Wondering what to wear this summer?

Red Shoe Style Maven Micolle Canido checks in with 5 summer style sizzlers that work for any budget.

MICOLLE: Hi Ladies…..It’s officially time to kick off Summer!

No better time to refresh your closet with 5 essential fashion staples to keep you cool (and stylish) in the warmer months.

Bodysuits for Slim, Sleek, Smoothness

JLo can still rock a crop top at the ripe age of 46 but let’s be real…she’s got the glam squad to help her look good in just about anything. Thankfully bodysuits have made a big comeback and there are a variety of styles for every age and shape. The fit is seamless and a sexy silhouette never hurt anyone. You can wear them with almost anything and you’ll never have to worry (again) about things untucking!

The only two major drawbacks are bathroom breaks (bodysuits are right up there with jumpsuits) super annoying but they look great.Secondly, the ungodly sight of underwear lines can ruin a look completely. My advice is to try to find one where the bottoms are in a tanga (thong) style.

Bring on the Summer Love with Sandals

Espadrilles have always been a staple in my summer wardrobe for as long as I can remember.They are chic and comfortable. Did you know that the first jute sandal dates back 4000 years ago? Ya – they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

It’s no surprise Yves St Laurent took the espadrilles to a new level (literally) when he requested them made with a heel. So these days the choices are endless…everything but the jute! Having said that, this season my eyes fell in love with another sandal on the opposite end of the spectrum. This chunky low heel adorned with gold studs gives off just the right amount of edginess for me. The best part is the removable sling-back strap.

Sunglasses Always Make Style Statement

The one thing I can’t live without on a daily basis and especially in the summer months are quit frankly the blinking obvious…sunglasses! I feel like a kid in a candy shop when I go to a sunglasses store. Fun to try on and they make the perfect accessory. I have two classic options that I stick with…for good reason…I need prescription lenses to see!

I wear the classic aviator for the chill and relaxed bohemian days and the wayfarer for when I’m a bit more polished and put together. They never get old.

Ahoy – Matey’s!

And what’s summer without something nautical? I personally prefer a long sleeved horizontally striped top over anything else because I like to carry over the look into the early fall underneath a blazer. While I do believe stripes are tricky and can easily be unflattering…here are a few rules to stick to:
1. If you’re like me and have narrow shoulders and a smaller bust a crew or v-neck with horizontal stripes works well.
2. A large bust or wide hips can be very tricky to work with. For the bust try a stripped blazer with one solid color underneath from top to bottom. A bandage style dress with strips going on an angle and not straight across the derriere offer great camouflage.

3. I have yet to see horizontal stripes look good on anybody’s thighs. If anything, you may make it on the “what not to wear” list. There really is no need to even entertain that thought.

Sensuous, Sexy Summer

My favorite body part on a woman has always been the decolletage. There’s just something to be said for sun kissed shoulders that look so feminine and sultry in a off-the-shoulder blouse. It’s one of those pieces when picked in a neutral shade looks great with a wide range of denim and when you want to dress it up…simply tuck it into a pencil skirt. If your feeling a little shy…a great alternative to the off- the-shoulder top is the cut-away-shoulder top. They come in the form of sweaters, blouses, even dresses and look great on everyone’s shoulders…no matter what your age. I recently pulled out a black vintage Halston that’s perfect for cooler summer nights. A great piece to bring along for a weekend getaway for all the right reasons.

Micolle Canido (43) is an independent fashion influencer. She is currently part of the team opening the newest JAC retail space at Oakridge Mall in Vancouver, Canada. Micolle works with women of all ages to help them identify their own unique style signature.
Find out more about Micolle here.