There aren’t a lot of plus sides to August, but there is one: we’ve got a good month, maybe two, depending on where you live, to still wear summer clothes. But retail anticipation being what it is, the stores have moved on to their fall stock. What does that mean for us? Sales on all the summery gear we’ve been envying for months, and an opportunity to stock our closets for next year, too.
There’s nothing more basic, or crucial, to August survival than a cotton tank. Just you try gardening or going to the zoo in three-quarter-length sleeves. Lane Bryant’s longline layering tanks come in virtually every color, and the hip-length silhouette means you won’t spend all day yanking them down, either. Sizes 16-28, $8.99 to $12.99.
The babydoll-over-capris thing is everywhere this summer, so if you’re looking for something a little less basic than a plain tank, try Old Navy’s smocked babydoll tops in a choice of two 70s-inspired prints. Sizes 1x-3x, $7.99.
For the office, maybe something closer to “coffee in the boardroom” than “mai tais on the patio” is in order. Target has you covered with the Isaac Mizrahi roll-sleeve shirt. S-L, $8.99.
This is starting to seem like one of those terrible dreams where you realize you’re out in public but not wearing any pants. So let’s consider pants. For instance, these cotton-bamboo blend cropped pants from J. Jill, which have pockets and a subtle vertical stripe. Sizes XXS-S, SP-MP, and 2X-4X, $29.99-$39.99.
And then there are Bermuda shorts. The plaids are hard to pull off, but J. Jill offers Bermuda styling in white, flax, black, and shale (note: flax = “khaki” and shale = “dark brown,” and, clothing people? Could we stop making up colors now? kthxbye). Sizes 2-28, $19.99-$25.99.
Sometimes you just need a basic skirt. Target obliges with the yummy Isaac Mizrahi matte jersey skirt. Office-appropriate, and so soft you could take a nap in it. Sizes XS-XL, $12.49.
Like the search for the perfect bag, the search for the perfect summer dress is never really over. Eddie Bauer’s printed knit wrap dress is at least in the running for the top ten, though. Cool v-neck that’s not plunging: check. Great mid-calf length: check. Moves from back porch to dinner out without missing a beat: check, check, check. Sizes S-3X, $39.99.
Not strictly on sale, but a great way to finish out your outfit: the Athena bracelet from LuLu’s Fashion Lounge. Bangles are back in a big way recently, and you can join the fun for $6.00.
Don’t worry—we aren’t going to let you out of the column unshod. Eddie Bauer’s cork thong sandals are marked down from $39.50 to a very affordable 24.00.
And then there’s the final privilege of summer, which is taking your shoes right back off. This roomy straw tote will give you a place to stow them when you set off across the grass or down the beach. $19.99.
This column’s over (for this week), but August is just starting. So pace yourself. The summer sales will only keep coming, and so will the heat. Break out the flipflops, put the fan on high, and pour yourself another glass of iced tea. |
Eva Foster |
| About the author: |
| Eva Foster is a Ph.D. student by day, but retires at night to her underwater laboratory to produce photography, freelance writing, crafts, and death rays. She publishes The Windowshoppist . |
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