Five Must Have Summer Outfit Trends

Five Must Have Summer Outfit Trends

Even though the official start of summer is still a few weeks away, some of us are already feeling that summer vibe. The sun is shining, the pools are open, and to a certain degree, school is out. Now’s the time to take a deep dive into our closets and see what we really have to keep us feeling stylish and cool during these hot months. While there are tons of trends to choose from, below are some of our favorite, and very wearable, summer outfit trends. What are some things you’re seeing and loving this season?

1. Bright colors

Bright colors are still holding strong, and we’re having so much fun mixing and matching them with our favorite closet staples. Go as bold as you want with this summer trend. The below outfit is styled with a bold pink tee, white bottoms, white sneakers, and topping off with a denim jacket. But, if it’s too hot, feel free to skip the jacket, the outfit will totally stand on its own. If you’re not ready to make a huge bold statement, start small with a colorful bracelet, shoes, or handbag.

Denim Jacket + Solid Color Top + White Bottoms + White Sneakers

A light wash jean jacket it styled with a bright pink short sleeve top and white shorts finished off with white sneakers.

2. Linen

Linen is something else we’re seeing a lot of this summer. It’s perfect for this time of year because it’s a light and breezy fabric. Also, linen pants are a great alternative to shorts but will still keep you cool. Below, a bright yellow tee (see the previous trend) is paired with some airy linen pants. Finally, this look is finished off with some fun accessories and a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes.

Solid Color Top + Neutral Bottoms + Metallic Shoes

A yellow tank top is styled with some neutral linen pants and metallic sandals. Also a sun hat and colorful accessories finish off this look.

3. Blue and White

Next up on the summer trends list is blue and white. That’s because it’s hard to walk into a store without seeing this color combination. It’s everywhere! Blue and white stripes, floral patterns, ditsy florals, or even just the classic combination of a white tee with denim bottoms. You can’t go wrong with blue and white this summer. The outfit below is a simple white tee with a blue striped skirt. The bold color trend is once again pulled into this look with some orange earrings and colorful bracelets. Lastly, to keep this look casual, it’s finished off with some comfy white sneakers.

White Top + Printed Bottoms + White Sneakers

A white tee is paired with a long, tiered blue striped skirts and white sneakers.

4. Ditsy Floral

This is a trend that’s been sticking around, the ditsy floral. This is a great pattern that is pretty flattering on everyone. Not to mention it’s good for pattern mixing. The look below is styled using a ditsy floral top and white bottoms however this would also look wonderful with a white top and a ditsy floral skirt or shorts. Also, you can skip the denim jacket if it’s too hot, and the neutral wedges finish off this look perfectly.

Denim Jacket + Printed Top + White Bottoms + Neutral Shoes

A denim jacket is styled with a ditsy floral top and white shorts. The look is finished off with some neutral wedges and colorful accessories.

5. High-Waisted Shorts

A carry-over from the high-waisted pants of winter are the super trending high-waisted shorts of summer. Not only do they help keep even some of your shorter shirts tucked in and looking neat, but they can be very flattering. Also, they help hold everything together and typically rest at the slimmest part of your waiting, creating a nice silhouette. The below outfit is styled with a bold yellow tank against some chambray high-waisted shorts and metallic sandals.

Solid Color Top + Chambray Bottoms + Metallic Shoes

A yellow top is paired with some chambray shorts, metallic sandals and finished off with some colorful accessories.

Bonus: Sundress

If you’ve followed Alison and GYPO for any amount of time, then you know that she is not a big fan of dresses, however, she has become a huge fan of the one-and-done pieces, especially for summer and we couldn’t agree more! During the craziness of the summer months, dresses make getting ready even easier. Now all you have to do is throw on a cute sundress and a few accessories, and you’re ready to go in minutes. Below a solid dress is styled with metallic sandals, and some fun orange earrings add an additional pop of color.

A long, solid green dress is styled with some metallic sandals, a sunhat and colorful accessories.

Your turn! What summer outfit trends are your favorite?

If you like what you see and want to see more, then you need to check out the Outfit Formulas® Summer 2022 Capsule Wardrobe! This is the key to effortlessly chic summer style! This guide includes 30+ days of easy, casual outfit ideas that can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. You’ll also get a shopping list of essential items and on-trend pieces that are perfect for summer. So whether you’re hitting the beach, going out with friends, or just want to feel confident in your everyday style, this guide has you covered!

Two outfits are shown, a yellow tank with jean shorts and neutral wedges, the other is a pink top with a long, blue striped skirt and slides. Other accessories are surrounding the two outfits.
Yummy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs in Sauce

Yummy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs in Sauce

Saucy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
BY MEAGHAN DAWSON FROM BEAUTYFROMBURNTTOAST

Hi. My name is Meaghan. And I am obsessed with cheese. Whew. There. I said it. It’s out in the open, no more reason to be ashamed. Okay? So I’m only partially kidding. It’s never been a secret and I am not ashamed about this because it is true and valid and, honestly, something I feel is worthy of my obsession.

The Cheesy Truth

Think about it. Cheese is just about the richest, most versatile comfort food on the planet. It can come in a million different forms, flavors, and renderings. It can be served cold or hot. I can take a basic dish and elevate it to idol-like status. And it’s dang tasty, too.

I am a fan of cheese in all forms. I’m not picky. Give me a cheese board for dinner and I am a happy lady. A slice of New York-style pizza oozing with melty cheese? Dreamboat status. Feta on a salad? Game changer. Anyway, any form and I am happy and satisfied.

Especially in this recipe for Saucy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs where cheese is the star, the understudy, and the director all at once.

Cheese-stuffed chicken meatball in a cast iron skillet.

I wish I could take total credit for the dream behind this recipe, but sadly I can’t. I have to give mad props to my equally cheese-obsessed daughter who said one night at the dinner table over a plate of plain old spaghetti and meatballs, “Mom. You know what would be great? What if we stuffed these meatballs with cheese? I mean, talk about AMAZING!”

Out of the mouths of babes….

Because it IS great. There is something so decadent about biting into a meatball covered with melted cheese to find, you guessed it, more cheese. These bundles of heaven are crisp on the outside thanks to the breadcrumb coating and the light skillet sear and incredibly moist on the inside, thanks to the cheese. I serve them with a side of plain spaghetti and more sauce for the family, but I also love to throw in a bit pan of steamed broccoli as well. 

Because life is all about balance, Pretties. We know this. No matter how you serve them, I promise you’re going to fall into cheesy love too. So enjoy! 

Chicken meatballs stuffed with cheese.

Saucy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

Meaghan Dawson
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, divided
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cup pasta sauce
  • 12 oz fresh mozzarella 8 ounces cut into small squares and 4 ounces sliced thin (or use mozzarella balls for stuffing if desired)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spread ½ cup of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a cast iron skillet OR square casserole dish. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine chicken, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, and salt, mixing with your hands until completely incorporated (will be sticky!)
  • Divide chicken mixture into 12 equal sections, rolling them into loosely formed meatballs.
  • In a shallow bowl, add 1 cup breadcrumbs.
  • Taking each meatball, flatten to a circle and slightly indent the center with your thumb.
  • Insert a piece of cheese and enclose completely with the chicken mixture (might be easier with damp hands). Roll the formed meatball in the breadcrumbs until coated.
  • Repeat with all 12 meatballs.
  • In a lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat, cook meatballs until lightly browned on every side. Then place in the prepared skillet or casserole dish.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cover with remaining 1 cup pasta sauce, remaining 4 ounces of fresh mozzerlla and ¼ cup parmesan.
  • Return to oven and bake for 10-12 more minutes or until meatballs are completely cooked through.
  • Broil for a few minutes longer if you desire the cheese to be bubbly and slightly browned.
  • ENJOY!

Your turn! Are you a Fan of All Things Cheese like me? What’s your favorite way to enjoy cheese?

About Meaghan

Meaghan is a wife, mom of three, dog lover, coffee freak, and book nerd. When she’s not wrangling her family and driving them around town in her Mom Taxi, she is a writer, blogger, and recipe creator over at BeautyfromBurntToast. Her biggest passion is helping people feel confident in the kitchen by making cooking accessible with quick and easy recipes that the whole family will love. In a roundabout way, this makes her a wanna be GYPO for the kitchen and explains why she loves the outfit formulas so much. They’re easy and accessible and make life better for everyone.

Ways to Wear It – Gray Tee

Ways to Wear It – Gray Tee

We always talk about the importance of having a great white tee in your closet staples collection, however, we sometimes overlook the amazing versatility of the grey tee. First, it’s a neutral, which means it goes with everything. Plus, if you’re having a hard time finding a white tee, or perhaps white is just not your color, then a perfect alternative is a gray tee. It’s also super easy to style and comes in many different shades so you’re sure to find one that beautifully compliments your skin tone.

If you don’t have a gray tee, we highly recommend you add it to your closet arsenal. Also, it’s okay to have more than one of these. Between the different necklines and sleeve lengths, having a couple of styles will help you get through all the different seasons. But for now, let’s focus on summer with these three great ways to style a gray tee – perfect for the rising temps!

Option #1

Gray Tee + White Bottoms + Bright Shoes + Neutral Handbag

A gray tee is styled with white shorts or crop pants and red sandals.

For this first look, we styled the gray tee with white bottoms. The choice is yours as far as the option of shorts or pants but feel free to style with a skirt as well. And yes, brown and gray do go together in this classic outfit. Finally, the look is finished off with some red sandals but truly any color will complement this look perfectly.

Option #2

Denim Jacket + Gray Tee + Bright Bottoms + White Sneakers + Color Tote

A denim jacket is styled with a gray tee, Kelly green shorts and white sneakers.

For outfit number two we really had fun playing with color. First, we added a denim jacket because sometimes the mornings and evenings can still be a little cool. Then we paired the gray tee with some fun bright shorts and stayed casual with some white sneakers. Lastly, the look is finished off with some more color with a coordinating bright tote.

Option #3

Neutral Cardigan + Gray Tee + Medium Wash Bottoms + Snake Print Shoes + Color Tote

This outfit is styled with a beige cardigan, a gray tee and medium washed shorts finished off with snake print sandals.

Finally, for the last look, we stayed pretty simple with a neutral cardigan against the gray tee and some medium-wash shorts. Feel free to sub in jeans or again, a skirt would look fabulous too! We couldn’t stay away from a fun pop of color by adding a red handbag but we also added print in the form of snake print sandals, which don’t forget, are also a neutral.

Your turn! What’s your favorite way to wear a gray tee?

Like what you see above? Want to build a closet you love year-round? These outfits and more can be found in the Closet Staples Casual Capsule Wardrobe. It includes coordinating tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories every woman needs in their closet for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter looks. It’s the ultimate style guide!

Organize Your Closet Like a Pro

Organize Your Closet Like a Pro

by Lisa Trigsted of Get Neat with Lisa

Hello! I’m Lisa Trigsted, owner and lead organizer of Get Neat with Lisa, a professional organizing service here in Dallas, TX.  I’m so honored to be a guest blogger here today! Now it’s time to organize your closet!

Let’s Talk Closets

With spring cleaning in the air, we’ve been doing a ton of closet makeovers. I recommend resetting your closet twice a year, once in spring and then again in the fall. By going through your closets twice a year, you’re guaranteed to keep your wardrobe up to speed. I did this with my kiddos too. It was a great opportunity to spend one on one time with them as well as teaching them how to organize.

If it’s been years since you cleaned out your closet, you’ll need to set aside more time for this process. That’s because you will need to take everything out of your closet. Yes, you read that correctly, everything! When we come to help you, we bring rolling racks to help with this project, but you can start with small sections of your closet, so you don’t get overwhelmed. Once you do this initial clean-out, the twice-a-year resets will be a breeze!

The goal here is to touch every single item in your closet. Make a quick pass-through to take everything out that you already know you don’t wear or love anymore. Set up a donation bag to immediately put these items into. I always keep a donation basket in my closet so I can edit as I go. Keep doing this over and over until you have curated and kept only the items that you love, wear, and make you feel great!

After touching every item in your closet, it’s time to put it all back in.

Closet Cleanout and Organziation Tips

1. Use Matching Hangers

Use all matching hangers to cut down on visual clutter. When all the hangers match, it calms your mind and calms your space. You can find affordable options here.

2. Create Zones

Set up zones in your closet. Tops, Bottoms, Dresses, Purses, Shoes, Accessories, Sweaters. You can even subcategorize into workout, casual, and work attire. This way there is no problem finding exactly what you’re looking for and you’ll have a plan for when you’re putting things away.

3. Color Code

I love to color code my closet. This helps me in two ways. I immediately see how many of a certain color item I have. I can easily see that I have 20 black tops lol, so I know I don’t need any more black tops. It also helps calm the space when everything is color-coded. I start each color with tank tops, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, and then jackets. Same with pants and dresses.

Sweaters folded and organized by color.

4. Be honest with Yourself

When organizing your closet the most important questions you can ask yourself are:

  • When was the last time you wore each item?
  • Do you love how you feel in it?
  • Is it comfortable?
  • Would you buy it again today?

5. Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes

Use stacking storage boxes or over-the-door organizers to utalize all that vertical space that often goes unused in closets. Measure the top shelf to the ceiling to help you purchase the correct amount. Now, same as above, ask yourself the above questions with each pair of shoes.

6. Coordination Bins

Use coordinating bins with lids to stack and store accessories, off-season clothing, hats, sweaters, purses, and bags. Be sure to label the bins so you know exactly what is in each bin. Style your closet to be your own personal boutique. Even the smallest of closets can exude this feeling for you.

7. ‘One In, One Out’ Rule

Practice the ‘one in, one out’ rule. Now that you’ve organized your entire closet, every time you bring in a new item, an old one must leave. This helps you to stop and think, do I really need this? What in my current closet can I let go of to make room for this purchase? Nine times out of ten, when I ask myself these questions, I put the item back on the rack and leave the store.

Bonus:

Turn all your hangers backward after you do this initial cleanout. As you wear each item, turn the hanger back around, and at the end of each season, you’ll see what you didn’t wear. Statistics show (and I know this to be true) that most of us wear only 20% of what we own. 

Getting organized will help you save time, feel calm, ease anxiety, save money, and I guarantee it will make you feel lighter and happier. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients that will testify to this.  Follow these tips, and you too can have an organized closet. Need help? We are only a message away. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest. for all our before and afters, as well as daily tips for an organized life.

Your turn! Is your closet in need of a fresh start? What other areas are you eager to organize?

About Lisa
A picture of Lisas Trigsted sitting at her desk.

Lisa Trigsted owns and operates Get Neat with Lisa, a home organization company located in North Dallas, Texas. Prior to becoming an organizer, she enjoyed careers both as a teacher and marketing exec for a radio station. Lisa grew up in beautiful Idaho, the oldest of seven children. It was her parents that instilled in her a work ethic that she attributes in part, to her success as a professional organizer today. She loves helping her clients take back their spaces while creating beautiful organizational systems that work! She can come to your home in person or virtually! Lisa is excited to announce her own product line, now available on HSN!

Spring Closet Staples From Budget-Friendly to Investment

Spring Closet Staples From Budget-Friendly to Investment

Spring is well underway and if you haven’t already, it’s time to transition over your closet from fall/winter to spring/summer. As trends come and go, it’s essential to have a good closet foundation. That way you can incorporate a few new pieces and easily mix and match them with your closet staples. It’s also important to remember that it does take some time to create a closet you love so don’t get frustrated if it takes some time to find pieces that are a ‘heck yeah!’

Budget-Friendly Vs. Investment

We’re all at different points with our closets and that’s okay. While some are just starting on the treasure hunt to gather all their favorites, some already have a well-established closet, and now they’re on the hunt for either replacement pieces, or maybe they want to add some investment pieces. So what’s the difference? Budget-friendly pieces are pieces you can add to help fill in your closet staple gaps. They usually don’t break the bank. Now just because they are budget-friendly doesn’t mean they aren’t quality. Sometimes one can score an amazing piece at an equally amazing price. Now there are some items that it’s okay to spend a little more on. Those are called investment pieces. Typically they are a higher quality item and with that sometimes I higher price stage. They too are items that will stay in style year after year and season after season. The top two investment items, according to GYPO are handbags and coats because you will get so much use out of them and once you break down the cost per wear of the item, they tend to win hands down!

Keep in mind that budget-friendly and investment piece prices look different for everyone. That’s the beauty of taking your time to create a closet you love. You don’t have to spend a ton of money all at once and you only spend what your budget allows. No matter what you’ll still come out looking fabulous, confident and put together. Below are five of our favorite spring closet staples that every closet should have going into the warmer months.

1. White Tee

What more can we say about the white tee. It goes with everything, and it’s not just a closet staple for spring but all year round! It’s also okay to have more than one white tee in your closet since there are different necklines, like crew, scoop, or v-neck. There are also short sleeve, long, 3/4, or even sleeveless. You see where we’re going with this, right? If white doesn’t work for you, opt for an off-white or ivory color. If you’re still looking for the perfect white tee, check out our favorites HERE.

Target’s Universal Thread V-Neck Tee / Eddie Bauer Favorite V-Neck Tee

2. denim Jacket

The denim jacket. It’s probably one of our favorite spring closet staples, but it can be hard to find one you love. Right now, the style seems to be a bit on the oversized look but sometimes you can combat this by sizing down if you don’t want it to fit too loose. When picking a denim jacket, you can’t go wrong with a medium wash, and pick one that hits around the hips. Also, think about what you’re going to be wearing under the jacket. If it’s going to be nothing more than a tee, you can opt for one that’s a little more form-fitting. If you plan on wearing light sweaters or something a little thicker, make sure you have room to move around and it doesn’t feel too tight.

Target’s Universal Thread Denim Jacket / Madewell Classic Jean Jacket

3. Printed Skirt

A printed skirt can include a fun floral pattern, geometric, animal print, or even something simple and classic like polka dots. This is a versatile piece for spring as it can easily be dressed up with heels or flats and a blouse or dressed down with a white tee and sneakers or perhaps flip flops. It’s light and airy, but if it’s chilly, layers are able to be easily added. There are multiple lengths to choose from but right now a midi length is having its moment but you can also never go wrong with something that hits just above the knee.

MEROKEETY Women’s Floral Print Skirt / Talbot Fit & Flare Floral Sprigs Skirt

4. Color Tote

Spring is all about fun, bright, and bold colors. Having a color tote is a great way to showcase these colors. It’s easy to think a neutral tote is the way to go, but we promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much use you’ll get out of a color tote. Just pick a color that complements the colors you wear most. If you find yourself a bit on the warmer side of the color spectrum, try a coral tote, or if it’s a bit more on the cool side, maybe a royal blue.

Dreubea Soft Faux Leather Tote / Coach Willow Tote

5. White Sneakers

White sneakers, love ’em or hate ’em they’re more versatile than you think and are a perfect way to welcome spring. They go great with jeans, shorts, your favorite sundress, and yes that printed skirt we mentioned earlier. If you’re worried you won’t be able to keep them clean, try finding a pair that is more leather-like than canvas to make it easier to wipe with a damp cloth.

Hash Bubbie White Sneakers / Adidas Stan Smith White Sneakers

Your turn! What are your favorite spring closet staples?