Summertime Staples

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

Preppy lifestyle blogger Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham dress with bow-tied straps.

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.)

Chicago fashion blogger wearing a gingham dress with a white denim jacket and blush pink heels.

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.

Beauty blogger Bows & Sequins wearing a boater hat with a gingham dress.

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!

Kohl's Outfit Bar in Chicago

Life is Short Get the Outfit Neon Sign

Bows & Sequins trying on a gingham blazer by Lauren Conrad.

Shopping at Kohl's Outfit Bar

Blogger trying on a Lauren Conrad gingham blazer.

Kohl's Outfit Bar in Bucktown Chicago

Shopping at Kohl's in Bucktown

Chicago blogger shopping in Kohl's in Bucktown

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins styling a gingham dress with a straw hat.

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.

Chicago lifestyle blogger wearing a gingham dress with a structured straw tote.

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!

Chicago blogger styling a white denim jacket.

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.

Lifestyle blogger wearing a gingham dress with a packable straw hat with a blush pink band.

Chicago style blogger Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham dress with a white denim jacket and straw hat.

Shop the Outfit…

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

Bows & Sequins wearing a straw hat with a white denim jacket and structured straw tote.

Chicago blogger styling a gingham sundress with a packable straw hat.

Chicago lifestyle blogger Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham dress with a hat and a straw tote.

Chicago blogger Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins sitting on a stoop in the Gold Coast.

Chicago fashion blogger wearing a white denim jacket over a gingham dress.

Chicago lifestyle Instagrammer Bows & Sequins styling a gingham dress with a straw tote.

Chicago blogger Bows & Sequins styling a gingham dress for summer.

Chicago blogger Bows & Sequins wearing a white denim jacket over a gingham dress in the Gold Coast.

Chicago fashion and lifestyle blogger Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham dress with blush pink heels and a straw hat.

Chicago fashion blogger styling a gingham dress for summer.

Chicago blogger wearing a gingham dress with a straw hat.

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3 Comments

  1. 6.27.19

    You look beautiful 🙂

  2. 7.1.19
    olivia said:

    so girly and fun!!! obsessed with the gingham of course.

    http://www.oliviaschueller.com

  3. 7.3.19
    Tammy said:

    I love your dress and those high heel sandals. Your outfit screams summer. It’s been a crappy cold wet spring here in NYC too. Now summer skirts, dresses, shorts, sexy tops, bikinis and sandals are in full rotation.