Think about how we dressed ten years ago. Sneakers with jeans or dresses were typically seen as frumpy, unfashionable, or just deemed as “practical”, not cute. Now, sneakers seem to be the #1 shoe people are wearing. And I’m all for it.

Since sneakers have made such a comeback, retailers are making lots of cute options that look great with dresses, skirts, and jeans. (Although I still veto running shoes with anything other than workout clothes.) However, I know it can be a little confusing to know which sneakers to wear with which dresses, so that’s what I’m breaking down today.

I have a handful of sneakers that I wear with cute outfits, and I’m going to share which ones I wear with each type of outfit. I also shared sizing details for each and these no-show socks from Madewell are my absolute favorite and have been for years. Let’s get into it!

What Sneakers to Wear with Dresses – my 3 go-to pairs

1. White Leather Sneakers

Since wearing sneakers with dresses can feel a little strange at first, opting for a dressier sneaker makes all the difference. My favorite pair of dressy sneakers are leather Veja sneakers. Vejas are made in Brazil and have a very classic, almost old-school look. They have very simple coloring, and are comfortable right out of the box. The only con with Veja is that they can be hard to find fully stocked, so you have to be flexible in terms of colorway. I have ordered a handful of random color combinations over the years because it’s all they’ve had in stock, and that’s just how it goes.

I have tried a few different styles from Veja over the last few years and have found that the Veja Esplar and Recife are my favorites. The Campo style is very similar to the Esplar but run a little wider and have at thicker sole. For this reason, I prefer the Esplar for the slightly thinner cut and more feminine look. It’s very difficult to tell the difference though, so if the Campo is all that’s available, get those! And be sure to look at the women’s styles since they can be easily confused with mens!

Since these sneakers are leather, they are immediately a little dressier than most sneakers on the market, making them ideal to style with dresses. I love the chic street-style look they provide. And it doesn’t hurt that I’m comfortable walking and chasing a toddler all day. They look just as great with jeans as well.

They come in European sizes and I’d say to size up if you’re on the fence. I’m a size 6.5 in US sizing and wear a 37 in Vejas.

These Isabel Marant sneakers have been on my wishlist for a while (and I’d style them like I do the Vejas) but gosh, they are pricey!

Sharing my favorite Veja sneaker finds below:

2. Canvas Sneakers

The next sneaker on my list in terms of dressiness are canvas sneakers like Converse Chuck Taylors or espadrilles. When the weather heats up, I pick espadrilles. I found the cutest pair of platform espadrille sneakers last year, and I can’t wait to start wearing them again soon!

The pair I bought last year is called the Seaside Oxford Espadrille from Tory Burch (I also got a pair from H&M that I wore once–those are pictured below as well). Unfortunately they are mostly sold out this year (and they were a bit pricey too), so I’ve been scouring the internet for a good alternative, and I think I hit the jackpot. My espadrille sneaker pick for this year is the Poppy Jute Espadrille Sneaker by Sam Edelman. This style is not a platform, but I honestly find my platform pair to be an ankle-rolling hazard anyway, so I’m in full support of non-platforms this year. I love the natural colorway that’s not a true white. Not only does that help them stay a bit cleaner, but it also makes them easy to style with everything. AND they are much cheaper than the Tory Burch pair I got last year.

Espadrille sneakers are a super fun shoe for spring and summer, and they feel a bit more playful and feminine than the Vejas.

Linking my espadrille sneaker picks below:

3. Sportier Sneakers

The third style of “fashion” sneakers I own are sportier. I actually have a few different pairs of sportier sneakers, so I’m going to share my top 3 picks.

New Balance 327

First are the New Balance 327s, and unfortunately they are hard to find in stock. They’re made with nylon and suede uppers that feel casual yet still on-trend. I wear them with tennis dresses or really casual t-shirt dresses. While they’re definitely not true athletic sneakers so you wouldn’t wear them for workouts, they are comfortable for lots of walking, making them great for travel and vacation.

I have a few different styles of New Balance sneakers, but the 327s are my favorites. They’re unique in that they have a flared midsole, which hugs your foot right at the arch to give the shoe a more narrow look. They also have a fun, high-traction lugged bottom which makes them feel very chic. I own these in a white + black colorway, but I’m always looking for other colors in stock. Like Vejas, these can be hard to find in stock, so get whatever you can snag!

I always go up 1/2 size in sneakers (compared to loafers and heels) so I own a 7 in these. I ordered these later last year, so strangely I don’t have many photos in these where I’m wearing a dress, but I’ll update this post once I have some this spring.

Nike Waffle Debut

Next are the Nike Waffle Debut sneakers. These were best sellers last year (like the 327s are this year) and you could hardly find them in stock. They’re also on the sporty side, but I wouldn’t work out in them. I wear them with tennis dresses since they are comfortable enough to walk in for a handful of miles. I love the neutral colors and the classic swoosh. Thankfully it’s much easier to find these sneakers in stock these days. I also went up 1/2 size in these.

New Balance 237

Last are the New Balance 237s, not to be confused with the 327s above. These are a wider, chunkier style sneaker. They’re casual, comfortable, and look great with tennis dresses, rompers, and other sporty outfits. The insole is pretty flat (even though the shoe does have some lift), so I don’t walk a lot of miles in these. They’re cute, just not great for your arch. Since these are under $100, I own them in a few different colors. They’re so fun to wear! I went up 1/2 size in these.

My favorite sportier sneakers linked below:

I think we can all agree that this sneakers trend is a gift to the world. I’m SO grateful that it’s “cool” to wear comfortable shoes with my dresses these days, and I’m going to be doing so until further notice. I’m not a fan of Golden Goose sneakers, but if you have other sneakers you love, please share!

Shop The Post

The post What Sneakers to Wear with Dresses (my 3 go-to pairs and how to style) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

If you know anything about golf, then you know that the Masters is iconic, and getting tickets is no easy feat. The tournament is steeped in tradition and history, and there are lots of things to know before you go! My first question when I got off the phone: “What do I wear?!” Thankfully, I had lots of Masters veterans to ask.

In today’s post, I’ll share exactly what I wore plus a few outfits that were approved by my husband and father-in-law (and a few items are aren’t approved), in hopes that it gives you a little inspiration and guidance when it comes to dressing for the tournament. I sadly won’t be attending this year but I think it’s a good excuse to have a golf-themed party! (I should bust out the caddy outfit from my son’s 1st birthday party that was golf themed!)

I’m no Masters expert but my father-in-law and husband are so feel free to ask questions if you’re attending this year and I’ll get them to weigh in!

What to Wear to the Masters Golf Tournament

Sneakers

The first thing my father-in-law said to me when he saw some of the pictures I sent him was: “sandals are a rookie mistake”. Note taken. I should have figured, considering I knew we’d be walking for HOURS and standing on our feet most of the day. Another follower of mine said that sandals are not only a rookie move, they’re also a diva move ;). She said wearing comfortable sneakers (or even golf shoes) shows you’re really there for golf. Don’t believe me? Just google photos of Meredith Scheffler at Scottie’s matches. It’s always sneakers. When we were at Augusta last year, we saw a woman walking in giant platform sandals and even heard a couple players making fun of her. Yikes but hilarious. (Unless you’re the woman trying not to break your ankles all day.)

I wore my favorite Veja sneakers since I had already broken them in (you can see a glimpse of them in the photos above), and I was confident I wouldn’t get blisters in them. As much as I LOVE my espadrille sneakers (shown below), I hadn’t worn them enough to verify that they’d be blister-free after hours of walking. Plus, I was worried I might roll my ankle in them since they’re platforms.

The outfit below is a great option for The Masters, and everything I’m wearing in the photo is still available. The blue dress is a linen blend and perfect for spring weather, the platform espadrilles are a great combination of cute and practical for walking, and my Le Specs sunglasses are really affordable (and SUPER durable).

Masters Approved Sneakers

Dresses

One of the things I love about golf is that it’s a “dressy” sport. Wearing a polished, appropriate outfit is important, and the Masters is no exception! A nice sundress is a perfect option for a day at Augusta. Just be careful not to wear something too short, since you may end up sitting in the grass for some of the day. Since the weather is usually in the 70s or 80s, a lightweight dress in a cotton or linen blend will likely be perfect.

Pro-tip: wear a pair of short biker shorts underneath your dress. This way, you aren’t concerned about your underwear showing if a gust of wind blows your dress, or if you’re sitting on the grass. This is also a toddler-mom trick for wearing dresses at home.

Before I share all of my favorite Masters approved dresses, I wanted to call out this PERFECT dress from Byrdie Social. How ideal is this color!? It buttons all the way down, and has contrasting floral shorts that come with it too. How cute!

Masters Approved Dresses

Matching Sets

If the idea of wearing a dress all day feels out of your comfort zone, a matching set is a good option. One of the outfits I considered was this purple short set since it’s still feminine and looks put together, but it’s a little more casual than a dress. A set like this looks natural with sneakers and a golf hat too, making it a great option if you prefer to wear something a little sportier. If you know you’ll be sitting on the grass, then shorts are an easy choice. This matching set is one of my favorite outfits and perfect for the Masters. The Rails top comes in multiple colors, as do the matching shorts. The Rails top is available in a berry color on Revolve, which ships in two days for free, so if you’re a pinch, order from there.

Masters Approved Sets

White Jeans and a Blouse

If you happen to go to the Masters on an unusually cool day, a pair of white jeans is an appropriate outfit choice. While blue jeans, in general, aren’t golf appropriate, white jeans are an exception. My white jeans are by Madewell and fit TTS. My floral blouse is old J.Crew from last year, but this Tuckernuck find is very similar. The shoes I’m wearing below are the same Vejas I ended up wearing the day-of.

Masters Approved Cool Weather Outfits

Golf Attire

Another appropriate option for the Masters is true golf attire. You’ll see some women wearing a golf dress or skort, with a collared top tucked in. If this sounds most comfortable to you, then go for it! This post has cute women’s golf clothes.

Masters Approved Ladies Golf Attire

Hats

Since you’ll be outdoors all day, you will want a hat — even if you don’t plan to wear it all day. Some women will wear dressier sun hats, while others will opt for a traditional golf hat (this is more my style). If you do opt for a golf hat, buy a Masters hat at the tournament instead of wearing a different brand. The same friend who gave me the sandals-are-a-diva-move tip also said that wearing another brand (or golf course) logo, is bad form. It would be like showing up to a fashion show wearing another brand on your chest. Choose a golf hat that’s unbranded, or buy a Masters hat at the tournament.

Masters Approved Hats

Sunglasses

Practical, and a cute accessory. I wore my tried and true Le Specs Bandwagon sunglasses, but I also love this super affordable pair of retro sunglasses from Amazon.

Sunglasses I’m Loving

A small purse

There is a small bag policy at the Masters, so you’ll want to do some quick measuring before you show up. Bags must be 10” x 10” x 12” or smaller, so a small crossbody bag is a great choice. You’ll want to carry your sunglasses, a small bottle of sunscreen, your wallet or card holder, and maybe a lip gloss or too. Since you can’t bring your phone in anyway, don’t worry about it fitting. This Caterina Bertini shoulder bag would be really cute, or this belt bag from Byrdie Social Wear.

I have blog post with my favorite stadium-approved bags that may be helpful as well.

Masters Approved Purses

Sunscreen

Like I just mentioned above, throw a small bottle of sunscreen in your purse. You’ll be outside in the sun (assuming there’s no rain…), so you’ll want to be prepared. I was NOT prepared last year and ended up with a pretty bad sunburn. This is my very favorite face sunscreen.

What NOT to wear or bring to the Masters

Your cell phone

One of the iconic traits of the Masters is that cell phones are prohibited. But no need to fret if being out-of-reach makes you nervous. There are banks of free phones you can use right off the first fairway, and then a second set near the eighth tee, so write down the phone numbers of anyone you plan to call. As heavenly as it was to be cell phone free for an entire day, I wanted to check in on my toddler a few times, so we just let our nanny know to accept phone calls from Augusta.

Other electronic devices

This includes cameras (unless you’re there for the practice rounds).

Sandals

Like I said above, rookie move. I am SO thankful I wore sneakers last year.

Strollers

Strollers aren’t allowed at the Masters, so this is a great time to have an adults-only getaway, or to bring your kids once they’re walking and will enjoy a full day of golf.

Food and drinks

There’s no need to bring your own food or drinks anyway, since the food at the Masters is truly iconic. I got a peach ice cream sandwich and a club sandwich. And of course, be sure to wash those down with an Azalea cocktail. I really loved the beer they had and I’m not much of a beer person!

Fun fact: did you know that the prices of the food at the Masters are intentionally cheap? I LOVE this. Considering how expensive tickets are for the Masters itself, the affordable concessions are a welcomed bonus.

For now, that’s all I’ve got!

If you’ve been to the @themasters, share your pro tips in the comments. And if you know a friend who is going, be sure to share this with them!

Shop The Post

The post What to Wear to the Masters Golf Tournament (and what NOT to wear!) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

When you’re used to a very slim fitting pant and then try something looser, it definitely feels different. But now that I’m used to them, I LOVE mom jeans. They’re more comfortable, flattering, easier to dress up and down, and definitely on-trend. I haven’t worn skinny denim jeans in months because I love mom jeans so much.

But I also understand that learning what shoes look best with them feels a little challenging at first (mostly because you’re also getting used to how the new jeans look and feel on your frame!). In this post, I’m going to share how I style the mom jeans in my closet, what shoes I don’t like to wear with them, and give you a few ideas mom jeans outfit ideas. While I’m not quite back into my regular jeans yet (I just had a baby!) I’m getting SO excited to wear the items in my closet again. I thought it’d be fun to refresh this post as I’m looking at my own closet and dreaming of fun outfits.

The below video also shows you how various shoes look with my longest pair of mom jeans and what shoes NOT to wear!

What Shoes to Wear with Mom Jeans

What are mom jeans?

Before we jump right into the shoes I like to wear with my mom jeans, we should define what mom jeans are. When you google “mom jeans”, you’ll see a TON of different styles pop up. But in general, mom jeans are high waisted jeans that are fitted in the waist and bum and looser down the leg. If you think back to the early 90’s, mom jeans are what you’d see Kelly Kapowski wearing in the high school halls of Saved by the Bell. They aren’t quite baggy (those are usually called Boyfriend jeans), but they’re looser fitting than skinny jeans, and have a very traditional shape that tapers down the leg. They can be dressed up or down.

While I’m focusing on mom jeans in this post, if you want more ideas of jeans to wear that are NOT skinny jeans, be sure to check out this post where I share 5 jean styles that aren’t skinny jeans. 

My all time favorite style of mom jeans is the Abercrombie Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean. They’re high waisted, which makes them easy to pair with crop tops without my belly showing. (I feel like so many of the tops on the market right now are cropped short and that’s not the look I’m going for at this point in life!)

Now that we’ve established what a pair of mom jeans looks like, let’s chat about what shoe styles to wear with them.

Loafers

I wear loafers with my mom jeans most often. But to be fair, I wear loafers with all of my jeans most often! I love the polished look and comfortable fit of loafers, and I find that they look great with all styles of pants, including mom jeans.

My favorite loafers are the Loraine style by Sam Edelman. They look very similar to the ever classic Gucci loafers, and they break in with wear to become incredibly comfortable.

If a traditional loafer feels too polished or pulled together, try the slide version of the Sam Edelman loafers. The slide version is more casual and laid back, but still looks polished.

Sneakers

The next pair of shoes I wear with mom jeans most often are sneakers. However (and hear me out on this), they MUST be cute, fashion sneakers. We are not talking about your running shoes here. My favorite white sneakers are Vejas (I have two styles). They’re a low profile, flat sneaker without lift. I have three different styles of Vejas, and I think I like the Veja Recife style best if I had to choose. If you don’t like the look of velcro though, go for the Esplar or Campos styles. They are similar to eachother but the Esplar is just slightly less chunky on the bottom.

You could also wear a platform sneaker, but I find that a low profile sneaker feels the most flattering and age appropriate (I’m nearing 40, and I’m not super into the big white chunky sneaker look that the younger kids are into!).

A long puffer coat looks great with these straight leg jeans, and I also really love the look of sneakers with a cropped black leather jacket too.

Heels

Heels are probably simplest thing to pair with mom jeans! Since mom jeans are not typically cropped, I find that they’re usually the perfect length for heels (never too short). I love that heels elongate my legs and dress these, otherwise casual, jeans up a tad. You can wear both open toed sandals like these Kia Block heels from Sam Edelman and traditional block heel pump like my favorite Zala heels with these jeans.

Booties

Next up, booties. I find that ankle booties like these Calabria Steve Madden booties are a great way to dress up a mom jean for a more polished look. I’ve also found that a slightly pointy toe looks better than a really round toe. This may be preference. I don’t recommend pairing mom jeans with knee high boots since the jeans wouldn’t fit well inside of the boot shaft.

Ballet Flats

I can’t believe this, but I don’t actually own ballet flats anymore, and that’s not good considering how popular they are these days! I love the look of a slimmer fit mom jean with ballet flats, so I may just need to invest! Also, I don’t think I’d like ballet flats with the Abercrombie pair of jeans above since they’re long, so I’d likely buy a pair of straight leg jeans like this Liza Ultra High Rise Straight pair. They’re slightly cropped at the ankle bone and tapered throughout the leg, which would look great with ballet flats like these from Rothy’s.

What Shoes Pair Best with Mom Jeans In Winter?

Since it’s currently winter when I’m sharing this post, all of the shoes above apply! In the summer, I’ll still wear loafers and fashion sneakers and will also wear them with slide sandals once it warms up. But, once the the Southern humidity kicks in, then I’ll trade my mom jeans for my favorite Abercomrbie denim shorts!

• Loafers – Pair them with socks if you’re cold!
• Sneakers
• Booties – This is probably the easiest way to wear them in the winter for warmth purposes.
• Ballet flats

What Shoes Look Best With Black Mom Jeans?

Now comes the question of black jeans. What should you wear with them? While black mom jeans aren’t quite as common as the traditional blue jeans, they’re still amazing. They’re the perfect wash for the colder months, and they can also be a great dressy option. I find that I prefer to dress black jeans up rather than wear them with more relaxed outfits, but there’s no wrong way to wear them. You can easily pair black jeans with all of the shoes from above. But I prefer a black shoe with black jeans to create a more streamlined, polished look.

Black booties

The key to this look is to make sure the shaft of the booties is tall enough that you don’t see your leg. If your jeans are already long, then this won’t be an issue. If you’re wearing cropped mom jeans, this is when you’ll want to wear a skinny ankle bootie that fits into the pant. Ideally, you’ll also want a very slim fitting bootie so that your ankle doesn’t look super wide!

Any color ballet flats

I’d prefer to wear a cropped pair of mom jeans with ballet flats for a super chic (almost European) look. I’m eyeing this pair of Rothy’s ballet flats.

Sneakers

This goes without saying! Just a pair of cute fashion sneakers.

Clogs

I LOVE clogs for colder weather, and I find they look great with a slightly cropped jean. These aren’t technically “true” mom jeans (who makes the rules?) but they aren’t skinny or flare jeans so I’m including them here.

• Black heels or pumps – This is probably the simplest way to wear black mom jeans. The pair I’m wearing below is also from Abercrombie and has a fun leather moment on the bottom. My black heeled sandals are the Kia Block from Sam Edelman.

I hope this post helps you feel confident when you’re wearing mom jeans!

If it feels strange at first, that’s normal. I was so used to skinny jeans for so long that I needed a few people to affirm that mom jeans did indeed look good on me before I felt totally confident. I feel like that’s a pretty normal experience for anything that’s different than your norm: a new haircut or hair part, a new makeup look, etc. Figuring out your personal style is always a little bit of a challenge. But I hope these shoe recommendations give you a good starting point for styling your mom jeans outfits.

I always appreciate when you shop for items using the links within my blog posts! These affiliate links earn a commission which helps keep this blog running. Thank you for supporting my blog!!

Shop The Post

The post What Shoes to Wear with Mom Jeans (from an actual mom) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

So that’s what I’m talking about today in this post: the awkwardly cold days that aren’t quite cold enough to elicit a full blown winter ensemble, but still won’t allow for shorts because it’s officially fall. You know when it’s freezing in the morning but then by the afternoon you’re sweating in your sweater? Yes, those are the days I’m talking about.

So, let’s say the temperature when you’re getting ready for the day is 47 degrees and in today’s post, I’ll share tips to help you get dressed. I’m also going to share a roundup of practical outfits that I’m actually wearing these days that keep you warm when it’s cold and that are easy enough to take off when the temperature rises.

What To Wear in 40 Degree Weather

First, let’s talk about some basic wardrobe needs for fall fall/early winter.

Denim

Denim is a no brainer for confusing weather. It can be worn year round, and (if you have the right pair!) it’s comfortable and flattering. I find that I wear jeans almost any time I’m not in workout clothes, at least in the cooler months. For weather that’s unpredictable, you can feel confident that a pair of jeans will be the right choice almost 100% of the time.

I have lots of jeans in my closet (you can see a peek at all my jeans in my closet cleanout post), but the most versatile pair I own is by MOTHER. They’re stretchy and comfortable, a versatile wash (not too casual and not too dressy) and they’re cropped at the ankle, making them easy to pair with all sorts of shoes. If you want jeans at a lower price point, check out my favorite Madewell jeans and Abercrombie jeans.

For 40 degree weather, I usually opt for Vejas sneakers or laid back loafers with jeans.

Leggings or Joggers

On the off chance that I’m not wearing jeans (which, if we’re honest, is most days now that I’m in my third trimester), I’m wearing a dress, leggings or joggers. While I was turned-off of athleisure outfits for many years, I’m appreciating them much more these days. Comfort is king, especially while chasing a toddler around the house.

I’ve learned that if I still do my makeup and style my hair, I can feel pulled-together, and even polished, in workout clothes, despite how comfy they are. I’ve also starting buying athleisure that’s a little more “fun” than just a basic pair of black running leggings. In 40 to 60-degree weather, leggings are always a warm enough, but still breathable option. Amazon has some great athleisure finds lately.

Side note if you’re a runner: Leggings and a short sleeve top or tank is also my preferred 40 degree weather running outfit since it helps keep the moisture away from your body while still keeping you somewhat warm.

Layers

Layers are KEY for awkward weather. This usually means a lightweight sweatshirt for me – I love this cream sweatshirt from Nordstrom because it’s oversized (great for a bump) and cozy but not sloppy. I like knowing that I have an extra layer to throw on if I feel cold, but my outfit is complete without it if I don’t wear it. There’s nothing worse than warming up and having to keep a sweatshirt on because you didn’t wear anything underneath! I’m sweating just thinking about that scenario.

For days that start out cold and warm up throughout the day, I like to dress for the warmer weather that I’m expecting at the end of the day, and layer on top of that warm weather outfit. Then I’m prepared for either.

Lightweight jackets

Lightweight jackets definitely fall under the “layers” category above, but I felt like they deserved their own spot. In the late fall/early winter, I generally don’t like to pull out my heavier down puffer coats or insulating jackets just yet, and I appreciate having a lighter weight option.

I recently ordered this quilted puffer coat from Amazon in the green color. It’s lightweight but (hopefully) warm enough to wear with the AC running, and the color is fun and happy, which is so appreciated in a sea of muted fall tones. I got a size medium in hopes that it will fit my bump. I’ll report back! I also own a quilted jacket from Amazon (mine is unavailable now, but this is similar) that I wore non-stop last fall.

Sneakers

Shoes are slightly less complicated in weather like this since sandals and flip flops are out of the question, and you just need something that keeps your foot comfortable all day. I opt for a cute pair of sneakers 85% of the time. I wear them year round, and they’re great with jeans, leggings, shorts, and even dresses.

40 Degree Weather Outfits

Now that we’ve broken down the basics, let’s get into some outfit inspo. I’ll share a handful of outfits I’ve worn recently, and a few that are in my head to wear soon. I hope these help inspire you to make outfits out of things in your own closet.

Here’s what to wear in 40-degree weather that warms up to 50 degrees or even 60 by the end of the day. Keep in mind that I’m 7 months pregnant, so you’ll have to use your imagination when planning outfits sans-bump.

Jeans and a sleeveless sweater

The simplest way to dress for confusing cool weather is with a great pair of jeans and sleeveless sweater. This outfit says, “I know it’s fall and I’m participating, but I will not sweat.” The jeans I’m wearing are Abercrombie maternity jeans, but the same style comes in a regular fit as well. I have the non-maternity version in the Curve Love fit (which has a tiny bit more room in the hips and glutes). Both the maternity and non-maternity options are SO good. (I have an entire blog post dedicated to Abercrombie jeans since I love them so much.)

My sleeveless sweater is an older Nordstrom find, but I linked a few similar options in this LTK post.

A shirt dress and tall boots

Another favorite outfit combo of mine in the awkward fall/winter weather is a shirt dress with tall boots. I love this combo for a few reasons, the main being that you can easily roll the sleeves on a shirt dress when it warms up. I’ve been loving this olive green mini shirtdress from Madewell for the last few weeks because the color is very appropriate for fall and winter, and the material is on the thicker end, but it’s still relaxed and loose enough that I’m comfortable as it warms up.

Tall leather boots are also perfect for fall weather because they’re on trend and add another aspect of coverage for the cooler part of the morning. My boots are by Madewell as well and are comfortable right out of the box. (I always go up 1/2 size in boots.)

If the temps stay cool and you need another layer, try styling a blazer on top of the dress. And while you’re shopping from Madewell, add this chocolatey brown tote to your cart and thank me later. BEST. BAG. EVER. It fits a laptop.

Leggings and a tshirt

Like I mentioned above, if I’m not wearing jeans, I like to wear leggings. And of course, a sweatshirt (actually the same sweatshirt I mentioned above in a different color because I love it so much), so that I have a layer. The leggings I’m wearing are a GREAT Amazon find. They’re about 90% as good as Lululemon and crazy affordable. I bought an XS pre-pregnancy and they’re still working at 28 weeks pregnant but I’ll size up to a Small if I buy another pair.

And a quick note about the New Balance sneakers: if you can find them in stock, snag them as fast as you can. They’re the most comfortable sneaker in my closet right now. I got a half size up from my normal shoe size.

A knit dress

While this knit dress from Madewell is short sleeve, the material and pattern is perfect for fall. It’s comfortable and stretchy (great for a growing bump), but feels very pulled together and cute. I styled it with clogs, which are my go-to heeled shoe in the fall. And everything I’m wearing is from, you guessed it, Madewell. If it’s truly too cold to leave the house in short sleeves in the morning, throw a solid colored blazer on top. I have an XS in the dress and blazer.

Bottom Line

I hope these outfit ideas help inspire you when you’re getting dressed in this weird in-between weather! You can see what I’m wearing everyday on the LTK app (follow @terilynadams), and shop and save my outfits. I always share sizing details as well. You can also bookmark this page if you prefer to shop without an app!

Shop The Post

The post What to Wear in 40 Degree Weather appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

Best Dresses for Family Photos + tips to pick your most flattering option!

And while it can be difficult to navigate kid’s attitudes, I’d argue to say that the worst part of family photos is not wrangling your kids, but rather it’s finally getting the gallery back and not liking how you look in the pictures. After all of the effort it took to get your family to smile in photos, not loving how you look in them is so disappointing. Especially when you’re paying a professional photographer!

One of the most asked questions I get on a regular basis is, “What should I wear for my upcoming family photos?” And as someone who poses for photos daily and shops for a living, I do think I’m a decent resource when it comes to this question. I’m also a mom to a very active almost-3-year-old who doesn’t love pictures. So, when I tell you I get it, I get it. Plus, my content manager also does photography on the side. So, between the two of us, I think we can help you out with some outfit ideas!!

Thankfully, I’ve learned a few things over the last few years. It helped me make sure that I look and feel my best in our family pictures, regardless of how the rest of the evening goes. I’ve gotten one too many galleries back where I haven’t liked how I looked, including last fall’s pictures! Now, I know what I do like to wear, and what I don’t, for family photos.

These pictures are a couple years old but they are STILL my favorite family photos EVER. (Although, I was actually pretty thrilled with our family beach photos this summer too!)

Dresses for Fall Family Photos

I always opt for dresses for family photoshoots since I think they are the most forgiving and flattering. The last time I wore anything that wasn’t a dress in family photos was for our engagement photos over 5 years ago! So, today I’m sharing the pretty and practical dresses for fall family photos. While I have a bunch of cute dresses in my closet, not all of them work well for family photos.

A cute mini dress may be the perfect option for a date night with Tommy. However, it probably won’t look as good with a toddler on my hip. It wouldn’t look good while sitting in the grass outside or while chasing Thomas down throughout the evening. However a maxi dress will allow me to bend down to grab Thomas. It’ll also allow me to sit in the grass without flashing anyone, and still feels special.

Below I’m going to share the things I think about when picking out a dress for family pictures, and a handful of cute options I’m loving this season. I hope you find something that makes you feel beautiful AND allows you to function as a mom. Let me know if you end up ordering any of these dresses!

What to wear for fall family photos:

Sleeve length and dress length:

First, I wanted to share a couple tips about how I choose what I’m going to wear, and show some examples of what worked vs. what I didn’t love.

Since having Thomas, I’ve learned that I prefer to wear a 3/4 sleeve for family photos. While I have toned arms, there are much more likely to be unflattering angles when wrangling a very active child when wearing cap sleeves or sleeveless options. Part of that is simply knowing what I find looks best on me and part of it is comfort.

Sleeves

If I do opt for a sleeveless or short-sleeved option, I’ll make sure the dress is on the longer side. For last year’s family fall photoshoot, I wore a gorgeous flutter-sleeved, knee length dress that I feel GREAT in for a night out, but I hated how it looked in the photoshoot. I was constantly worried about my booty hanging out or messing with the sleeves and I didn’t feel like it was a very flattering option once I got the photos back. Was it awful? No. Is it my favorite and did I feel my best? Also no.

I think what I learned after wearing a short dress for the beach photos and loving that, it was that I need to balance the top and bottom. If I go for a short dress, I want longer sleeves.

If I go for sleeveless or short sleeved, I want a longer dress, like I wore for Halloween last year.

So, when choosing your outfit, start to pay attention to how you feel in photos in various styles of dresses. A few weeks before photos, gather a few dresses and prop up your camera and take a bunch of photos in various dresses (I use the Lens Buddy app to auto snap photos – it’s easier than the phone camera timer). You’ll likely be able to tell how you FEEL in an option while pictures are being taken and be able to SEE how you look your best.

Shoes:

This really depends on where you’re shooting the photos, the style of your dress and your personal preference. But I’ll share a few things to help you think through it.

If you’re taking photos on the beach, I’d go barefoot or wear a simple sandals.

If you’re taking photos on grass, a trail or rocky area and really want to wear heels, bring a pair of flat sandals for walking in between locations and then slip your heels on when you get to each area. I did this for our maternity photoshoot and for both of our fall photoshoots and it worked well.

Since I’m so short (5’1″), I typically prefer heels but always bring two options and always choose a block heel option for easier walking and balance.

And if you’re wearing a very long dress that barely shows your feet, opt for a very neutral sandal so it will just kind of disappear.

Okay, now let’s get into some specific examples of dresses that I think would work well on most people!

The Thea Twofer Sweater Dress

When I saw this Thea Twofer Sweater dress, my immediate thought was that it would be perfect for fall family photos. There are so many things to love about it! The long sleeves are important to me because I tend to feel insecure about how my arms look in photos when I wear certain things. I like the idea of being able to grab thomas, throw him into the air, and hold him all without worrying about if my arms look ok (but there’s a GREAT sleeveless option if you feel differently). I also love the maxi length of this dress because it feels dressy and special. I’ve found that while a maxi dress may seem “fancier” than a mini dress, they are actually so much easier to wear around kids because you’re never overthinking when you have to bend down!

The colorway is another reason I love this maxi. The olive green is such a great fall option and easy to style with plenty of other colors for your family. I think I’d style this dress with nude heeled sandals or clogs

The Somerset Maxi Dress

Next is the Somerset Maxi Dress from Anthropologie. You have the best of both worlds with a fall patterned floral and a tiered maxi that still somehow feels cool enough to wear in the south for “fall” photos. I love that you could easily tie in greens or pinks or reds with the rest of the family. And you’d get a ton of use out of this dress for church, parent events for your kid’s school, or a date night. I’d even wear this to a wedding if it was not a super formal affair!

Pair this with black heeled sandals and you’re golden.

Taupe Bellagio Knit Dress

I’ve never eyed a dress more in my life! Unfortunately I feel certain this Taupe Bellagio Knit Dress from Mirth will be too long on me (I’m 5’1″), but if you are taller than me, I hope you’ll consider wearing this gorgeous sweater dress for your family photos this fall. I love the idea of a more neutral toned theme! I’m a fan of this dress for similar reasons to the first: it has sleeves which help with any arm insecurities, and the length is super easy to wear while wrangling kids. You could style this with tall leather boots or opt for a dressier strappy heel.

If you’re pregnant, I think this would be gorgeous with a bump too!

Rosewood Chintz Crawford Dress

Next up is a mini dress (and some thoughts on why I’d still wear it!). Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I prefer to wear long sleeves when possible for family photos since I’m never sure how I’ll feel about my arms in the pictures. However, some dresses are just worth the risk! This Rosewood Chintz Crawford Dress from Tuckernuck is one of those exceptions.

I absolutely LOVE the fall floral pattern, the brown background, and the flutter style short sleeves. The only think I’d be worried about for this dress is the length, since I know I’ll have to bend down, squat, and sit in the grass for our photos. For that reason, I’d be sure to wear these tan-ish biker shorts from Amazon underneath so that I didn’t have to stress about flashing any passers by. I’d style this dress with brown booties or tall boots, and have the guys wear navy and white.

One note on this dress — since the waistline is totally relaxed, this is a great options for baby bumps or anyone who prefers to have more coverage or fabric in the stomach area. It may not be a good option for you if you’re easily bothered by the look of wide or oversized dresses.

Chambray Crosby Dress

I absolutely LOVE this Chambray Crosby dress, you guys. I already ordered it for myself! If you’re looking for something slightly more casual for your family pictures, I can’t think of a better option. It has sleeves (!), which makes the idea of a shorter length even easier to plan for. Sure, there’s not as much flexibility with chasing Thomas around in a mini dress, but I think this is worth it. I love the idea of the boys wearing navy and white, and pairing this dress with clogs like this pair from Madewell.

O.P.T. Tuscany Dress

If you’re planning to snap your family photos earlier this fall, I love the idea of this orangy-red smocked dress by o.p.t. Smocking is always a super flattering option because it’s form fitting and still comfortable, and the flutter sleeves are feminine and fun. You already know that the length perfect for family photos too. Since the color is such a fun orangy-red, I might have the boys wear jeans and a white or navy shirt. I would stick to tan or nude sandals with this rather than trying to style it with fall shoes.

Exclusive Vintage Poppy Isabel Classic Dress

This red and pink long sleeve maxi dress is absolutely gorgeous. I would wear this in a heartbeat if I felt like this smocking style worked well for me. I find that dresses with a fully smocked top look better on smaller busts, and since I’m pregnant and that’s not the case for me right now, I have to pass. However, if you have a smaller chest, PLEASE order and wear this for family photos this fall! Imagine how pretty it would look with green grass in the background and your kids in light pink or red! Your husband could wear a white button down and jeans to make this look slightly more casual.

Green Smocked Amazon Maxi Dress

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this maxi dress from Amazon is perfect. I love the high neck and flutter sleeves, and the olive green feels like a great neutral fall color to me. Your family could take this a few different directions: light pinks, navy, white, light greens and sage hues, or even tan. For $38, you can’t beat this!

Shop The Post

The post The Best Dresses for Family Photos + tips to pick your most flattering option! appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that if I don’t see something hanging in my closet, I usually forget about it. When my closet is too full, I stop wearing certain pieces just because I can’t see them! Cleaning things out helps me create physical space in my wardrobe so that I can actually see everything I have. Decluttering after each season is also a way to ensure that I have more items that I love, and fewer items that I just like vs. love.

In today’s post, I’m sharing my step by step routine when it comes to cleaning out my closet. I filmed a video while I was doing this, so if you prefer video format to reading a post, you can watch me declutter on YouTube! Or, you can press play on the video below to watch as well.

How to Clean Out Your Closet

First, let’s walk through when to clean your closet.

How Often Should You Clean Your Closet?

I clean my closet out four times a year. Two of those clean-outs are full-blown closet clean out sessions, usually at the end of the summer season and then again at the end of the winter. I swap out my seasonal clothes at this point, pulling sweaters to the front and moving sundresses to the back (or to a different closet entirely). The other two times I clean out my closet are less involved and take less time. I usually do this in the spring and in the fall to make sure I’m not accumulating things I don’t wear.

Alright, now I’m breaking down exactly how I clean out my closet in the steps below. I follow these steps in this specific order since it’s how my closet it set up. My workout gear and shoes are in separate areas of the room, so I do those towards the end after fully decluttering the hanging clothes first.

Okay, let’s do this!

Step 1. Remove stained items

First things first, I go through each item hanging in my closet and take out anything with a stain. There are usually a handful of these items that I told myself I’d still wear but never did. I like to think a tiny stain won’t bother me, but I’m not going to choose it over something that’s clean.

If I run across something that I haven’t tried to really clean yet, I put that aside and commit to trying to remove the stain before I get rid of the item.

Once I’ve removed everything with a true stain, I put those things into a pile to throw away or donate. I won’t try to consign clothes with stains since I wouldn’t want someone to pay to wear something that’s dirty. But depending on how small the spot is, I may donate it.

Step 2. Purge clothes that don’t fit

Next up, purge clothes that don’t fit. This is the hardest one of all because it’s so easy to hope or wish that you’ll fit into those items one day. I’ve found that trying to keep too-small clothes is much more harmful than helpful. If I do end up wishing I had kept a pair of jeans that don’t fit me right now, I will buy them again when they do fit! Simple as that.

But don’t keep clothes that are too small in hopes that you can wear them again one day…that is, unless you’re pregnant. In that case, maybe give yourself one more year to decide if you need to get rid of those items.

There’s nothing more freeing than a closet full of clothes that you can actually wear.

Step 3. Get rid of anything you don’t wear regularly

I love this step, mostly because it helps me hone in my personal style. At the end of each season, I go through my clothes and pick out items that never made it out of my closet. Sometimes (rarely) it’s because I had forgot about it and I know I will wear it the next year. But more often than not, it’s clothes I loved a year prior that I had just grown tired over over the present year. Time to go!

It’s always fun to look back on what I wore SO often one year and how my style has evolved since. And it also helps me notice if there are any gaps in my closet that need to be filled.

Step 4. Consider how the item makes you feel

On to the next: evaluate everything. This will take a little practice, but as you do it, you’ll learn which pieces spark joy (Marie Kondo anyone?), and which ones irritate you. I noticed this about a year ago. I had just bought a new top, wore it one time, and then every time I’d consider wearing it again, I felt annoyed that I didn’t really want to. Also, I realized that for some reason, that item was not my top choice (or second or third), so it had to go. Trust me, I had no problem replacing it with someone new and fun that I DID want to wear. And, I was able to sell it via a local consignment store for a great price.

If there are items in your closet that are made by nice brands, high quality, and still in good shape, then consign them. Make some money so that you can get something you will love. You can wait years and years, but if you know you’re not going to wear it, get rid of it.

Step 5. Remove worn out workout gear

Now it’s time to move to your dresser drawers. I keep my workout clothes in drawers, and if I’m not careful to clean these out seasonally, they get crowded quickly. When I clean out this drawer, I look specifically for items that are worn out. If there is a running top that has seen better days, I get rid of it. I have enough workout clothes to warrant purging a few items per season. And, if I realize I’m low on workout tops after getting rid of the ratty ones, then lucky me– I get to order a new one! I also ditch any shorts that consistently chafe or are shorter than I now prefer.

Step 6. Move out-of-season and special occasion dresses somewhere else

Dresses seem to be one of the hardest parts of my closet to declutter. I have a difficult time getting rid of them for some reason! Maybe it’s because dresses usually have the biggest memories attached to them: weddings, parties, special dates, etc. Or maybe it’s because many dresses are worn just a few times a year and that’s okay based on the nature of the item. So I give myself a little more grace in the dress department.

One thing I do stay on top of, however, is moving the out-of-season dresses (and anything super formal or special) to our guest room closet. There’s no sense having to move them out of the way of my in-season dresses every time I’m looking for a dress, so I keep it somewhere that I can easily access it when the day comes. And then as the season turns, I swap the once out-of-season dresses into my closet. It feels like I have an entirely new wardrobe each time I do this!

Step 7. Remove shoes that aren’t worn regularly

Getting rid of shoes is hard too because they’re practical and expensive. But every season, there are at least 2-3 pairs of shoes that I didn’t wear or that were uncomfortable to walk in. Those are the ones that have to go. I rarely get rid of boots or booties, but if I do, I give myself permission to replace them with a new pair since I wear booties so often in the fall and winter.

Step 8. Evaluate accessories

If you notice any hats or bags that you haven’t worn in months, it’s probably time to retire them.

Step 9. Donate, sell, or throw away

Now that you’re done with your closet purge, it’s time to take everything you removed from your closet to one of three places: Goodwill, a consignment shop, or the trashcan. You’ll have a good idea of what should be consigned (anything high-end with a resale value) or donated. And if something is in truly poor condition, it does to the trash. (If you’re local to Winston-Salem, I highly recommend Winston Wardrobe for consignment. For donations, Redress Clothing Boutique is a great option that’s part of The Dream Center. )

That’s it! Cleaning your closet can feel like a massive undertaking while you’re in the midst of it, but you’ll be SO glad you went to the effort. Not only will you feel organized and clean, but you’ll be excited about what is hanging in your closet instead of feeling like you had a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. And, the more you do it, the easier it becomes since you know what to look for, what feelings to pay attention to and because you’ll simply have fewer items to sort through!

If you have any other great tips for decluttering your closet, I’d love to hear them!

What I’m Wearing

The post How to Clean Out Your Closet – declutter and organize your wardrobe appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

But I definitely wondered for a while what to wear to a football game with a dressier dress code. So, if that’s you too, I’ve got a few classic and comfy outfits for those of you who are gearing up and dressing for games this fall.

While I’m not a die-hard football fan – especially since my alma mater is across the country (I attended Brigham Young University in Utah) — I do enjoy the festivities and excitement around fall football. My husband went to Appalachian State University and we have a place in Boone so we do watch ASU games and hope to attend some more games in person this year! And, since we live in Winston-Salem, we usually end up going to at least one Wake Forest University football game.

These looks are all intentionally neutral so that you can accessorize them with your team colors. I always find that buying clothes for one specific use ends up getting donated the next year. And honestly, I don’t want to wear a dark yellow top or dress to match ASU’s colors. So in this post, I’m sharing neutral (but still fun and easy to accessorize), tailgate-approved outfits that you can wear all throughout the fall, even when you’re nowhere near a football game.

What to Wear to a Football Game – cute outfits that are comfy & classic

What to wear to a football game when it’s hot: a neutral dress

When I’m thinking about getting dressed for a football game or tailgate, the easiest outfit idea I can think of a black or white dress. (At least if you’re wondering what to wear to a football game in hot weather!! This is because a neutral dress is cute, lightweight, and every single team color I can think of will work with black or white with the right accessories. Even if your team’s colors are navy and red, you can make white work. A solid color black or white dress is so versatile.

Two Options

I have two favorite dresses for this scenario. The first is this black ruffled tank dress. Mine is by Nation LTD. It’s sleeveless (so important for the south since it’s HOT here!), short but not too short, and looks great with sneakers. The name of the game is comfort, and this mini dress totally meets the standard. I also love that you can wear it throughout the rest of the fall with clogs, booties, a denim jacket or a sweater. I’ve had it for 2.5 years and worn it so much because it’s so versatile. The Nation dress is right over $100 and the quality is amazing.

The second dress I’ve really liked this season is by Amazon! This white mini dress with side cutouts may not seem like it would be pregnancy friendly (I’m in my second trimester), but it actually is! And the fact that it’s lined is a huge bonus. I have this in a size small and it fits true to size. It comes in SO many colors, so you could definitely get this in black or navy too.

You can see how I styled both for game days below. If we were going to App State or Wake Forest games this fall, I’d wear the black dress and gold jewelry to accessorize since both of their colors are black and gold. If I were going to a UNC Chapel Hill game, I’d wear the white dress and some light blue accessories — maybe this clear and light blue crossbody bag. Clemson fans in the house? This orange and clear purse is for you! I shared the rest of my favorite stadium approved bags in a separate blog post.

Linking a few other black and white dresses below:

Denim Shorts

Now let’s say it’s too hot for jeans but you’re just not one to wear a dress to a football game. Denim shorts are the way to go! I actually wore jean shorts and a tank to an ASU game last year and accessorized with gold jewelry. It was practical, cute, and I didn’t sweat my clothes off. Like the two sections above, I prefer to go neutral for game-days especially with jean shorts. A black or white tank is always the perfect option for me, and then a fun pair of earrings or a colorful belt bag finishes the look. You could, however, get a top that matches your teams colors too. Easy peasy!

My favorite pair of jean shorts are the Agolde Parker Long shorts. They’re expensive (for jean shorts at least), but they will last for years, they don’t show your booty, and they’re relaxed enough that they don’t squeeze your thighs. I’ll link a few other pairs below, but I HIGHLY recommend the Agolde pair if you’re a regular denim short wearer like me. I have a size 25. The waist does run large (intentionally) so if you’re on the fence, I’d size down.

What to wear to a football game when it’s cold: Black jeans

Now if you live somewhere cooler than Winston-Salem (lucky you), black jeans are a great option for game-day. They’re a little more interesting than basic blue denim, but you can style them a million ways, but similarly to the dresses above, I like to wear a neutral top like this flutter sleeve tank with my jeans and then accessorize with more color. Since I’m also very pro-sneakers when it comes to tailgating, my favorite crop of black jeans is a kick flare. This style is more on-trend than skinny jeans, but still flattering and fitted through the majority of the leg. I love that kick flare jeans show off your shoes and err on the more casual side.

Once it really gets cold, you can wear cute booties with these and throw on a black puffer cold with a team color beanie.

The pair I like best is a little pricey but SO worth the splurge — the FRAME Le Crop Mini Boot. They run true to size (I take my typical size 25) and have the perfect amount of stretch. You can sit in them all day without being uncomfortable, which is essential for football games!

I’m linking a handful of black jeans at difference price points below as well:

Sneakers

Next on the must-have list for game-day outfits is a comfortable pair of sneakers. Your cute football game outfit is a total failure if your feet hurt. You will walk a lot at a football game unless you have VIP parking, and you’ll be so happy you wore sneakers as opposed to heeled boots or booties. I’m so thankful that cute fashion sneakers are trending right now because there are so many options to choose from.

My #1 pick for fashion sneakers is Vejas. I have three different pairs and love them all. They’re leather, so they’re a little dressier than you may imagine for sneakers, but they’re still comfortable and easy to wear all day. They look great with both jeans and dresses! Unfortunately Vejas sell out super quickly, but Zappos has a handful of cute colors in stock.

Next on my list are New Balance 327 sneakers. These are also somewhat hard to find in different colors, but the price tag is better than Vejas. They are a little sportier than Vejas too, so they will be a great option for wearing with athleisure throughout the fall. You can also find lots of colors available in the 237 style, which is also super cute but a little wider.

Here are a handful of styles and colors I love:

A clear purse

Most college stadiums (and even professional sporting events and concert stadiums) are beginning to implement a clear bag policy, and while it can be really annoying to have to switch everything to a new purse, there are a TON of cute options available! I ordered one from Amazon that I actually wouldn’t recommend (the chain is WAY too long), but I found a handful of other bags with great reviews that I’m linking below.

I shared the rest of my favorite stadium approved bags in a separate blog post.

A belt bag

Even the stadiums that are implementing a clear bag policy usually allow very small non-clear bags as well, so it’s time to break out those belt bags! I LOVE my belt bag for so many reasons, but it’s especially useful for a football game. It holds your phone, keys, wallet, and any other small necessity. It can stay on your body all day without bothering you, and you can get them in all sorts of colors (perfect for accessorizing for your team!). I have both the Lululemon belt bag and a lookalike from Amazon. So, I genuinely don’t think it makes sense to order the Lululemon one because the Amazon version is SO good. I have a full review comparing them both, but in short, just get the Amazon bag!

Team Accessories

Since we went neutral for the outfit itself, I thought it would be fun to share a handful of team specific accessories in case you want to jazz your look up. One of my favorite brands EVER makes the most gorgeous earrings in a ton of team colors.

I would LOVE to know who you cheer for! Let me know in the comments below!

Shop The Post

The post What to Wear to a Football Game – Cute outfits that are comfy & classy appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

As someone who’s philosophy for fashion is “look good, feel good”, figuring out how to dress in the summer comes as a challenge. How does one feel good when it’s 90 degrees, no matter how good they look?! That’s today’s topic!

I’m sharing all of the tips I have for dressing well in the hottest months of the year. When all else fails, stay inside with the AC or hit the pool or children’s museum with your littles.

Styling Tips for Hot Weather

Wear breathable fabrics

In the summer, you’ll almost always find me in cotton, linen, or sweat wicking athletic materials. These are the only things that feel comfortable to me in 90 degrees! Cotton and linen allow air to circulate and also have airy, breezy feelings to them. And of course athletic material wicks away moisture which helps keep me cool and dry. I wear athleisure outfits much more often in the summer for this reason.

Thankfully, most sundresses are actually made with cotton or linen, and all of my athleisure clothes wick away sweat. I stay away from anything that’s not breathable in the summer (except maybe jean shorts, but those have to be loose and comfortable).

Outfits linked here

Stick to flowy silhouettes

We got really lucky this summer that kaftans, maxi dresses, and wide-leg pants are on trend. These styles are relaxed and loose, which feels SO nice in the summer heat. There’s nothing worse than a tight fitting dress, pants, or top when you’re sweaty, right?

My favorite summer pants are these linen pull-on pants by J.Crew. They’re breathable and truly SO comfortable (and come in 3 lengths).

Outfit linked here

Go Sleeveless or Opt for Short Sleeves

When the heat is unbearable, sleeveless tops, dresses, and rompers become my best friends. The least amount of fabric I can get away with (while still looking classy and conservative) the better. If you prefer a little more coverage than a true sleeveless fit, flutter sleeves are a great alternative.

Outfit linked here

Shop for Light Colors and Prints

Dark colors tend to absorb heat and make me feel even hotter, so I try to stick to lighter colors and prints when I can. Whites, pastels, and soft neutrals not only reflect sunlight but are also on-trend and fashionable in the summer. It’s fun to wear light and bright colors in the warmer months because I tend to stick to darker tones in the winter!

Outfit linked here

Don’t Forget Sunglasses

I know that sunglasses aren’t exclusive to summer, but I do tend to wear them MUCH more often in these hotter months. And while they’re practical and helpful for protecting your eyes, they are also a fun fashion statement and my favorite summer accessory. These from Le Specs are my favorite pair.

Hats and visors are also great options, but I usually only wear those for golf.

Outfit linked here

Choose Open-toe Footwear

I LOVE a good pair of loafers in the spring, but as soon as we reach high 80s, the only shoes I can fathom putting on my feet are open-toe sandals. As soon as I get home from a run, I have to take my shoes and socks off because my feet get SO hot! And let’s be honest, there’s nothing grosser than sweaty shoes. I have a handful of neutral sandals of summer that I rotate among.

Layer with Light Cover-ups

This is something I don’t hear talked about enough. On days when it’s 90 degrees outside, we have our air conditioning BLASTING. And therefore, even when it’s scorching outdoors, I’m cold inside. This summer I ordered a lightweight sweater that I’ve worn a few times already when I’ve been cold in my office. I love that it’s a true summer sweater and comes in light colors, and it warms me right up when the AC is numbing. I can’t stand the idea of putting on a real jacket or something winter-y in the summer, but having a few cute summer sweaters that can act as layering pieces inside or on cooler evenings will serve you well. I also like this American flag sweater from Tuckernuck for the cooler mountain evenings.

Staying stylish in hot weather is all about choosing the right fabrics, embracing loose silhouettes, and incorporating light colors and breathable clothing into your wardrobe. I hope these tips give you a little bit of inspiration and guidance for looking AND feeling good this summer!

Shop My Favorite Summer Finds

The post 7 Styling Tips for Hot Weather appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

Now, Tommy, Thomas and I go to a church that’s definitely casual, but probably less so than than the first church we went to together. And I’d say that the way I dress for church now a blend. I always dress respectfully and conservatively, but my dresses are not always knee-length anymore and I do wear sleeveless items. And there have been days where I’ve worn jeans to church with a nice blouse. The common them is to dress nicely, appropriately, and conservatively when entering a church, no matter the denomination.

In today’s post I’m answering a few common questions related to how to dress for Sunday along with some recent outfits and finds I’d recommend if you’re shopping!

Church Outfits – What to wear for casual & traditional services

What is an appropriate outfit for church?

This all depends on the church you’re attending. Honestly there’s rarely a true “church dress code” (except perhaps in the LDS church!). Like I mentioned above, in the Mormon church (aka The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), it’s inappropriate to wear anything shorter than knee length and never sleeveless for women and a button up with a tie for guys.

However, the church we go to now is more casual. It’s appropriate to wear jeans and blouse, and I’d say most men wear a collared shirt and long pants. I almost always wear a dress because I enjoy dressing up. So, what to wear to church really varies by congregation and denomination.

I haven’t been to every type of church, but I’ve been to Baptist churches, a Catholic church, a Methodist church and a Presbyterian church and non-denominational churches. I think most churches lean dressier, with the exception of non-denominational ones which lean more casual. Some church websites will list their dress code so you could try to look it up before you attend. Or, check out the church’s instagram account – most post pictures of people attending services so you’ll be able to get an idea that way.

Generally, it’s always appropriate to dress modestly and respectfully in a place of worship. Here are some options that are appropriate for many churches:

For ladies:

• A dress or skirt that hits around the knee (or mid-knee for Mormon churches)
• A blouse or sweater that is not low-cut
• Tailored jeans with no rips or distressing for casual services
• Heels, sandals, or nice dress shoes

For men:

• Khakis and a belt
• A button-down shirt or polo
• Tailored jeans that aren’t distressed
• A pair of dress pants or trousers, button-down and tie with a blazer or suit jacket (This is probably less common these days, but would be appropriate at an LDS church, a Catholic church and perhaps a Presbyterian church – just from observation, not from a place of expertise for the latter two!)

How to dress casually for church

It’s important to note that “casual” does not mean the same thing at church vs. the rest of your life. If you’re planning to attend a casual church and aren’t sure what to wear, it’s a safe bet to go with an appropriate sundress and sandals. I don’t wear thin strapped dresses for church since they feel more revealing than I’m comfortable with, but I don’t think it’s necessarily inappropriate given the casual nature of our church. If you know that jeans are appropriate there, then you could also wear nice jeans, sandals, and a dressy blouse.

Even in a casual environment, you’ll want to steer clear of graphic tees, super casual jeans, dresses that are revealing, and athletic wear.

However, why these are all great things to keep in mind if you and/or your church cares about your attire, I wouldn’t let your outfit keep you from attending church. I’ve seen homeless men in our church and I can promise you that absolutely NO ONE cared what they were wearing.

How to dress for church in jeans

If you’re going to wear jeans to church, stick to a nice tailored pair and leave your distressed styles at home. I love my distressed straight leg jeans from Abercrombie, but I don’t wear them to church. Instead, if I wear a pair of tailored jeans and heels (or sandals), or a pair of white skinny jeans. I think the style of jeans (e.g. mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, skinny jeans, etc.) doesn’t matter as much as the distressing — or lack thereof.

I also go for classic, dressy blouses if I’m wearing jeans for church.

What shoes should you wear to church?

Sandals, heels, and loafers are my most worn church shoes. I stay away from sneakers (even fashion sneakers like Vejas), since they feel a little too casual for my taste.

Does God care what you wear to church?

Again, I think this really depends on your church and faith. In the LDS church, your attire and wearing modest clothes is viewed as a sign of respect for God and for yourself. I can’t speak to how other denominations view it, however. I’m certain our current church would say that God doesn’t care what you wear but cares more about your heart. And I’d love to hear how your church views this topic or how you do personally!

Casual Church Outfits

Let’s get into some church attire inspiration. Here are a few cute church outfits I’ve worn recently. There is a mix of styles so hopefully you can find a couple that work for your denomination.

Dresses

Most of the dresses I wear for church now are dresses I’d wear in my daily life. I love maxi dresses, midi dresses, and even mini dresses, as long as they aren’t super short. Here are a few of my recent favorites, all linked below! I also have a few other favorites dresses from Tuckernuck saved to my wishlist and a handful of affordable summer dresses from Amazon that would easily work for church.

Maxi Skirts and nice blouses

You may laugh, but believe it or not, I don’t own a maxi (or midi) skirt! I just don’t love skirts on me, so I never buy them. But if skirts are your thing, I’ve linked a few cute, appropriate skirts below.

Jeans and a nice blouse

If I wear jeans to church (this is a rarity since I prefer to wear a dress), they are always a pair of non-distressed denim. The pair below on the right does have a raw hem, but that’s the extent of the distressing. I don’t own trousers, but a nice pair would also be an appropriate thing to pair with a blouse for church.

Both outfits are linked below.

Does your church have a specific dress code? Let us know below along with recommendations for what to wear!

Shop The Post

The post Church Outfits – What to wear for casual & traditional services appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.