Summertime is that carefree time of year when Taylor Swift plays in the car — windows down, hair blowing in the wind — during a weekend road trip to the beach. It’s an anything-goes, capricious time of year, and your summer wardrobe can be just as wayward. Whether you’re going to a beachy bonfire or afternoon BBQ, make it your runway for stylish summer fashions. Express yourself with a new carefree look this summer by wearing whimsical fashions and bohemian trends indicative of a beautiful fashionista who has a penchant for organic style. The following are fashion essentials to achieve that blithe essence:
Frivolous Frocks
No garment is more evocative of summer exuberance than a pretty dress. Free People, the humbled authority on Boho and indie designer fashion, adores dresses with subdued hues that flare, ruffle and fringe unexpectedly. This season, FreePeople.com spotlights a collection of folky, feminine looks, including the Garden Party Dress, described as a “vibrantly embroidered sleeveless mini dress” ideal for patio brunch. The Doily Butterfly Dress stuns with its vintage floral print and cascading, “flowing bell sleeves with ruffled hems.” For whimsy gals on a tighter budget, shop casual black dresses at Macys.com and accessorize a dark look with an imperfect side braid, platform wedges, turquoise accents and layered bangles in silver and gold.
Loose Braids, Hair Decor & Accessories
Clear the hair from your face with a sweeping braid across your forehead or braid your hair to the side. Mimic fashion blogger Lauren Conrad’s wavy, tousled hair and loosely bobby pin two braids that start at your forehead toward the back of the head. For a fully swept-up style, braid two sections of your hair on both sides of your head. Pin the braids and remaining hair into a low, messy bun—freeing the shoulders to be kissed by the sun. Braids don’t need to follow rules, so creatively weave your hair any which way. Longhairstyleshowto.com inspires beautiful braids such as the half-up side fishtail, messy waterfall, braided crown, head braid and braided up-do.

photo by Love Maegan
For more hair expression, offset your bangs and look like a hippie goddess with a leaf motif, floral or multi-gem headband. A boldly colored turban or printed head scarf also creates a retro look while keeping messy flyaways out of your face on a breezy day. Approaching hair decor as a DIY project can release stylish creativity as well. Craft a soft pink and champagne-colored floral crown by gluing silk artificial flowers to a headband using wire and a hot glue gun. The Blog “Flashes of Style” provides a simple tutorial on how to craft a DIY floral crown, from flower cutting to gluing petals.
To accessorize a bohemian outfit, don’t feel restricted to the concept of matching or simplicity. Adorn yourself with plenty of accessories and throw on contradictory pieces. Long necklaces accented with feathers, stones and eclectic charms, such as a horn, skeleton key or soaring bird create that artistically free style. Check out Mr. Kate’s how-to on designing a tribal print wrap bracelet. Cut strips of old leather, paint geometric tribal designs and glue beads as an added touch. Tie the tapered ends and your wrist is a decorated piece of art.








