Dressing Up for Maximum Coverage

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: dressing up for maximum coverage doesn’t have to translate to a dull and dreary wardrobe that looks like the sun has sucked out your sense of fashion. My style trick is injecting a plethora of colors, patterns, drapery and silhouettes into my wardrobe.   But my fashion philosophy doesn’t stop at my clothes. A sun-sensible wardrobe calls for stunning accessories and shoes just as much.

Here, in New York, just like in many other places across the country, the weather in September consists of mostly sunny days and relatively high temperatures.  So, I still need to use sun protection, including sunscreen, each time I am outdoors.

This Perret Schaad colorblock dress is a gem. I wore it to a Sunday brunch in the garden—the design and color palette is reminiscent of a seaside escape, but the polished silhouette is worthy of the urban city. The fabric is very breathable and lightweight, which makes it ideal for the warm weather. It’s incredibly easy to wear, with the buttondown front. Plus, it has pockets—how can you not admire a dress that has pockets? I love how slim and smart they are, too. They almost look invisible on the dress.

As you can see, the dress has a practical, minimalist structure to it, but it ends with an inventive, refreshing profile by way of a flouncy hem. A surprising turn of drapery is always a fun feature to any dress; the flouncy, ruffled hem of this Perret Schaad piece breathed more life to the long-sleeved, buttondown design, which could have been otherwise uninteresting.

I amped up the ensemble with my Aquazzura sandal heels, and I swear the dress and heels felt like they were made for each other. The cut-out style of the shoes created a subtle, geometric play in my outfit. The embellished heel is a real stunner, though—proves that shoes should not be treated as an afterthought. I can just see these black Aquazurra pair taking me through seasons and giving me a good time!

The details of the overall get-up have a gradating effect that draws the eyes down. The resulting outfit is a sun-protective showstopper!