Fashion

Fashion Forecast: Wednesday, May 28th

by Tyler Atwood

Just because Memorial Day weekend is over doesn't mean the fun has to stop, especially when it comes to your wardrobe. While I don't condone rocking your distressed cutoffs at the office on Wednesday, or attempting to transform a beach cover up into an appropriate dress, the weather is warming up, and its time to count down to summer with some especially fabulous fashions.

This week, try incorporating an outlandish print or pattern into your wardrobe. Painterly patterns and sporty looks are in vogue for Spring 2014, but if the idea of attempting either trend seems too daunting, a subtle checkered pattern or floral will have the same alluring effect. If it's especially balmy in your city (Miami and Los Angeles have hot weather to look forward to), throw on a printed skirt or a dress in lightweight silk for a change. If your climate is on the damper side, as Juneau and New York will be on Wednesday, a printed trouser or long-sleeved blouse will give the same effect, but with a bit more built-in warmth. So wherever you may live, this Wednesday add a pop of pattern into your outfit. You may be surprised at how it brightens up your day.

1. NEW YORK: 64 DEGREES WITH SHOWERS

Simply because the forecast predicts scattered showers doesn't mean that you must wear drab, utilitarian clothing. A bright silk shirt with a simple pencil skirt and patent leather heels will do the trick, as long as you pair them with a good anorak and an umbrella for warmth and added resistance to the chill. J.Crew's Gemstone Floral Silk Tee will give your outfit sunny appeal even when the weather isn't bright.

2. LOS ANGELES: 79 DEGREES AND PARTLY CLOUDY

At 79 degrees, Los Angeles may just be the perfect temperature for a short skirt, a silk blouse and some fantastic booties. If your office tends to be more conservative, trade a mini for a midi skirt in a daring pattern. Whistles' Kaleidoscope Pocket Skirt is both eye-catching and different, and will keep you nice and cool during the peak sunny hours of the day.

3. MIAMI: 86 DEGREES AND PARTLY CLOUDY

What could be easier — and more chic — for a hot, partly cloudy day than throwing on a short-sleeved red dress? Saturday by Kate Spade's Reversible Call Me Dress is incredibly versatile due to its demure cut. As an added bonus, the bright dress can be worn inside-out if you decide you'd like a quick change before the office cocktail hour. Add a patterned scarf or heels to jazz up the ensemble further.

4. JUNEAU: 57 DEGREES AND PARTLY CLOUDY

On an overcast day, breathable trousers combined with a fitted tank and long blazer are an ideal blend for comfort and style. Ebba's Grid Checked Slim Fit 7/8 Trousers will add intrigue to a basic ensemble, especially when the rest of your outfit is rendered in a black and white palette as well.

5. BOSTON: 54 DEGREES AND MORNING SHOWERS

Boston will see morning showers on Wednesday, but the rainy weather need not dampen the style of its residents. Equipments's Brett Blouse in Blue Exploded Stars Print adds life to a dreary ensemble, and the printed star pattern is incredibly eye-catching when paired with cropped trousers and a trench coat for the rain.

6. CHICAGO: 60 DEGREES AND MORNING SHOWERS

Chicago residents can look forward to a rainy morning on Wednesday, but when countered with a sweet sweater and chic pencil skirt, the weather won't look so bad. Autumn Cashmere's Sweater almost looks patterned with its cable knit twist in the front and delicate weave, and will appear especially chic with a pastel skirt and ladylike heels.

7. HOUSTON: 83 DEGREES AND THUNDERSTORMS

For a hot, humid day in Houston, try the professional equivalent of a slip dress: the silk slip skirt. Peter Jenson's Printed Slip Skirt has enough pattern to liven up your entire ensemble, especially when paired with a silk tee and pumps for work.

8. CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA: 92 DEGREES AND THUNDERSTORMS

When the weather is 92 degrees with thunder showers, it is essential to stay cool and keep out the rain. Try a lightweight trench coat over a silk dress and ladylike heeled sandals to keep the heat — and rain — at bay. Try Yumi Kim's Elana Dress for a look that is both cheery and professional, as well as heat-repellent.

Images: J.Crew Gemstone Floral Silk Tee, $118, jcrew.com; Whistles Kaleidoscope Pocket Skirt, $190, whistles.co.uk; Kate Spade Saturday Reversible Call Me Dress, $110, saturday.com; Ebba Grid Checked Slim Fit 7/8 Trouser, $55, boohoo.com; Equipment Brett Blouse in Blue Exploded Stars Print, $248, equipmentfr.com; Autumn Cashmere Sweater, $187, bloomingdales.com; Peter Jenson Printed Slip Skirt, $114, lagarconne.com; Yumi Kim Elana Dress, $202, shopbop.com