Jeans are considered one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. They go with everything and go everywhere. In Manhattan, it’s practically a uniform to wear jeans dressed up to dinner. There are a few things to keep in mind to pull off this look. First of all, jeans are dressier looking in dark denim. Dark denim is much more forgiving, you can get away with ultra skinnies as easily as boot cut. To get a cool dressed up look, the key is to accent with dressy accessories. Wear jewels that you might wear to cocktail party. Pair it with a silk blouson top, and a fitted jacket for a finished look. The shoes and bag should stand out. We like the shine added by a patent pair of high heels and clutch. It’s a style that looks great in black and white, or with bold color popped in. Have fun with it!

Thanks to Trenny Lynn, one of our fav Twitter fashion friends for this great post idea. She’s at the DMA Showroom in New York. Find her online here

items in this observation:

For the past few seasons I’ve walked through the doors at The Gap and felt pleasantly surprised. I was excited that they were finally starting to get it. Their pieces were classic while still managing to stay on trend. This season, I’m sadly disappointed. The colors for summer are dark and drab. The styles are back to boxy, and border on androgynous. Why? … I had just been to the Gap in April and the clothes were looking so good. The palette was pleasing, the styles were feminine, and the textures were soft. How did they go from that to dark purple and red plaid? I love the Gap, and usually find at least a couple of things, but this time I walked out empty handed. I spent a little time on their website today, and I was actually able to find a few things that could speak to us all. Let’s hope this is just the pre-season lull, and that they will be back on track soon. Come on Gap, we know you have it in you! You should represent the essence of American style.

Gap items that we observed and spoke to us (clockwise):

It’s a sweltering summer day and you’ve got some errands to run. Your kids have a play date at the park, you’ve got a lunch date with the girls, some shopping of course, and then a romantic dinner by the water. You swing open the doors of your closet and the last thing you want to step into is your tight jeans — just then you make eye contact with your maxi dress and it beckons to be worn… you happily oblige. It’s cool, sexy, flowing and versatile for all of your errands and dates for the day!

how to wear a floral patterned maxi
A floral patterned maxi dress alone is perfect for a hot summer day when all you want is one, long, flowing piece to make up your entire outfit. When choosing a patterned maxi, don’t overdo it with tons of jewelry. Opt for simple, hanging earrings. You can also ‘accessorize’ with your hair. Pamper your locks with rollers, hot or velcro (which Jean swears by), to get those oh so fabulous grecian goddess tendrils. It will fall beautifully with the free-spirited flow and pattern of the dress. If it’s too hot out, you can opt for a loosely coiled bun or simple low side pony.

the transformable nature of the maxi
If you decide to wear your maxi into the night, trade those flip flops for a sexier, strappy gladiator sandal and you’ll be ready to come off the beach and saunter into a romantically candle lit cafe. A belt doesn’t necessarily make your maxi day or night time worthy, but it will refresh the outfit and accentuate different aspects of the dress. Enhance a simple, solid colored maxi with a woven leather or suede belt right under the bust or loosely draped around the hips. If your maxi has gathers around the waist or underneath the bust then that’s where your belt should go. If your maxi has lots of ornamental details, a busy pattern or lots of layering and gathering then a belt is a no-no; you don’t want to wear your entire wardrobe. Finally, add a simple cuff bracelet, to top off the look.

waistlines, shoes and panties, oh my!
While some maxi’s gather under the bust or at the waistline to accentuate a curvy waist or create a waistline, other maxis shoot straight down to accentuate a thinner frame. For those maxis that are long enough to gracefully sweep the floor (creating a game of hide and seek with whatever fabulous shoes you have chosen to wear) opt for a sexy, simple gladiator sandal that contrasts the full coverage of the dress. For a shorter maxi, an open, sexy shoe will do the trick as well because you don’t want to cut off the length of the leg. Another maxi dress necessity is seamless underwear that won’t interrupt the cascading and sometimes clingy drapery of the dress. A visible panty line may distract onlookers when they should really be focussing on the outfit as a whole. Top off the look with a unique cuff bracelet.

Keep in mind, your maxi doesn’t have to max you out!!
From Gap to Missoni, this summer promises to maximize the availability of maxi dresses!

1. Bold color - meant to be mixed with all kinds of colors, and can be worn with everything.

Carnaby Carryall @ J.Crew
Cashmere two-button cardigan tee @ J.Crew

2. Skinny belt - cinching your waist is an easy way to update.

Leatherock skinny double-wrap belt @ Nordstrom
Cynthia Rowley patent leather belt @ Nordstrom

3. Patent leather - shine on! It can be black, neutral, or bold.

Kooba ‘Jacinda’ patent bag @ Plaza Too
apt. 9 chain flip-flops @ Kohls

4. Dip-dye - An updated version of Tie-Dye. It’s done in soft colors this season, which looks good on all.

Secrets of Charm daria shirt @ Shopbop
Adam Lippes degrade halter wrap top @ Shopadam

5. Wide leg denim - a great way to update. It’s clean, classic, and fresh.

J Brand cass jean @ Shopbop
Goldsign ‘Treo’ high-waisted wide leg stretch jeans @ Nordstrom

6. Metallic - should be worn like a neutral, and goes with everything.

Zoey metallic clutch @ Plaza Too
Adam Lippes linen trench @ Shopadam
Liv metallic ballet flats @ J.Crew

7. Full skirt - easy to wear with a fitted top or tee.

Plenty by Tracy Reese printed skirt @ Nordstrom
Ruffle skirt @ Gap

8. Bracelets - lots and lots of bracelets. Bangles are fun for this season.

Asos chunky wood bangle w/ metal detail @ Asos
Elsa Peretti bangle @ Tiffany

9. Tribal prints - young, fun, urban, and edgy.

zebra smocked top @ Active Endeavors
tribal print sundress @ Topshop