How to Wear Spring and Summer 2021 Fashion Trends (and a Few I'll Pass on!)

Every year at the beginning of spring and fall, I love looking at all the new fashion trends in magazines and online. It's one of my favorite ways to find outfit inspiration! 

I don't like to buy into fads or of-the-moment trends, but I do enjoy seeing what's on the runway and figuring out how to transfer those looks to real life. It's fun to see if I have any of those items in my closet already and if there are some I simply can't replicate...and therefore can't live without. I especially like finding new looks that are truly unique but not too over-the-top. The goal is to look just different enough to stand out without looking dated. 

With that in mind, here are the top 12 spring and summer 2021 fashion trends I'm seeing everywhere. As always, I'm sharing my honest opinions, tips, and tricks. I also curated my favorite shoppable picks for the upcoming season in LIKEtoKNOW.it, so you can see exactly how I plan to incorporate these trends into my own wardrobe!

Black and white

I've always been a huge fan of the contrasting classic black and white look. It's sharp but not stuffy, appropriate in literally any setting and season, and ultra-flattering on everyone. You can pull it off effortlessly in so many ways — and probably with several things you already own.

Bra tops

I won't even sugarcoat it; I'm not a fan of this trend. I don't mind a lacy bra top showing through a sheer blouse, but that's the only way I would wear this look. It's hard to imagine actually going anywhere or doing anything productive in just a bra!

Midriff "Flossing"

This is another trend I just can't get on board with. If you're unfamiliar with midriff flossing, the term refers to skirts with several ties that wrap around the stomach. It seems like far too much work and personally, I don't need anything pinching my sides more than my waistband already does!

Floaty maxi dresses

Now here's a fashion trend I can (and do!) totally get into. It's amazing how perfectly put-together a maxi dress makes you look, isn't it? Almost without fail, I get several compliments when I'm out wearing one. Floaty maxi dresses have a distinct air of glamour, yet no outfit could be easier — just throw one on and go! I find maxis so cool (literally figuratively) and breezy, especially in the hot and humid Florida climate. 

Baggy trousers and statement pants

This trend may be difficult to embrace if you're a devoted skinny pants lover, but consider giving it a chance. I actually love a great pair of statement pants (or shoes or top or piece of jewelry for that matter...), but they're not entirely effortless. My caution with baggy or wide-leg pants is to not overdo it. Make sure the bagginess isn't too much and balance the look with a feminine, fitted top to make it more flattering.

Cape details

This look provides a lot of drama and I could take it or leave it at this point. I can certainly appreciate the whimsical escapism the designers are going for and it's always nice to have a bit of extra arm coverage, especially in chilly air conditioning. I love the look, I'm just not sure what event I'd need a cape for!

Sequins

I really believe this is designers' way of offering fashionistas a much-needed mood boost. After all, what's more fun than a daytime disco?! I'm all about adding some shine to daytime looks, but be careful not to overdo it. I'd suggest wearing a sequin tee or blazer with staple pieces like jeans. 

Cutouts

I love the open backs I'm seeing in a lot of items right now, and the smaller peekaboo details are also fun. Cutout dresses seem to be a bit too fussy and in my opinion, they're a "one-and-done" look, but I'm much more open to seeing this trend in bodysuits. Pare the drama down a bit with jeans or trousers and you have a winning look.

Corsets

Admittedly, I was quick to dismiss this trend until I looked at several variations. Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of wearing undergarments as clothing — but hey, that's what makes us all unique. I did, however, find a few corset looks that I thought were relevant and could translate to everyday life.

Fishnet clothing

Much like sequins and corsets, I think fishnet anything should be worn sparingly. There are so many variations now, so if you love the look of fishnet, purchase one versatile item you can wear in many ways. Think a lightweight cardigan or top that can be layered over other pieces.

Stripes

I love all the stripes popping up for spring and summer! Stick with the classics and find lines and color combinations (like black and white — two birds, one stone!) that flatter your frame. I don't believe horizontal stripes always make you look larger, but some are so exaggerated that they look like prison uniforms, and that look isn't flattering on anyone!

Hoodies and skirts

Maybe I'll come around in a season or two, but hopefully I don't have to, because I don't find this trend attractive at all. The idea is to make traditional ladylike looks more modern, but to me, it falls a bit flat. 

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These are just some of the trends in my Like To Know It Picks. See them all at https://www.liketoknow.it/Chacha-Olivia

So there you have it — the hottest fashion trends for spring and summer 2021. Which ones are you most excited about? Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook and tag me in your outfit photos so I can see what you come up with!

Fashionably Yours,

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10 Reasons to Plan Your Outfit the Night Before

At the beginning of the year, I issued a friendly challenge to shop your own closet and join me in what I call the “gas and groceries diet” for the month of January. In a private Facebook group I created, I began sharing tips on how to get more wear out of clothes you already own and thin out the items that don't serve you.

The women who joined the group are having such great success (yay!), so I decided to expand on it and offer more suggestions on how to “dress without stress.” Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite strategies for stress-free fashion: planning your outfit at night! It's such a simple concept requiring very little effort, but it has a tremendous impact. Picking out your outfit at night is so much easier and less stressful than doing it in the morning when you're trying to rush out the door. I find it to be very similar to a to-do list in that it helps things run a little more smoothly and makes me feel better prepared. 

Read on for my tips to save time (and sanity!) by choosing your outfit at night. And if you're interested in joining the "shop your closet" challenge group, we'd love to have you! There's still plenty of room, and we continue to share stress-free dressing and fashion tips like these.

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There are some obvious benefits to having more time in the morning: you can enjoy your coffee or tea more peacefully and generally take your time without feeling pressure to rush around. Beyond that, evidence shows that starting your morning a bit more intentionally boosts productivity and sharpens focus.

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Along the same lines, slower mornings directly correlate to reduced stress levels. Even making minor decisions — i.e., what to wear — adds an element of stress, even if we don't necessarily realize it. Something as simple as picking out your outfit the night before goes a long way in eliminating this!

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This one doesn't need any explanation. If you have even just a few spare minutes in the morning, it means more sleep!

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By giving yourself more time to plan your outfit, you have the ability to think more about the next day. For example, you can check the weather or consider whether you want to go straight from work to somewhere else. 

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We've all been there: you're halfway through your workday and realize there's a noticeable stain on your shirt. How long has that been there? Avoid this scenario (or other equally mortifying situations, like a missing button) when you take the time to check your outfit over the night before

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Do you ever feel like you have bursts of creative flows in the evening? There may be a scientific reason for that! Melatonin, which is directly linked to “more flexible thinking” (i.e., creativity), is naturally higher at night. The mind shifts from primarily black-and-white thinking, focusing on the day's responsibilities, to more creative thought processes. So not only are you more likely to want to plan your outfits in the evening, you're also more likely to make more colorful, bolder choices. 

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By taking the time at night you have more of a chance to change around your looks because you utilize everything we would learn in the shop your closet challenge and pick things that you normally don't pull out. 

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Putting more effort in always results in a confidence boost — and who among us couldn't use more of that?!

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If you have plenty of time to put your outfit together in the evening, chances are good that you'll also think about accessorizing. This little luxury is easy to completely overlook when you're rushing around in the morning, but it goes a long way in tying your outfit together and making it feel more complete. 

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I don't know about you, but some of my favorite clothing items require ironing or steaming. It drives me crazy! However, if I think ahead at night about what I plan to wear the following day, I have sufficient time to get that steaming or ironing done. Along those same lines, planning your outfit at night gives you time to sew that button back onto your favorite blouse or quickly fix the hem on your go-to pants. 

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Remember, fashion should be fun! Implementing some of these tips can get you some of your time and energy back, help you have calmer mornings, and may even result in bolder, more fashionable outfits. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram @therealchachaolivia and let me know which of these tips works for you, and be sure to check out the Facebook challenge group as well!

Happy styling, friends!

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Common Mistakes When Shopping for Clothes

How to Avoid the “Fashion Regret”

Have you ever experienced a fashion regret? Trust me you’re not alone! I've fallen into several traps over the years. I have been drawn in by designer names at times and I've purchased things on vacation I didn't really need. I even bought outfits for “that event” that I thought I might attend.  These kind of heat-of-the-moment purchases are what leads to fashion regrets. 

Online ordering is another pitfall. Have you ever ordered something and been surprised by how different it looked in person? This is also similar to not trying things on in the store while shopping. There’s no way to know if it will fit well, or suit us, until we get home. Add a sale to the mix and you’ve got yourself a minefield of bad ideas.

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So how do we avoid these regrets? How do we shop for good style investments?

When I buy clothes, I want to make good investments. I want the clothes to be timeless in style, to last a long time, and to spend more time on me than on the hanger. I have learned how to do this well the hard way. There isn’t anything worse than making a purchase, then regretting it and feeling like I just wasted hard earned money. I have a few questions to keep in mind while you’re shopping to ensure that you won’t make another Fashion Regret.

Download my free Stylist In My Pocket Guide below. It’s my favorite fashion tool in my pocket that I use on my shopping trips.

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Here are some questions I like to think about before making a fashion purchase.

Does it fit my body well?

I can’t even count how many times in the past when I have purchased an item of clothing, only to realize it doesn't fit properly. One recommendation I consistently share with my clients is to try things on to save you the hassle of a return. If you are planning on making countless alterations, you may never be satisfied with the final product. If you are trying to make a decision between sizes it may be best to pass on the items and not purchase at all.

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Will I be comfortable wearing this item?

I often pass on wearing an outfit knowing that is uncomfortable. When I decide what to wear I will ask myself a few questions. Is the jacket too snug in the shoulders making it difficult to drive? Can I walk more than 10 steps without holding onto my husband? When you make a fashion purchase you want to make sure your purchase is comfortable. Move around in an item. Sit, cross your legs, bend squat do whatever you do on a daily basis to be sure the item you are contemplating is comfy. Wear shoes around the department store and don’t just walk on carpeted areas, walk on hard floors too. If there is any doubt, leave it at the store!

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Does this match MY style?

Have you made a purchase based on styles that you admire on other women, rather then the style you know and love? My clients have shared so many similar stories about their fashion regrets based on that same feeling. I encourage my clients to experiment with style, but when it comes to making a commitment to a new look, experiment with one item at a time. Know YOUR OWN STYLE first and think about if you would really wear this new look before making the purchase.

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Does it fit my lifestyle?

Take a moment to really think about your lifestyle….

The early morning school run, cleaning the house, sitting at a desk all afternoon; are your clothes built for this? If you’re not likely to wear your pearls and Chanel to the grocery store, it may be best to stick to some basic staples. On the other hand, if you’re always out on the town or at dinner parties, do you really need another pair of jeans? When you know YOUR style that matches YOUR lifestyle you will see yourself making less mistakes.

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Can I afford it?

Working out if you can afford something goes deeper than the money in your purse. Can you afford to wear the outfit regularly without fear that you’ll ruin it? Can you afford to get it repaired if you do? Sometimes we treat ourselves to clothes that we never end up wearing, because we’re afraid of wasting that money. But clothes are made to be worn, so find a comfortable price range and stick to it.

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Do I have a place to wear it?

A big factor in why a lot of our garments lay unworn, is because we buy them for an occasion that may never come. I see many formal dresses that I feel are perfect for weddings and dinner parties, but I tell myself to hold back until I actually have the event to attend.

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Does it fit a purpose, and fill a gap in my wardrobe?

Now here is a tip for you that will change your shopping experience. Go to the store when you need something will save you a lot of time and money. Pinpointing what you need and why you need it, will help you avoid repetitive buying. Hold the item you’re interested in and ask yourself; what purpose will this item fulfill? Where will I wear it? Will I wear it often? Is it something I don’t already own? Is there a deeper reason to purchasing it than ‘I just want it’?

P.S I offer a Virtual Styling App that you can load your entire wardrobe and scroll through as you’re shopping!

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Can I wear it with at least 3 other things in my wardrobe?

Three is the magic number! Before you buy an item, think about what you have at home to pair with it. Imagine what the garment will look like with 2-3 other pieces. Can you match this item with your favorite jacket? Or does the top fit with your favorite skirt? If you can pair this item with least 2-3 items, you will be more satisfied with this purchase.

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Don’t fall for that BOGO sale every time! Do I really want this item, or is it just part of a tempting deal?

Impulse sale buying can definitely lead to fashion regrets and clothes you don’t wear. How often do you buy clothes that are part of a buy-one-get-one-free deal? That free item...do you wear it often? Deals often trick us into thinking we are saving money! Don’t fall for it if you weren’t planning on buying the item anyway, you’re only spending more money, and giving up more space in your closet. Closet space is so valuable so think about that when a sales sign catches you.

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Does the brand name matter in my closet?

It can be easy to be drawn to an item because it’s a name brand. The newest “It” bag or The must have designer shoes of the season are so beautiful and on everyone’s wish list. Does it mean we have to have them or are you drawn to them because of the logo? Imagine taking the name/logo off the item. Would it still be as appealing? This might save you a few dollars when you get tempted by that favorite brand name.

Fashionably Yours,

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10 Tips for Wardrobe Success

Setting You and Your Closet Up for Fashion Success.

Most women are familiar with the aggravation that comes with walking into your closet and not being able to easily piece together a stylish outfit that you feel comfortable in. When your closet is full of items that are ill fitting, stained, outdated, and unorganized, getting dressed becomes an aggravating and longer routine. 

Setting you and your closet up for fashion success can be accomplished with these 10 tips – 5 from Theo Pace, founder and personal stylist at Chacha-Olivia, and 5 from Jess, professional organizer and founder of The POP Home.

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Before embarking on any type of style work (or organization), I recommend a good closet cleanse. If you're good at staying on top of your wardrobe and regularly assess what you own and wear, then you may only need a little "touch up." 

1. Don't keep anything with holes or stubborn stains.

Keep a running list of the items that need replacing so you can search them out and fill any gaps they may leave in your closet.

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2. Don't keep things out of guilt.

Hand-me-downs are notorious for taking up space in our wardrobe. If you feel comfortable, ask the giver if they'd like it back or would like you to donate it. If you haven't worn it and it's not really you, it doesn't need to take up real estate in your closet and your mind!  Remember this tip the next time you accept a hand-me-down. 

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3. Do keep your basics

White tee shirts and blouses, layering pieces, classic blazers, and trousers are always great items to have in your wardrobe. 

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4. Do not keep uncomfortable shoes

If you never wear a pair of shoes because they hurt too much or you need to hold onto someone while you are walking, it is probably time to let them go. So, let them go.

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5. Do not keep anything that doesn't make you feel confident. Period.

If you are always questioning how you look (or feel) in an outfit, chances are you will never feel confident in it.

"I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence." -YSL

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Once you have completed a thorough closet purge, leaving only the best of what you have, it is time to organize your wardrobe. Establishing an organized closet space will not only allow ease when getting dressed, but it will also make your closet a beautiful space. 

6. Organize by occasion and then by color

I recommend three main departments of hanging clothes in your closet that make getting dressed a breeze. 

Department One: Everyday Wear
The clothes for everyday life, taking the kids to school, meeting with friends, running errands, etc. 

Department Two: Business or Business Casual Attire
The items you would wear to a meeting or possibly a charity event or school function. 

Department Three: Cocktail and Formal Wear
Items that are not worn as regularly, so they should be kept further to the back of the closet. 

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7. Color code to beautify

Once you have the items that you would like to keep separated in the departments, order them by color. In my own closet, I take it one step further and organize by sleeve length as well, it goes from tank tops to long sleeves. 

Though color coding is not a totally necessary part of organizing your wardrobe, this step not only makes it beautiful, but it allows for you to easily find exactly what you need when you need it. There is no sense looking through green business blouses when you need a green tank for a kid’s baseball game. 

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8. To maximize space, use drawer dividers and shelf dividers

I LOVE both of these tools and feel that they are far underutilized in master closets. The drawer dividers are a lifesaver. 

The KonMari Method of file folding may work in some homes, but it does not work in mine. With my husband and I both folding the laundry, there is not always a consistent technique. The drawer dividers ensure that each item stays in its place within the drawer, keeping it from turning into a mess of clothing. They are a practical solution for organized perfection.

The shelf dividers allow for open shelving to remain organized and more importantly, utilized. This is valuable closet real estate that can be used in many ways, including for purses, scarves, and shorts. 

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9. Use the same hangers

This one seems so simple, but makes the BIGGEST difference. There are options that fit every budget. These are my favorite and typically run about $40 for a pack of 100. They are durable, don’t leave annoying creases in the shoulders of blouses or sweaters, and maximize space. Also, they look great!

Pro tip: when you remove an item from the hanger, do not leave the hanger in its place. Designate a hanger spot where all the empty hangers live until they are to be used again. This will keep the racks neat and orderly and help you cut down on the time you spend searching for hangers when putting the laundry away. 

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10. Get your shoes off of the floor

No matter the size or style of your master closet, there is a shoe storage solution that will work for you. 

If you are storing shoes on shelves and need to maximize your space to allow for more shoes, I recommend using these Shoe Slotz. If you’re lucky enough to have tons of space for your shoes and need to keep them all in their place, the Stackable Shoe Drawers are awesome. 

Over the door solutions are really great if you do not have any space for shoes, and you are storing them on the floor. 

The goal here is to get the shoes off the floor to get rid of the clutter. You will be far less likely to toss your dirty clothes on the floor if nothing else is there. 

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A purged and organized closet that is practical, organized, and perfect is attainable for everyone, if these 10 tips are followed to create your perfect space. If you are having trouble tackling this project on your own, reach out for a consultation – we would love to set you and your closet up for wardrobe success! 

To find out more about The Pop Home and founder Jess’s offerings, head to her site here.

Happy Organizing!,

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I challenge you...to shop your closet

Several years ago, I ran a shop in Massachusetts with a close friend of mine. We frequently did what we called "Bloomingdale's runs" after work to buy little things we didn't carry in our store, like makeup. One day I asked her if she wanted to come with me and she said no because she was on a "gas and groceries diet." When I asked her what she meant, she explained that she was committed to buying only what she absolutely needed for the month – gas and groceries. I was floored. How brilliant! And wow, what a challenge! 

I have since made the "gas and groceries diet" my own January tradition every year. It's a perfect time to implement this because I'm spent out from the holidays, both literally and figuratively. I'm going to venture a guess that many of you feel the exact same way, yes? If so, I'd love to have you join me in this year's challenge. The New Year is a wonderful time to try something like this because most of us are recovering from the "holiday spending hangover." It's also not a traditional "resolution" that you need to stick with all year long. Plus, you have my help!

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As you may have guessed, my personal version of the gas and groceries diet is centered around clothes. In the winter months, it's easy to quickly get bored with the clothing items we keep pulling out to wear. That initial excitement from the fall about wearing chunky sweaters and tall boots is long gone, replaced by annoyance over yet another cold, dreary day and having to wear our warmest winter coat again. 

This is where "shop your closet" comes into play. Much like the gas and groceries diet, this challenge requires that you don't purchase new clothing unless you absolutely need it (and let's be honest, most of us don't truly need any new clothes). Instead, you challenge yourself to look at your wardrobe with a fresh perspective and repurpose items that you don't typically wear. A closet refresher like this can help you hone in on the clothing items you gravitate towards, as well as determine which items you should keep, donate, and/or sell. 

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So, are you intrigued enough to want to join me on this fun challenge? Fantastic! I'm creating a private Facebook group to guide people through it, so you'll have my support and help every step of the way. I'll offer tips each week throughout January to help you get more use out of the clothing items you already own. Together, we'll be able to identify what's missing from your wardrobe and we may even redefine your personal style. I'm always amazed after doing this at how I can suddenly love something again that I hadn't worn or even reached for in ages! During January's challenge, I'll also help you take advantage of can't-miss sales on true wardrobe necessities, like jeans and other staple items.

Joining the shop your closet challenge gives you the opportunity to take advantage of free styling advice from me for the entire month! You'll have an all-access pass to me, so you'll be able to ask any questions about styling or fashion that mystify you. I'll share lots of good reads and insider tips throughout the month to walk you through the challenge, and I'll also do a few live Q & A's. 

Want to join in on the fun? All you have to do is drop me an email or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know you're interested. I'll add you to the private group before the challenge goes live on January 11th. You can also subscribe to my email list to download the free "shop your closet challenge" guide. Remember, I'm doing the challenge along with you, so I hope you'll join me. Happy new year, and I can't wait to get this underway!

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