Summer Stripes

Although the summer is nearly halfway over it seems that just because stores will be rolling out fall clothing soon, it doesn't mean that we will be able to wear them just yet. In the midwest where the seasons are fairly definitive, summer clothing will be needed for those first days of school or even Casual Fridays at work.

One of the big trends for the summer months has been vertical stripes. I love stripes, so I figured I would do a couple of my favorite affordable striped shirt options.

1 & 2. Although Alloy does keep a target audience of teens, who says you can't be in your 20s or early 30s and rock some of their styles. Not I. If done right, you can purchase some of their pieces and pair them with the right bottoms to make a fun, sophisticated or casual look. Here are two options I thought were cute.

What makes this shirt adorable is really the cut. Along with stripes, the really big thing this season is uneven cuts. Shirts are made with tuxedo backs or long sides. It is really about flowy and fun this season. This shirt is certainly not something most of us can wear to Casual Fridays at work, but for the younger crowd and weekends, this shirt is adorable with a cute pair of jeans. ($26.90-$28.90 at alloy.com)

This second Alloy pick is one of my favorites. It is contemporary, yet timeless in color and style. It can certainly be worn to work, play, or even on errands. It also comes in an array of colors aside from the two or three striped options. Pair it with a cute pair of shorts, skirt, or white jeans and you have an adorable outfit. ($14.90-$17.90 at alloy.com. They also have deals on purchases of two or more.)

3. For those of you looking for a more clean and sophisticated, yet fun look, Madewell makes this lovely piece. It is thin and airy for the summer and looks adorable with this mode's dark jeans and hat. It is great for all ages if you are looking for something a bit more conservative. It comes in a second color option of red stripes and a blue striped pocket. However, I have to admit I'm not a fan. Perhaps for the Fourth of July it would have been fitting, but on an everyday regular outing, I find it somewhat juvenile. ($29.99 at madewell.com).

4. lilyboutique.com

This shirt I find adorable. Again, it definitely reminds me of an Aria wardrobe choice from Pretty Little Liars, but the costume girl for that show definitely has taste. I love the clothing they dress Aria in and I think some of it is appropriate for a slightly older crowd. This shirt from lilyboutique.com is just adorable. It is a simple striped shirt, but the bow on the shoulder offers up a romantic and playful look for a business casual office attire or weekend look. Pair it with skinny jeans or possibly leggings and you are set. ($28.00 at lilyboutique.com.)

5. needsupply.com

This is my favorite pick, but I have to be honest when I say that as a short girl with a butt, I would probably reserve it for a lanky tall girl. The adorable short front cut showcases your waste, but the back gives it a dramatic accent. It looks adorable with a pair of white skinny pants as seen on the model. It is definitely cute, but I just feel that from the back view it has the power to make the short look shorter and the curvy look wide. ($42.00 at needsupply.com.)