Summertime Staples

This post is sponsored by Kohl’s & ShopStyle. Thank you for supporting the brands and collaborations that keep Bows & Sequins running!

I sound like a broken record, but I think we’ve finally (and I mean FINALLY) transitioned to summertime here in Chicago. This has been the wettest spring/summer on record (true story!) and with the rain has come chilly temps and lots of grey skies. (This year, May Gray and June Gloom weren’t just California things!)

Since I’ve been bundled up and not getting to indulge in bare leg season until the last week or so, I only recently started thinking about updating my wardrobe for the warm, sunny months ahead! (Yes, I said months. I don’t ask for much, but summer better last until Christmas to make up for the slow start we’ve had.)

To get a head start on summer shopping (or really, playing catch up I suppose), I popped into The Outfit Bar at Kohl’s in Bucktown. The Outfit Bar is curated by style expert Lilliana Vasquez (you’ve probably seen her on red carpets and the Today Show!) and it truly takes the guesswork out of putting outfits together, no matter if you’re shopping online or in store.

The Outfit Bar mixes some of Kohl’s exclusive brands (like LC Lauren Conrad) with names we know and love like Levi’s, Nike, and Adidas. All of the pieces in the styled outfits are totally mix-and-match-able, too! It’s a great place to shop when you’re short on time, as it really is a one-stop-shop. And it’s easy on the budget, too!

This gingham dress is what summer sundress dreams are made of… It has pockets, adjustable straps, adorable on-trend button-front detailing, the material doesn’t really wrinkle (great for travel!), and it has a smocked back that ensures a perfect fit. It comes in a ton of cute patterns, too! I’d definitely size down if you’re in between sizes. I’m wearing a small and could even size down to an XS since it’s stretchy in the back. (For reference, I’m typically a size 4.) The color is black, but it does read more of a dark navy blue in person.

This white denim jacket is the real MVP, though. (You may have seen it in my last What I Wore Last Week post, too!) I’m a sucker for a good jean jacket in the spring and summer and it was about time to add another color of denim to my growing collection. This jacket fits so well – it has the perfect amount of stretch and a cropped cut, which lends itself so well to being worn over dresses. Plus, the raw edge adds a little something extra, which makes styling even more of a breeze!

Don’t forget your straw accessories! A packable boater hat and a wear-everywhere tote put the finishing touches on just about any summer outfit.

Shop the Outfit…

Gingham Dress
White Denim Jacket
Structured Straw Tote
Block Heel Sandals
Packable Straw Hat with Blush Band
Mirrored Sunglasses