For the past several years we’ve been seeing a lot of Classic style in fashion. It has been an emphasis on “old money” looks and combinations that are mostly neutral colors and that have tailored elements. It’s not that those are going out of fashion anytime soon. If you have a lot of Classic in your style blend they likely make up the bulk of your wardrobe.

But for everyone who has felt that the romance of dressing up had died, take heart. Feminine elements are back. And even those without a lot of Romantic, Youthful or Angelic in their personal style (that would be me…) will have fun looking at these for inspiration.

Making a Summer Staple Softer

This time of year in the Northern Hemisphere we’re fast approaching summer. That means less dense, softer textures and thinner fabrics in general. So you’ll be seeing a lot of chiffon, lace, and of course, linen. There’s certainly everything and anything to choose from in linen now. But to consider a more feminine approach to it, look at matched sets or atypical construction. If you find something you like in a color you get extra points! But simply constructed neutral pieces lend themselves so nicely to flirty accessories. Here are a few images, all of the items and outfits on this post are linked.

This first one could suit someone with a bit of Dramatic essence or High Spirited as well. But any item that exposes the shoulder line gives it some Romantic.

Macy’s INC brown linen set $135

This has a more Natural feeling to it but what makes it more feminine is the fitted top that adds emphasis to the waist.

Macy’s INC striped set $159

This one is advertised as cotton and linen, but of course on Amazon you never know. Regardless, it has a lot going for it. The neckline is Romantic, the asymmetry adds a Natural element and the harem-type balloon bottoms can be Romantic, High Spirited or a touch Natural, depending on color and how it is styled.

Balloon pants set

Long line vests with an indentation at the waist are a big trend this year. They elevate a basic linen shorts set making it great for resort wear, luncheon, or outdoor special occasion.

Nordstrom Open Edit Indigo vest set – vest $69.50; shorts $59.50 (shorts are here.)

This one is more Natural and Classic. So if you want to embrace the Romantic idea but not the aesthetic, opt for something in red.

Macy’s washed linen set. The shell top is here – $59.95

They also have a long line version of the shell. $89.95

Quince has both a shorter version and this longline vest in multiple colors, neutrals, and one striped.

Here’s the shorter version.

Quince short vest in French blue – in seven colors $42 The pants are here. A longer tailored version of the pants are here at $52 

For a feminine look, wear any of these with flat or kitten heeled sandals or slides. Higher pumps are more Dramatic. They can work if your feet won’t complain. (Mine would complain.) The thicker the sole and wider the straps, the more Natural they convey.

Sam Edelman mules $90.99

Hole-y fabrics

Then there are what I refer to as the peekaboo textiles. Those include lace, eyelet, and open weaves like macrame. They will reveal a bit or a lot, depending on how comfortable you feel exposing skin.

Because the underlying textile of eyelet is usually a stiffer cotton and the pattern of the spaces is typically round it is considered a Youthful material. But it’s such a fresh and playful look that I would give almost anyone a pass to wear it, especially if it is in harmony their coloring. The bargain ones likely are cotton blend, the higher end ones are usually all cotton. I tried to post those that were all or mostly cotton. Let’s look at some eyelet blouses and tops. There are a LOT of them this year.

This one has some sophistication meaning that it could work for someone with some Natural and/or Classic style too.

Eyelet trim blouse Amazon $29.98

A top that can be tied at the waist, and most button downs can be converted to do this, is always going to add a touch of Romantic. This one also comes in rose, tan, blue, apricot, lavender, black and white.

Green eyelet blouse – Etsy, $28.00

The fuller sleeves, covered buttons, and corset bodice construction give this both a Youthful and Romantic feeling.

Short sleeved fitted blouse, Amazon $29.99

This is a good example of how Natural (square shapes) can express some of the Youthful and Romantic essence.

Whit House Black Market eyelet blouse $110

This green eyelet top could be a really nice beach or poolside cover up.

Amazon eyelet coverup $35.98

Pretty Garden is a site on Amazon that gets a lot of positive reviews. The roundness of the large puffy sleeves on this blouse add to its Youthful essence. I could see this dressed up a bit with white bootcut jeans or trousers.

Amazon pretty Garden eyelet blouse $34.99

Although mostly Youthful and slightly Classic, there’s a lot of elegance in the construction and textile, and it’s just so pretty.

This one is just so pretty Lee’s jeans $79.99

This one also has a sweet and demure feeling but the ruffled cuffs give it a bit more Romantic.

Etsy ruffled collar and cuff blouse $32.09

These could call for flatter shoes like ballet flats, Mary Janes, or a strappy fisherman type shoe.

Sam Edelman woven flat $149.99

These come in four other neutrals plus a gold one that could work with the lace items below.

Sam Edelman bow tied woven flats $140

A lighter colored fisherman sandal also works nicely and Rothys also get praise for comfort. They also come in black, tan and red.

Rothy’s Ivory Fisherman sandals $119.00

The allure of Lace

The delicacy of lace suggests the Angelic essence, which is why wedding dresses often have some form of lace in the construction. But it also carries Romantic connotations because it does reveal what is underneath. Brides want to look Romantic and/or Angelic, and the vision of a woman floating down the aisle with a train of lace in her wake is both.

This year we’re seeing a lot of the of music festival-type garments. Of course, you’ll find them super cheap and in abundance made from polyester on fast fashion sites like Shein and Temu as well as Amazon. I just can’t go there. It takes a little digging to  find something that could have some longevity and I tried to find those that were not poly or at least not heavily synthetic.

This one has some lovely intricate detail. It’s described as gray but actually leans more blue.

Etsy lace blouse $54.40

The bell sleeves on this give it a bit of Angelic but the other elements are very Youthful.

Etsy cotton cuffed lace blouse $61.42

This one has that Coachella look, which also often leans toward Natural. The ripped jeans are the clue.

Etsy cotton lilac lace trimmed blouse $54.40

Any of those tops could work best with the woven flats, or flat strappy sandals.

Free people Corsica sandals $44.10 on sale

And for a bit more of a Grecian look, these give a more boho flavor.

Naturalizer Brandy sandals 99.95

This one has a very delicate feeling that is Angelic and Youthful, not so much Romantic. It is available in a dizzying amount of colors and patterns and they say it’s cotton and linen. And it’s a more covered up look.

Akivide blouse on Amazon $25.99

And for more coverage this could be terrific dressed up or down with straight leg jeans, capris, or with white, black or other colored trousers.

Lace trimmed sleeveless blouse Amazon $87.70

As for the shoes to go with the more modest tops, the popular kitten heeled slingbacks or kitten heeled slides would be a nice Romantic addition.

Vivaia gets a lot of positive reviews even though they are made from recycled plastic. The upside is they are washable, fashionable, comfortable, and last forever. These rose-y pink ones could be the one Romantic element in the outfit. They also come in black and limited sizes in their “golden almond”.

Vivaia bowed kitten keel slides $90

I’ve tried the Paravanos and they are really well made, just a little slim through the toe box for my foot. This yellow is delightful and they also come in burgundy, tan, white, black and leopard print. They are mostly Classic and Youthful.

Paravano sling back low heels $125.80

Quince has these buttery soft leather ones. This kind of squishy leather gives a more Romantic vibe than straight, flat straps. They also come in cognac and almond, an off-white.

Quince black slides $82.00

I don’t know why – and still can’t figure out who comes up with this every few years – but for the truly brave or the VERY young – there is a trend this summer of very sheer transparent textiles for skirts. It is not the same as the underwear-type of slip skirts we’ve seen recently. I’m talking about actual see-through fabrics. Maybe it could work at the beach. Maybe. Or if you live in LA and want to get noticed among the sea of fit and beautiful people.

I appreciate the artistic quality, but personally consider it a design cop-out insead of creating a look that women would actually wear and that would be flattering.

Photo courtesy of RUUSH

Photo courtesy of Vogue/gorunway.com

Slinky

But this is a trend I can get behind. OK, maybe not the lace trimmed satin knee length skirts. I am old enough to consider that as underwear – a slip – and was taught not to wear your underwear in public.  Now, I’ve seen some women in Italy and France wearing gorgeous lacey bras that peek out from loosely unbuttoned blouse. (And those aren’t only worn by young women!) But that’s a different thing from wearing a satin-like skirt with lace trim, at least to my mind. Call me a prude or a fogey, I don’t mind. I just turned 78 and I’ve earned my opinion.

So, the new trend, if you can call it new, is head-to-toe satin. In France, and elsewhere, but particularly in France, a satin slip dress is considered a staple. To make it something that is more accessible to more body shapes and ages, we’re now seeing satin in gorgeous slinky wide-leg pants. It has a very 1940’s feeling that is lovely and feminine.

On this one, my personal opinion is that almost any style type, from Dramatic to Angelic, can wear it, depending on the color and the style, and how it is styled. Here too, the bargain ones will be polyester (regardless of how they are listed on Amazon), and the higher end one will be in mulberry silk. Look for a more tailored version if you want to avoid them looking like pajama bottoms.

Amazon poly pleated pants $39.99 (also in beige, khaki, and black)

These are acetate. Amazon has several in this shade, but this one has nice tailoring.

Amazon acetate satin-y pants $54.94

Now we move into the actually silk ones. This comes in 8 colors.

J. Crew satin pants $158

You can never go wrong with Quince for quality fabrics (this is mulberry silk) and construction.

Quince mulberry silk pants $90, comes in multiple neutrals also

Brocade will elevate this to another level for dressier occasions.

Amazon mulberry brocade pants $134

One way to wear these is to pair them with a halter top in the same color. But you can’t go wrong with many types of tops: crew neck sweaters, sleeveless tanks, chiffon blouses, off-shoulder tops, even cotton button downs. Just wear the button downs tucked in or with a half-tuck.

As for footwear, flat strappy sandals or ballet flats, but keep the ballet flats a bit more elegant, not too Youthful or cutesy.

Talbot’s silver strappy sandals 99.50

Satin camisoles can be lovely for date night or any special occasion. Wear them solo in hot weather and peaking out from a blazer, wrap or light jacket in A/C spaces.

Lace trimmed satin cami Amazon $140

Mauve mulbery silk draped tank Amazon $51.99

For the well-endowed, this one has a built-in bra.

White mulberry silk cami with bra Amazon $73.89

LilySilk satin camisole on Amazon $49.99 comes in

So, Make it “Dress-y”

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a Romantic summer if it didn’t include dresses. The romance is in the details: sashed and bows waists, fitted bodices, fine pleats, larger florals. The ones with ruffles, tiers, and smocking give a more Youthful vibe.  These are all primarily cotton, linen or rayon and a few silk. Each of these works with different shoes styles. But as they are all full-body pix, take your cues from how they are styled here.

Quince tencel fit and flare midi dress $74 Comes in several neutrals as well

Quince smocked and tiered pale lilac dress $74 Eleven colors and prints

If you have a dressier occasion, the halter slip dress from Quince is fabulous.

Quince halter top dress $150

Gingham is a Youthful print and a softened corset-like bodice is very feminine, it also comes in pink and red

Quince corset dress $92

Their more Classic and Natural version has a simple squared neckline.

Fit and Flare European linen midi dress $84 – comes in 3 colors, three of them gingham

This one is more forgiving for broader waistlines as the ties are adjustable and it conceals a lot. It has a Classic quality as well.

Utcoco cotton striped and belted dress – Amazon $30.99 Comes in seven colors

When Macy’s has a sale you have to jump on it to get your size, but this is lovely.

Halter top midi dress Macy’s $53.70 on sale

This is a strapless variation on a similar theme.

Oasis floral twill  strapless floral midi Macy’s $121.50

For those of my vintage, I had to include this lovely one because it’s a rare day when you see one of us ol’ white hairs in fashion! Also, it’s lovely and she’s owning it! Yeah, it might be polyester, but I give Macy’s a pass for showing us a mature model.

Pink floral V-neck bell sleeved dress – final sale $23.83

And this one has it all going on! The eyelet, the fit and flare, the keyhole, and the corseted fitted bodice. It has a very 40’s feeling to it. Note the ankle strap heels as they are a perfect match for this type of dress.

Lilac eyelet midi dress $101.40, also comes in white.

So, as you can see there’s a lot to choose from. If you don’t identify with any of these “girly” or Romantic design elements, but still find some of them appealing, consider how you might adapt it to your own wardrobe. Could you add a belt to a loose dress you already own to simply emphasize your shape? Would you wear one of the plain camisoles in a pretty color instead of one that was satin or lace trimmed. Might you wear a similar style but in a pattern or print that is more in keeping with your personal style.

And if you wonder why I keep showing things from Amazon, for whom I’m an affiliate, it’s because their return policy is easy. (Also, you get to try on a lot of stuff without having to go to the mall…) Of course, I still haunt my local boutiques, and like to support local businesses, but I enjoy offering some easily accessible items that might inspire your style journey.

By the way, I mentioned last month that I would be showing you what colors I’m wearing these days and I’m going to post that soon, before the color course launches at the end of the month! Stay tuned! (I’m SO excited!!)