Remember Ellie, my friend who had a mid-winter event for her husband’s work last December? I gave her some outfit inspiration for that event, and now she’s asked me to come up with some style ideas once again. This time her husband’s work is doing a family-friendly soccer/carnival event in a soccer stadium. We decided that she should look “casual pretty; fresh, effortless, and superior to other moms.” (My words, not hers!) I came up with three ideas for this event that incorporate some fashionable trends, and are sure to make Ellie a standout!
1. Polished Shorts
Peplums are back! They are fresh and cute, and this is polished enough for a work event. I love the detail on this top, with the yellow zip up the back. Thus, the colorblocking look makes sense as soon as you turn around. This look even hints at nautical, which is always great for summer even if you’re not on the water. AVOID shorter shorts; a longer, Bermuda-style pair of shorts is more work-event appropriate.
2. Cool Crops
Eyelet lace is another sweet summer trend. A smart way to wear this is to pair it with a bright color. With a green tank underneath you get a peep of that color through the eyelet over-blouse. I also love an ankle-tie sandal with crops, to show off that cute bit of ankle. One thing all these outfits have in common is a canvas tote. With a family-friendly event, Ellie will need to carry around things like sunscreen, wipes, water bottles, etc. And in a soccer stadium, you want a tote that you can set down on the grass or the concrete without worrying about it. With canvas, you can throw it in the wash or spot clean it later.
3. Trouser Jeans
Ann Harvey ruched top, £16
Fitted jeans, $50
Ankle strap wedge, $30
Cath Kidston vintage tote bag, $9.94
Jeans are classier when they’re a dark wash trouser jean. The top is dainty without being adorable. A little jersey shrug is included to protect from the sun or if it gets cool in the evening. I’ve paired each outfit with wedges, which are a fun summer shoe, but any of these outfits could be worn with a flat sandal or an espadrille. For a work event, I would avoid flip-flops and tennis shoes. Each outfit is functional for running around after kids, sitting in stadium seating, and riding carnival rides, while still being stylish and appropriate.
My philosophy as I put these outfits together was “Be mistaken for the CEO’s wife.” At an event like this, you represent yourself and your husband, and you want everyone to walk away thinking how classy and put-together you are, with x number of kids running around, not how you look like a harried SAHM. Dress for success, even if the success is not your own. I admire Ellie for being a smart, stylish, savvy SAHM! Thanks, Ellie, for asking me to help out!
Furnished Souls 