Centsibly Southern Chic

Bargain Fashionista With a Southern Twist

Southern Fashion Right Off The Runway

Posted: April 16, 2012 | Last updated: June 27, 2015
by Laura Handey Leave a Comment

Retro camera being held by a young photographer
We all know when we look in those fashion magazines we think to ourselves “is it really possible to pull off those styles”?

Especially here in the South where it’s hot! Southern ladies love to look their best but the truth is, some fashions are not quite suitable for this neck of the woods.

For example, wearing long pants with your favorite three-quarter length sleeve blouse looks great on those models in New York where it’s still cool in April, but it would look ridiculous in our 90 degree weather!

What southern lady would want to walk into a room with sweat rolling down her face and those embarrassing sweat spots under her arms? Umm, not me!

Although I don’t doubt we can handle this unbearable heat and humidity, there is no reason we should have to cut down on the layers of style that are offered to us in these fashion forward magazines.

Is it really possible to pull off New York styles in the southern heat?
Whether you are from the south or somewhere just as unbearable when it comes to this summer heat, this write-up is for you.

Next time you look in your favorite magazine and think you are going to pull off those amazing looks for the summer and spring, stop and think about how you will look when you walk into a business meeting sweating from head to toe!


Here are a few of my tips for easy workable spring and summer styles.

Bring LA style to the south in a fashion friendly yet reasonable way.

1) Switch it On and Off

Instead of a three-quarter length sleeve or long sleeve blouse to wear during the day, take a light cardigan that works well with your work attire to take on and off as you go in and out of the air conditioning.  You can keep it simple or bring in the fun bold colors and prints for the spring.

2) Slacks

If your workplace requires panty hose to cover your legs it’s probably much easier (and cooler) to wear your favorite slacks instead.

Find lightweight, simple pants and add a blouse that will stand out.

But, if you’d rather bring a trend in with your pants, a fun bright color would be perfect for your everyday work wear.

If you go for a bold pant, just make sure you keep your blouse fresh and simple.  If panty hose are not required then make sure you find a fun but yet appropriate skirt to wear.

I love fun prints or the fresh bold colors for the spring. Try incorporating these styles into your work wardrobe, whether it be in your blouses, pants or skirts.

3) Transitioning

Now let’s transition to a night or casual day event. (Or in my case, running around with the kiddo in the hot summer heat…all you momma’s know about this. In and out of your hot car, praying that the sweat that is dripping from everywhere will possibly cool you off…shoooo, I’m hot just thinking about it….yikes!)

4) Shorts

If you can pull off shorts, go for it! Just make them fun and fashionable.

Get rid of the khakis and throw in some color! Add a wedge shoe and some accessories and you’re ready to go.

Personally, the only time I enjoy wearing shorts is when I’m running or if I’m wearing tights underneath them and that just doesn’t work for my summer wardrobe.

5) Light Dress

But for everyone who wants to hide those thighs, a great option is that favorite summer dress! I think we can all pull off a light summer dress.

To dress it up a bit, you can layer the dress with a light summer scarf, jewelry, belt, or even a blouse or cardigan.

Find a gold sandal or shoe to keep it simple and easy. The gold shoe will also go with so much of your everyday wear this season.

You can make your style fun, fresh and new….even with this crazy heat!


My sweet model Heather below. Always add pops of color.

SONY DSC

If you are like me and shorts are not your thing.  This is a great way to up your style and make you more proportion.

SONY DSC

Heels are a great way to add length to your legs…

If heels are not your thing then wear a gold or neutral flat.  This will also give you definition.

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SONY DSC

Floral is a fun print for the spring and summer. Layer with another print and fun bright colors for that just walked out of the fashion magazine look.

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SONY DSC

Rompers are a great way to stay cool in this summer heat.

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SONY DSC

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About Laura Handey

I'm a stylist focusing on fashion that is low-cost and accessible to every woman. I live in Montgomery, Alabama with my husband Jeffery and son Dillon.

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