Blog: Crossroads Style

Another trend that has typically held a bad reputation and negative style connotations has graced the latest runways, street style stars and celebrities alike: flip flops. Some will shudder just hearing the two words in connection with fashion, but the casual, minimal sandals are quickly becoming the “it” shoe of the season as fashion brands are creating updated iterations of the style. You’ll soon be seeing leather, heeled, square toe, strappy – you name it – versions of flip flops. No longer reserved for poolside or beach wear, flip flops are becoming the ideal summer sandal for completing chic, minimal looks and here is how you can style them for the season.

The Minimalist

Complete an effortless look comprised of trousers and an oversized button-down with the simple sandals for an easy summer look.

Midi Slip Dress

A simple slip dress is the perfect blank canvas for experimenting with any accessory. From traditional flip flops to multi-colored or even heeled, the slip midi dress and sandals are ideal pairing partners.

Keep It Playful

Ditch the urge to pair your new flip flop obsession with denim cut offs this season and try styling them with printed trousers or a skirt for a more playful look and will update the casualness of the shoe.

Casual Fabrics and Clean Lines

Linen, cotton, and other lightweight summer fabrics pair well with the simple casual style of flip flops.

Dare to be Daring

Update your flip flop style with a new iteration. Designers are releasing strappy, heels pairs like seen on Brittany, that instantly dress up the trend.

There are always a few, unexpected trends that pop up at the start of a new season. We all know that tie-dye is the rage and that longer shorts (yes, Bermuda is in!) are the way to go this summer season, but there are a few more, lesser known trends that are about to blow up just in time for the heat! Here’s some of those smaller, but equally as fresh and buzzworthy trends that are slowly (but surely) making their way to the top of the trend list for summer 2019.

Bucket Hats

There are two reasons why I am loving this hat trend! 1) A classic bucket hat is fantastic for sun protection and 2) Bucket hats are casual, versatile and a simple way to add a “cool” vibe to any summer look. At first glance, bucket hats totally reminded me of the 90’s hip-hop culture, as well as the fishing hat my grandpa used to rock, but once I gave the trend a shot myself, I realized how simple this trend is to truly pull off and now I’m hooked! Also noteworthy, fashion forecasters expect this trend to continue through (and maybe even past) the winter season to come as well.

“Dad” Sandals

Chunky and usually featuring a thick foot bed and/or wide straps, “dad” sandals are the perfect alternative to summer’s more feminine footwear trends. These sandals may not be the most visually appealing in style, but you know they are cool when Prada and Chanel are creating some of the chicest pairs out there! The best part about these sandals is that they are incredibly comfortable. I mean, how could they not be with a plush foot bed and those wide, thick straps?! “Dad” sandals are actually a fun option to pair with something a bit flirtier in style as they will balance out the feminine flair of an outfit with some edge and casualness.

Fruity Prints

Fruits are synonymous with the summer season, so it is no surprise that they are finding their way, printed onto summer styles! Bright,citrus-hued colors are already on trend for the summer season, so adding the actual fruit to a pattern seemed like a logical next step to kick this trend up a notch. Fair-warning before you try this trend for yourself, yummy fruit patterns may cause hunger and it is also impossible to not be a in a good mood while wearing a cheery fruit pattern!

Move over cotton! We all know that you’re already “the fabric of our lives,” but your not so distant cousin, linen is quickly becoming a favorite summer textile in the fashion world! Like cotton, linen is derived from nature, the Flax plant to be exact and it is actually one of the oldest textiles in the world, finding its origins in Ancient Egypt. Known for its comfortability and breathability, linen is being used more often in summer styles, as it makes the perfect fabric for those warm, sunny days! The benefits to wearing this amazing textile during the summer will make anyone want to add some styles to their warm weather line-up! Here are five reasons why linen will become your new go-to fabric for summer.

It’s Breathable

Linen is incredibly strong, absorbent and quick to dry, making it ideal for that summer heat! Throw a linen button down on over a swimsuit for a day at the beach and you’ll be set to stay cool and soak up that sunshine at the same time!

It Adds Some Texture

Linen is a slightly stiffer hand than cotton, making it easy for adding some structure to a summer top or an a-line skirt, but it is also a great material for adding some texture to your outfits this season! Experiment with the fabrication and mix and match a contrasting fabric, such as silk!

It’s Sustainable

Not only is this fabric sustainable but it is also natural, ethically produced and can easily be traced back to its source! Unlike synthetic textiles that contribute to pollution, linen is biodegradable and easily recycled!

All-Around Comfort

All of the above reasons contribute to linen being at the top of the comfort list in regards to textiles, but it’s styles are also typically designed to have a looser fit, which makes any piece a bit easier to wear and more comfortable.

It’s on Trend!

Linen has been around for quite some time, but we are seeing it more frequently in the fashion world due to the increased emphasis put on sustainability. Designers alike are finding creative and stylish ways to incorporate the fabric into their collections, making it easier on the consumer to score, stylish, linen pieces!

Summer is right around the corner and it is finally that perfect time of year for spontaneous getaways! Whether you’re heading into wine country with the girls or venturing to the beach for a romantic weekend, there are a few staple styles you should definitely be taking with you on your travels! Below are six, must-pack items that are right on trend for summer and that will help make outfit-planning a total breeze!

The Perfect Summer Hat

Move over sunglasses! Summer 19 is all about adding some shade to your fits with a stylish, wide brimmed hat! Straw hats in particular make the perfect accessory to wear with romantic sundresses!

Day to Night Dress

When you’re traveling, one of the best things to throw on in the a.m. is a look that can take you from day to night in a flash! Opt for a lightweight midi or maxi dress to do the trick! Wear it with wedge sandals for a more elevated vibe and you’ll be ready for any activity!

Versatile Footwear

The number one rule to keep in mind when packing shoes for your getaway is to make sure they are comfortable! A strappy pair of sandals like these will be great for wearing with just about any look when you’re traveling!

Don’t Forget your Swimsuit

A cute swimsuit is a must for any getaway, whether you’ll be hanging at the pool or chilling on the beach!

Carry-All Tote

Larger tote bags are ideal for weekend trips because they can easily house all of your essentials in style! Canvas bags or basket totes are our top picks for summer!

Easy & Breezy Button-Down

A lightweight white button down in a cotton or linen makes for one incredibly versatile  getaway essential! Cuff the sleeves and wear it over a swimsuit to the beach or try it tied up with a flirty floral midi skirt!

The debate over comfort and style have recently come to a head. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. Is it perhaps that our definition of style and the traditional aesthetic are gradually changing over time? Fashion used to be used as a way to speak to one’s social and economic status, and in some ways it still is. Not everyone can afford designer clothing and accessories and all it takes is a simple Google search to confirm the price of something, therein by being able to pigeonhole one in a category.
Maybe as time has passed and humanity has evolved, we no longer feel the need to separate ourselves by social and economic classes, thereby making us feel more comfortable with being, well (physically) more comfortable. Whatever the reason is that comfort is seeming prevailing over (traditional) style aesthetic, check out 5 trends that are more comfortable than classically stylish.

“Dad” Shoes

From trainers to “mandals”, or man sandals, the “Dad” shoe trend has been steadily gaining traction since the popularity of the chunky trainer last year. This season, the trend continues with the dad sandal, or “mandal”. While some brands are producing these sandals with more feminine touches and prints, the basic man sandal is trending on style bloggers, fashion influencers, and the runway. The rise of dad shoes, as with flat shoes in general, prove that comfort is trending over style in footwear.

Fanny Packs

Fanny packs, or belt bags as the modern updated style has been coined, have seeming begun replacing larger bulky bags, designer bags, and trend-ridden bags. The smaller, more compact style of a belt bag is more comfortable to wear, convenient on the go, and forces us to de-clutter our lives. And let’s face it, when our purse is clean and organized, our life begins to feel more clean and organized.

The Demise of Skinny Jeans

We will always love our skinny jeans; there is no question about that. But we have seen a rise in a more relaxed fitting denim and pant style, in general, the last few fashion seasons. I, for one, am all for this trend, of course, still loving my skinnies and wearing them with pride, but as a mom of a busy toddler, I must say that I am enjoying bottoms with a bit more room to breathe lately.

Bike & Bermuda Shorts

While neither are my cup of style tea, I appreciate the sentiment of longer, more comfortable shorts, whether it is because they are spandex or a looser fitting knee length short, over a more traditional style of denim shorts that are cut too short and will inevitably ride up.

Athleisure

Athleisure has long been the uniform of many stay-at-home moms, the quick option when needing to run all the errands on a weekend, and the look of the gym rat. But athleisure has since expanded its repertoire to anyone who needs just a bit more comfort in their life.