How To Wear Formal Items Casually This Summer

This is a sponsored post by FemmeLuxe, but all reviews and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

“Ugh. I’ve already worn that dress! I’ve already worn that top!!!”

I’m sure you’ve said this in your head countless times when you’ve scoured through your more formal items. I’m just the same way. After purchasing something formal, I know that I’ll save the item for a special event, get photographed in the item, and then choose to hold off on wearing it again–at least for a while. I’m not sure what has come upon me, but suddenly, I’ve been feeling the need to re-wear some of my more fancy/formal pieces, especially some new fantastic ones I received from FemmeLuxe.

So, here I am, ready to share some inspiration as to how you can re-purpose your formal items casually this summer! After all, it’s important to get your money’s worth without being labeled an “outfit repeater.” Ready for some summer fun with formals? Here goes:

Chained Down Dress with Sneakers

I’ve been loving this homage-to-Versace print. I truly wanted to save this Black Chain Print Belted Satin Shirt Dress dress for a more formal event, but figured that an afternoon around town followed by a nice dinner sufficed as an occasion to wear this piece a little more casually. I actually went to my favorite Italian restauarant, Il Fornaio, in Pasadena when I wore this, so I have super fun memories already in this dress! Wearing it with these K-Swiss sneakers worked perfectly in terms of practicality and style.

Desi Me Rollin’

I wait so patiently for an occasion to wear my Indian clothes, but my patience has been thinning ever since the summer weather seeped in, making me yearn for flowing cuts and light fabrics. When I received these camouflage print pants, I knew I wanted to pair it with something white on top, so I decided to be a bit more experimental. I wore these seemingly casual pants with one of the tops from a formal Ritu Kumar outfit I had sitting in my closet. The semi-Indian floral accessories, summer bag, and open-toed sandals helped make the outfit perfect for a day of running a few errands.

Somewhat Ghetto Black and Yellow

When it comes fashion, I sometimes let my ghetto side unleash. Gold and yellow are not just perfect for summer (inspired by the blazing sun), but they’re great for when you’re feeling your inner gangster and want to be a bit experimental. I wore this black chain print top with a baby yellow flare pant, YSL slides, and a Chanel Boy Bag with chains to match the print of the top.

Colorblock Multi

When momma says add another color, you add another color. I originally paired this formal white satin tie top with the orange pants and blue belt and was going to walk out the door with my wallet and phone in pocket, but I was told by mother dearest to add a bit of red to really make the look bold. To her satisfaction, I added a red Louis Vuitton and YSL sandals right to the look, and darkened my lip to a red. What can I say, mother always knows best!

Hope you exit this page inspired to think about wearing your formal pieces in more casual, fun ways this summer!

XOXO,

-MS