The Feminine Touch
And Sunday Style School: 5 Summer Outfit Formulas That Always Work
If your style leans more tailored than romantic (mine certainly does), this one’s for you. Today I’m sharing the simple ways I add softness to my summer outfits—and the five outfit formulas I rely on again and again.
There is something undeniably lovely about a softer, more feminine piece mixed into an otherwise simple outfit. The contrast feels effortless and modern—not too sweet, not too precious, and definitely not like you’re trying too hard.
As much as I love tailoring and borrowed-from-the-boys pieces, summer always brings out my softer side. Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the ease of a breezy dress, or maybe after nine months of being completely covered up, I simply want my clothes to do less work.
Either way, this time of year I find myself reaching for skirts (one of my absolute favorite easy thrown on skirts on sale and an extra 30% off today!), dresses (have this dress, it’s everything also on sale and extra 30% off today!) and floaty fabrics (hello perfect summer top!) more than any other season.
The good news? You don’t have to become someone else to embrace a little femininity. You don’t need ruffles from head to toe or a closet full of floral dresses.
Sometimes it’s just one small detail.
1. Lace and Soft Textures
Nothing softens an outfit quite like beautiful textures.
A little lace, silk, cotton poplin, or even a whisper-thin knit can instantly add a feminine element while still feeling incredibly chic.
The trick is contrast.
I love pairing something delicate with something slightly masculine (on sale and extra 30% off today!)
Try these combinations:
• A lace camisole with a men’s-inspired trouser and an easy leather thong sandal.
• Crisp cotton poplin pants with a tank or a slightly open V-neck instead of your usual crewneck tee.
• A simple ‘90s-inspired silk midi skirt paired with an oversized long-sleeve tee.
• A silky slip dress layered under an oversized linen button-down.
• A white cotton poplin skirt with a ribbed tank and flat leather sandals.
The beauty of soft textures is that they never scream “feminine.” They simply whisper it.
And whispering is always chicer.
Favorite lace detail pieces:
This, this, this, this and this
If there is one shoe that instantly adds a feminine touch to an outfit, it’s the ballet flat.
A pair of great jeans and a white T-shirt suddenly feels a little more polished and infinitely prettier with a simple ballet flat.
I think that’s why they’ve made such a strong comeback. They’re practical, understated, and somehow manage to make every outfit feel slightly more intentional.
A few of my favorite combinations:
• Straight-leg jeans, white tee, black ballet flats.
• Relaxed khaki trousers, navy tank (just got this and it’s so good!) and mesh ballet flats.
• White denim, striped button-down, and red ballet flats.
• Black bermuda shorts with a lightweight sweater draped over your shoulders and a soft suede ballet flat.
• A simple slip skirt and tank with a delicate pointed-toe ballet flat.
It’s amazing how a shoe can change the entire mood of an outfit.
The ballet flat says, “I appreciate comfort, but I also own lipstick.”
My favorite ballet flats:
These, these, these, these, these and these
Accessories are often the easiest way to add femininity without changing your entire wardrobe.
A beaded bag, a woven bag, a raffia clutch, or a little top-handle handbag can instantly soften even the simplest outfit.
Because let’s face it—there’s something charming about carrying a tiny, pretty bag when the rest of your outfit is incredibly uncomplicated.
A few combinations I love:
• White jeans, black tank, and a beaded evening bag.
• An oversized linen shirt and shorts paired with a woven basket bag.
• Black trousers, white tank, and a raffia clutch.
• A slip dress with a small embellished shoulder bag.
• Denim and a white button-down with a structured top-handle bag.
It’s that unexpected feminine detail that makes people think, “Oh, she has great style.”
Which, of course, you do.
My favorite small interesting bags:
This, this, this, this, this, this, this and this
Before we get into Sunday Style School, I know I keep talking about my focus on health this year like a broken record. But I’m really excited to try this new app called Superpower that tests over 100 biomarkers. Going to get my blood drawn on Tuesday so I will definitely report back on my progress etc. I’ve had so many friends tell me about this and finally biting the bullet. After your blood test, they deliver your results in a clear, easy-to-read dashboard with each biomarker explained. Easily track your health across tests, to see the impact of your choices.
No medical jargon or PDFs
Understand your results
Upload past medical records
I’m so excited! You can sign up here if you’re interested too.
And lastly since we are talking about health, you guys already know my obsession with our new Helix Sleep mattress. I’ve had lower back pain for years and also tend to run hot and this mattress has cooling technology, it’s 15 inches thick and it’s just all the things. And they are having their July 4 sale now! Save up to 30%!
Code JULY20 for 20% off sitewide (I now can’t live without this pillow and these cooling sheets as well)
Code LUXE25 for 25% off Luxe mattresses
Code ELITE30 for 30% off Elite mattresses
Ok without further ado….
Sunday Style School:
The 5 Summer Outfit Formulas You Can Always Rely On
I say this all the time: if you have three to five outfit formulas that you know work for you, getting dressed becomes infinitely easier.
You stop standing in your closet wondering what to wear.
You simply repeat the formula.
Switch the colors, swap the silhouettes, add a different shoe—and suddenly you have dozens of outfits.
These are the five formulas I come back to every single summer.
Formula #1:
Easy Dress + Flat Sandal + Woven Bag
The easiest outfit in existence.
A simple black, white, or olive dress paired with a leather sandal and a woven bag looks chic every single time.
Minimal effort.
Maximum payoff.
Formula #2:
Relaxed Trouser + Tank + Thong Sandal
This is my uniform.
The tank keeps it effortless, the trouser keeps it polished, and the sandal makes it feel summery.
It’s the kind of outfit that works for lunch, errands, dinner, and almost everything in between.
Formula #3:
White Denim + Linen Shirt + Ballet Flat
You simply cannot go wrong here.
The white denim brightens everything, the linen shirt feels relaxed, and the ballet flat adds just enough femininity.
French women have been doing this forever, and frankly, I don’t think they’re stopping anytime soon.
Formula #4:
Midi Skirt + Fitted Tank + Minimal Sandal
This formula feels feminine without trying too hard.
I especially love a silk or cotton midi skirt because it moves beautifully and somehow always feels elegant.
It’s also one of those outfits that makes you feel dressed even when the temperatures are less than civilized.
Formula #5:
Linen Shorts + Button-Down + Leather Slide
The easiest elevated daytime look.
Half tuck the shirt, push up the sleeves, add a great pair of sunglasses and you’re done.
It’s polished but relaxed—which, in my opinion, is exactly how summer style should feel.
The older I get, the less interested I am in trends and the more interested I become in formulas.
I want clothes that work.
I want outfits that feel like me.
And sometimes all it takes is one feminine detail—a soft fabric, a pretty shoe, or a beautiful bag—to make even the most minimal outfit feel special.
Because getting dressed shouldn’t feel complicated.
It should simply feel like the best version of yourself.
You can still book a personal Styling Zoom session with me at the very reduced rate of $200. My normal rate is $350. You can book 2 sessions for $350, three sessions for $550 and four sessions for $750 and if you purchase four sessions, you will get a free copy of my new style e-book as well.
Email me at jenknowsbesblog@gmail.com! These slots are going quickly!
If you want to download my new style ebook, you can do that here:
The JKB Outfit Formula Handbook
You can also download my other ebooks here:
The Only Style Book You’ll Ever Need
Minimal Chic: The Art of Dressing for your body type and lifestyle
Also, join my “JKB Edit” broadcast channel I just started here on IG for daily favorites and you can ask me questions over there as well!
Follow me and join my circle on ShopMy as well! I update my shopping links there daily!
And I update this regularly: The Best Spring/Summer shopping guide! (Updated this yesterday!)
Love you guys, xoxo Jen
Would love to hear about your experience w Superpower!