5 Summer Fashion Risks You’ve Never Dared to Take

girl in chair

1. Experiment with unexpected textures.
 

Elizabeth Mitchell

“Most women feel obligated to rock only certain fabrics during the summer, like cottons, chiffons or silks. But why not mix things up and incorporate a winter favorite into your summer wardrobe?

Try a faux fur vest in a lighter hue (like white) thrown over a black mini-dress for night. Or toss on a cool beanie or wool hat with cutoff shorts and a crop top for a rad daytime look. Here, I chose a super-soft white faux fur vest paired with matching high-waisted American Apparel leggings and a blue crop top.”
-- Elizabeth Mitchell, The Neon Blonde

2.  Pair ankle boots with short bottoms—whether it’s a dress, shorts or a skirt.
 

Hannah Marr

“Everyone is so quick to throw on flip flops or a pair of sandals in the summer months, and while I, too, love to have my toes free, putting on a different kind of shoe every once in a while can add something unique and unexpected to a summer look. I recently matched a new pair of booties with a skater skirt in this ensemble, which is especially good for the end of the summer as we reach the cooler temperatures.”
-- Hannah Marr, Be More Thrifty

3. Show skin in unusual places.
 

“Whether it's a cut-out dress, a backless dress or cropped top, an unexpected sliver of skin will turn heads and help keep your cool in sweltering temperatures. Here’s Jennifer Aniston on the red carpet for the premiere of her movie We’re the Millers showing just a peek-a-boo triangle of skin in her strapless plum dress.”
-- Shelley Levitt, The Style Glossy

4. Step Away from Solid Black.
 

Reese Cromwell

“Wearing bold patterns or colors is a change that often scares women, myself included! My comfort zone is solid black. This summer I have slowly broken out of this zone and started experimenting with bold prints and bright accessories. Remember, style is a reflection of your personality. Make a statement. Be memorable. Don't play it safe!”

-- Sherise Cromwell, jewelry designer, Reese

5.  Top off your Look.
 

Kathleen Lisson

“Add a Panama hat to your wardrobe. Most women don’t feel comfortable in hats, but a well-made Panama hat looks great with so many of this summer’s hottest trends, from a nautical or ikat printed top and a pair of jeans to a brightly patterned maxi dress. Here, I pair a J.Crew Panama hat with a simple, comfortable dress.”

-- Kathleen Lisson, That's a Pretty Hat