Jul 1, 2024
 in 
Fashion

Keeping it cool: Bright & breezy is best

Shopping list: Sarape beckons back to centuries of merging Native American and European weaving methods. The colorful stripe channels the spirit of summer, especially since this set boasts a sleeveless dress for hot days and a duster for cool, air-conditioned spaces. Tysa dress is $195 and duster is $215.

Vibrant colors, feminine lace and florals, fluid sundresses in all lengths and go-everywhere sneakers are among fashion’s favorite ways to celebrate summer 2024.

Balmy Gulf Coast summers call for a cool plan and Anne Frechette of The Market & Mainly Shoes has ideas.

“Linens are always a staple in the summer because of their cool and lightweight quality,” she said. “Our warm climate is perfect for shorts, tanks and cool wraps. They are easy and the perfect look for summer days and nights. It’s easy to pack for travel with easy Sympli knits and Spanx air essentials.”  

When buying pants, everything goes — so wear what is most flattering and comfy.

“Pants are full, cropped, straight and bootleg depending on the fabric and weight,” noted Frechette.

Keep the cool summer vibe going with accessory pops!

Shopping list:  The living is easy in this set by Aquavita. Pants, $88, and duster, $88, team here with a feminine Paige silk white tank, $170.
Shopping list:  Think pink for the win! Rory fuchsia silk dress is $265; sparkling silver accessories are cool and complementary.

“The sling crossbody handbags and fanny packs are the biggest styles now. Many have organizing features and zip pockets,” said Frechette, adding that the tote will never go away as a timeless and functional summer workhorse.

Long, beaded necklaces are a pretty finishing touch. The Market & Mainly Shoes carries lots in versatile creams and neutrals.

“Big horn earrings and bracelets are summery and great to make a fashion statement. Beautiful scarves are always a fabulous accessory,” Frechette added.

Besides summer sneakers, look for “comfort wedges in lots of different fabrics — leather, raffia, metallics and stretchy materials,” said Peggy Woolverton, who buys all footwear for The Market & Mainly Shoes. “Flat slides are big with dresses and pants. We have a beautiful line of handmade Italian sandals from Florence in a variety of heights and beautiful neutral leathers. “

Shopping list:  Northwest Floridians know summer means rain, so why not embrace it with a bold pop of very visible red with this Mycra Pac red slicker raincoat, $435? These white Spanx pants, $128, are uber flattering. Both the pants and the black mockneck top, $78, will be go-everywhere-with-anything staples.

Paige Peters-Rust

Summer grilling or digging in the dirt or playing with her pups are among Paige Peters-Rust’s best-loved ways to chillax.

The Tate High and FSU grad, who has worn many professional hats, is currently a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker.

“I enjoy it as I have always been into home design and renovation work. The people I work with are truly the best,” said Peters-Rust.

“Anything involving the water or a sunset” are Peters-Rust’s favorite Gulf Coast ways to play.

Earthy gardening is also a passion.

“I really enjoy working in the garden. There is just something about beautifying my surroundings with natural elements and really getting my hands dirty.”

Four-legged creatures are close to Peters-Rust’s heart as well.

“While living in Los Angeles, I volunteered with several different rescues for events, pick-ups and transports,” she said. “While there, my daughter and I fostered over 250 dogs ... I wish more people would volunteer to do this.”

Fostering helps dogs unlock their true personalities, thereby making them more adoptable, Peters-Rust explained. She said would-be pup parents unable to make a long-term commitment make ideal foster moms and dads.

“Dogs can sniff out bombs and drugs, detect cancer and impending seizures in humans and alert us to all kinds of dangers. I would love to see them more protected in our society and treated with the respect they truly deserve.”