Who else is still in that long weekend mindset? After getting back from our week in Tulum I haven’t wanted to do a damn thing. Why is it always so difficult to get back to the way things were after an amazing vacation?! That work life is NO fun. Vacation depression is seriously a real thing. I mean, my suitcase is still packed sitting in the living room! Mainly because I hate unpacking and I jumped right back in to renovating the bathroom. I’ll be posting more on stories soon! I’m attempting to get that thing finished in a month but that’s coming up quicker than I had expected. One thing I’m really excited about is this post though! Now that I’m back I’m finally getting in the swing of posting all of our vacation pics on social media and getting more blogs out the door for y’all.
So funny enough, it’s come to my attention recently that people have been pointing out my all black outfits a little more frequently than before. Nothing negative but it’s obviously something that people notice about me or use to be able to recognize me easier. What normal person owns so much black and actually wears it on a daily basis? That would be me. Oh, there’s Ashley, always in her black… Looking pretty as ever in all black… You really do pull off all black really well… Even your hair is black; that must be your favorite color.
Obviously, being someone that wears black on a daily basis, even in the summer, I always get questions on how I still am able to make my outfits look so summery and natural. That if they were to wear that much black they would look extremely goth or not put together. Black is a heavy color but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work in the warmer months. Guys, don’t be afraid of black or dark navy in the summer. It is so easy to really summer-ize these darker looks with the right accessories and I’m here to tell you how to do that.
When I first saw this dress I instantly fell in love. Getting off track a little but if you haven’t heard of MISA Los Angeles I’ve linked a few of my favorite pieces from them in the scroller below.
It’s all about how you accessorize and it’s obviously very different in summer vs winter. If I am planning on wearing a darker hue in the summer I will try and find a slew of accessories that will balance out the darker color and give it a summery vibe. Since this dress is solid navy and a really dark navy at that, I needed to pair a light bag, shoes and jewelry to tone the dark blue down. I opted for a light straw hat, nude shoes and a nude bag which gave this look more of a dressier, nautical feel. Not shown in these photos are the gorgeous ivory, tassel earrings I wore with this dress!
I originally got this dress to wear on the beach but ended up shooting it sooner than Tulum so I made it a little dressier instead with the accessories I mentioned above. Surprisingly enough, this look is extremely versatile and can be worn dressy or extremely casual. Even though this dress is dark I still wore it out on the beach in Mexico and also wore it for date night one evening. Instead of wearing heels I threw on a pair of leather flip flops, a fun pom pom clutch and threw my hair in a messy braid.
Don’t think just because its summer and hot outside that you can’t sport dark colors and still look chic. I can’t tell you how many complements I get on my dark clothing, no matter what season it is. It’s really all about how you pair your accessories. The lighter the better!
Outfit Details:
Dress – MISA // Hat – H&M (Similar HERE)
Clutch – Nordstrom (Similar HERE and HERE)
Sunglasses – Forever21 (Similar HERE) // Shoes – Steve Madden
Bracelet – Hanai (Similar HERE and HERE) // Watch – Marc Jacobs
Love your pretty accessories. That hat and those sunglasses are now on my wish list!
You are rocking that black and making it totally summertime appropriate!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
I think I LIVE in weekend mindset 😛
Gorgeous dress!
wwonderlandia.com
Totally agree with finding a balance, and you DO pull it off so well! Adore this dress!
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
This is such a pretty dress! I LOVE the OTS detail and the chiffon! 🙂 Haha I really need a good balance too a good chunk of my closet is made up of black!
xo, Chloe // http://funinthecloset.com/tobi-summer-dress/
Love everything about this. I do too love to wear dark colors in the summer but I also like to make sure that it’s not thick material cause I don’t like being sweaty betty lol
We are totally on the same wavelength girl!! I’m all about dark tones and love finding ways to wear them in the warm months. You look so darling!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
you are just the person to write this post!
NOBODY styles a LBD like you!! You look absolutely stunning! These are great tips for taking on those darker colors in the warmer months!
I love the ruffle in that dress!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
I am ALL about dark colors ALWAYS, so I’m possibly the biggest fan ever of this post. And of your blog. It’s ridiculous. Your photos are stunning, your writing and formation is flawless and…I should stop.
gosh, i think you wear black and other dark colors perfectly, no matter what season! you definitely look summer-appropriate, and those accessories certainly help! the hat is so cute on you!!
GORGEOUS!!!!!!! You look amazing and I love dark colors all year long!! It look great wth your tan.
I’m the same way, I wear so much black and can’t give it up for the summer! This whole look is just beautiful on you!
xx Nina
One of my FAVORITE looks on you!!! This is head to toe FLAWLESS!
I love that dress! Moody and gorgeous, and perfect for a summer night!
I love wearing darker colors all year round! I might need this dress!
great tips!