May 19, 2020 - Things to Do

Fashion picks: 5 outfits for picnic and patio season — plus the No. 1 accessory right now

Brianna Crane

This style roundup is proudly presented by California Closets.

While you’re giving your wardrobe an update, why not give your closet one, too? California Closets has custom solutions for every budget and their East Boulevard showroom is now open by appointment. This month, take advantage of their Friends and Family promotion with up to 20% off, plus 0% interest and no payments for 12 months.

Even with some quarantine restrictions in place, there are plenty of quarantine-approved ways to socialize, including sitting around a bonfire with friends (six feet apart), going on a bike ride, or having a picnic date.

And for those occasions, I like to swap my exercise clothes for something fancier (but still just as comfortable).

“At the end of the day, there’s no harm in looking and feeling your best,” local stylist and SouthPark Magazine style editor Whitley Adkins Hamlin says. “I’m telling you get dressed just to go to the grocery store, make the effort, put your best foot forward, it’s a game-changer.”

So, I rounded up five outfit ideas that can be worn comfortably now — even if it’s just for a cocktail on your porch — and when restrictions are lifted.

Where I went:

Monkee’s of Charlotte, 2839 Selwyn Ave., Ste. Z
McKenzie Claire, 1419 East Blvd., Suite G. (Note: The last day to shop at McKenzie Claire is May 31. Everything is marked down up to 65 percent off.)
Boem, 3920 Sharon Road, Suite B150
Girl Tribe, 1800 Camden Road, 102
Uniquities, 2028 South Blvd., Suite 2 (Atherton Mill)

Shopping during COVID: Social distancing and mask-wearing are encouraged. Some stores have masks you can buy if you don’t bring your own, plus sanitizer is everywhere and marks on the floors help with social distancing. If you’re not comfortable going inside, you can check each store to see if they’re still offering curbside pickup, or shop online.

OK, here’s what to wear.

(1) Plain white tees

Pair with: Mom jeans and big earrings to feel dressed up without overdoing it.

(2) Skorts

boem white blouse — I’m always on the hunt for a great white T-shirt (it’s harder than you think). This English Factory top ($60) from Boem isn’t see-through, and the ruffle details makes me feel more dressed up than I am.

Pair your white tops with a colorful skirt if you want to feel fancy (sometimes you just do, right?). This blouse ($158) and skirt ($295) are from Monkee’s.

Pair with: Any top and some fashion sneakers — I love Tretorn and Veja for comfort and price. In a skort, you can sit criss-cross apple sauce at the park worry free. Why don’t all skirts come with built-in shorts?

(3) Graphic tees

boem skort — This skirt with built-in shorts ($48) from Boem comes in light blue (pictured), black, red, and white.

Pair with: Jeans, a skirt, or denim shorts, along with sandals or fashion sneakers for an effortless, edgy look.

(4) Maxi dress

girl tribe tee — Girl Tribe always has fun graphic tees in stock, and this one ($30) helps support other small businesses in Charlotte. This one came home with me.

Pair with: Flat sandals and gold hoops for the easiest, most comfortable outfit you could put on.

(5) Floral blouse

maxi dress monkees — This CeliaB dress from Monkee’s ($300) has been on my radar for weeks. The fabric is fantastic; it’s one of those dresses that just makes you feel special.

uniquities maxi dress — I dare you not to smile wearing this colorful number. It’s flattering and the smocked detail at the top makes it feel casual enough for cocktails on the patio or date night in. It’s $259 from Uniquities, and I’ll be thinking about it for weeks.

maxi dress boem — Shapeless dresses don’t always work, but this ankle-length, colorful beauty ($260) from Boem does the trick. I’d wear this grilling out on the back porch or sitting around a fire.

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking, I know. But the tried-and-true pattern has a way of making me feel so pretty that I’ll never let the trend go.

Pair with: Jeans and clogs, wedges, or sandals for a slightly elevated casual look.

(6) Face masks

floral blouse and jeans uniqities — The puff sleeve and cinched waist are a super flattering combo. $74 from Uniquities.

floral blouse uniquities — This came home with me. It was love at first sight. $88 from Uniquities.

Two months ago I never thought a face mask would be my best accessory. But here we are. Some grocers and retailers require a mask to enter, and even if they don’t, it’s still best practice.

If you’re still in need of one, here are just a few local shops selling reusable masks:

Abode — in store or through Instagram, $20-$25
Girl Tribe — online, $10
The Good Dogg — online, $17
Charlotte Knights — online, $10
704 Shop — online, $18
Paper Skyscraper — in store, $4.95-$12.95

More shopping content: Check out these 18 T-shirts that support Charlotte businesses.

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