Fashion has been celebrated by women since the beginning of time, taking a sharp upward turn during the Gilded Age. During this era, it was evident who was in high society and who was not, based on their wardrobe. It only grew from there, leading up to the more modern era.
In the 1950’s, women’s fashion was the straighter and slimmer look of the silhouette. The 1960’s had three major trends: youthful, elegance and space-age influences. The 1970’s were known for being the decade of polyester. The 1980’s were about power dressing. The 1990’s were grunge and casual wear. Now, in 2024, we’ve watched trends transition from skinny jeans and cropped jackets back to styles with length, volume and texture.
Strategically tailored and flowing looks are in with summertime at the doorstep. In Charleston, the triple H’s (hazy, hot and humid) play big roles in wardrobe. This can especially be challenging when dressing for business. That’s why Charleston Women has sat down with some of the hottest boutiques in town to talk choosing outfits or clothing combinations that bring out the best in you, while projecting professionalism all summer long.
TWO CUMBERLAND
Our first recommendation comes from Martha Walters, owner of Two Cumberland, with locations in downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Her advice is to start with dresses. “Dresses are easy to throw on, and they look great with sandals or sneakers,” Walters said. “Dress for success, to me, is dressing so that you feel confident in who you are and how you look while staying comfortable and true to yourself.” A good dress is a great way to accomplish that. If you want to stay trendy, try popular desert colors like burnt sienna, spicy reds and western-themed neutrals.
THE COVE
Located on Daniel Island, The Cove, owned by Britt Schmidt, has created an intimate boutique full of looks right off the runway. Schmidt believes that having good staple to choose from are keys to success whether you’re going to soccer practice or the office. Those staples are a great white T-shirt that doesn’t disintegrate in the first wash and a good pair of jeans that you can wear to the soccer field. Switching up the shoes and accessories can transition these versatile items from place to place.
Having a good blazer is also a must, according to Schmidt. “If you are going out to dinner, then wear the blazer over your little black dress. Take that same blazer to work and wear it with your high-waisted trouser pants. It’s finding quality items that are going to last you and wearing them in different ways. Those are the building blocks.” For summer, there are always lightweight versions of fan favorites available.
FLY MODERN APPAREL
With over four decades of experience in fashion, boutique owner Margie Sutton is fashion in historic Summerville. And she knows her stuff when it comes to the unique 2024 market. “Every era is in. It’s a matter to the person and how they bring it into their wardrobe. When you talk about the professional look, you need to have your monochromatic. That’s big this summer. Your tones on tones. When you have those basics in your closet, you can interject color.” Just as Schmidt stated, Sutton suggested always having a cute blazer in your closet — and a kitten heel.
For accessories, silver is making a comeback. Gold is always a solid choice, but silver is an option again. However, above all, Sutton believes to shine, one must be authentic. “As a business owner, you must be you and do you, represent what you love.” At the end of the day, Sutton is all about having fun in her boutique. She doesn’t follow trends; she sets the trends, which is also what any woman can do.
STYLED WELL BOUTIQUE
Mayra Arena, owner of Styled Well Boutique, has always been a fan of fashion. She even left her corporate job to pursue owning her own boutique. That’s why we were so excited to get her take on professional fashion; it’s where her worlds collide. “The items I recommend having in your closet are a little black dress, a cute blazer and a solid pair of stilettos. Linens, dresses and body suits are also must-haves.”
Arena hates the word trend. She encourages her clients to do what they want to do in fashion. For summer, she believes you should do what makes you feel and look your best. “I want to get away from ‘it’s what everybody else is doing. Wear fine things that tailor to your body.”
SUBTLE AND SASS BOUTIQUE
Owner of Mount Pleasant’s Subtle and Sass, Renee Smith, wants you to remember it’s not what you wear, but how it makes you feel that matters. “Fashion is creativity. It’s a way for people to express themselves. Fashion is fun and allows people to be who they are in every way.” However, experimenting with new looks might make you discover a part of yourself you didn’t know you had. Smith noticed a preppy trend with a collar athletic look at buyer’s markets this year. Bright bold colors, emphasis on sky-blues, sheer layering and any kind of small details were displayed heavily at markets and might be fun to play with this summer season as well.
As many of our boutique owners have said, the mission of dressing for success this summer isn’t to find “the perfect outfit,” but to find the best feeling while experimenting with what’s out there. Whether it’s high-low pieces, linens, bright bold colors or dresses, this is the summer to express yourself.
By Maurice J. Frazier
