nude shoes.
Clothing from Flair in York.
9 White is a great summer look, and there’s lots of attention to detail in this white dress. It can be worn all summer long with a pop of color in the shoes and can be worn with a blazer in the fall. Hilary says wearing black or pink tights under can take this dress through another season.
Clothing from Flair in York.
10 Rachel’s second look mixes colors, prints, and textures. Her soft, striped dress is a piece that can be dressed up or can remain casual and comfortable. Her bag was made in Peru and the pompoms are detachable; they can be hung on any bag!
Clothing from Festoon in Lancaster, shoes from Shoe Gallery Etc in York.
11 The print and the belt spice up this classic maxi dress. The belt, once again, adds structure to the dress. Her shoes match the belt and are elastic, which makes them very comfortable and breathable.
Clothing from Shoe Gallery Etc. in York.
12 Erin’s third and final look is one that you can take to many different places. Her dress floats away from her body a bit and an exposed zipper in the back gives it texture. Her shoes also add texture and a bit more color.
Clothing from Pappagallo in Lancaster.
