Style Challenge: What to Wear to a BBQ

It's officially summer, which means it's the perfect time for activities that involve the great outdoors!  This season is always fraught with pool parties, picnics, and of course, one of the yummiest traditions: barbeques!  We thought it might be fun to showcase what we'd wear to enjoy some delicious BBQ fare:

Sammi of The Soubrette Brunette

To me, nothing says "summer" more than gingham!  This yellow gingham dress is perfect for any summertime cookout; it's lightweight, flirty and fun!  I am a big fan of grilling in the summer -- nothing beats a lightly-charred hot dog.  I'm also dying to try grilled fruit (like pineapple and peaches) this summer!  What's your favorite grilled delicacy?

Marisa of The Shades of Monet Chronicles

So this is what I literally wore to my family's Memorial Day BBQ back in May.  In the summer, I feel like you can never go wrong with primary colors.  They just scream Americana and grilled goodies, and blueberry cobbler, you know?  This little Mata Traders dress that was covered with yellow umbrellas and had a blue bottom on it paired up quite festively with my red, white, and blue owl tote and little peep toe flats and with that I was ready to party.  Now bring on the BBQ!

Elana of Room 334

I'm always the most overdressed person in my family no matter what, but I especially stand out during events like barbecues. I'm fortunate enough to have a really close family that does things like get together and grill often (and by that I mean it's just my dad and one of my brothers who grills), so whenever we do something of the sort, I usually try to throw on something fairly casual. I wore this look on my blog recently, and while I didn't actually wear it to a BBQ, it's the kind of casual, fun outfit that I would wear for the occasion. Some sunglasses and sandals are a must, and I think some fun prints are necessary as well. I'm hoping we have a BBQ again soon so I can put on this exact outfit again.  

Katie of Butterfly Loves Snapdragons 

When thinking of grilling out, I usually try to discern what type of occasion it is. If there will be bonfire-ing afterwards I wear my favorite pair of worn in jeans and boots with my hair up in my trusty scarf. If it will be a warmer night, a comfy dress and jean jacket is my go to ensemble! Either way I usually end up wearing denim in some fashion because it is so sturdy. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a marshmallow fiend when it comes to fires, so I definitely need something I don't mind getting too dirty in either :) S'mores, you know?

Happy Grilling friends! 

Lisa of Lala Faux Bois

Most BBQs in the AZ desert are centered around a pool party since it's the only way to make the blazing heat tolerable. This summer I've been pretty obsessed with my pretzel float :) An easy jersey dress, jelly sandals, and a head scarf round out my go-to party outfit.

Erica of Sweets and Hearts 

The dry heat in Southern California isn't fun to be around, so for BBQs and other outdoor events I usually stick to lightweight fabrics that breathe well (and quite honestly, short shorts, mini dresses, and sleeveless crop tops=lifesavers in the summer). I still make sure to incorporate a bright color or two and quirky patterns. Here, I'm wearing a coral ruffle blouse with a ditsy daisy print, gray and white striped shorts by Dear Creatures (sorry so wrinkly--I'd been out and about that day), and my leather flower sandals by Poetic Licence.

Dus of Cuddly Cacti

When going to a BBQ anytime in spring or summer, you can most likely find me with a big hat on my head to protect me from the strong sun we get in the southwest. That, and a mug full of iced coffee, which makes this outfit more than fitting for my next BBQ! 

What do you wear to a summer BBQ?

Style Challenge: Monochrome Outfits

This month we were ready for a challenge and monochrome outfits fit the bill since they can be pretty difficult to pull off.  But challenges are rewarding and we ended up with some awesome looks using what we already had in our clothes.  So enjoy, get inspired, and try this challenge for yourself!

Feel free to share links to any of your monochrome outfits in the comments below. We'd love to see how you guys rock the theme. :)

Kristian of Never Fully Dressed (Without a Style)

When in doubt, wear black. Nothing will make you look more put together, right? That's the theory anyway and one hypothesis I like to think passes the test! See more here!

 Katie of Butterfly Loves Snapdragons

I was just going to post the first photo, all in neutrals of an oatmeal shade here, but then I decided I couldn't let a monochromatic style challenge go by without re-posting this red look over again. While oatmeal can be good for a day when you want to blend in, an all-over bright will surely make you stand out! Especially in a get-me-noticed shade like red.

Lisa of Lala Faux Bois For my monochrome outfit I decided to go with blue because well, it's the best color- obviously! I definitely have the most of it in my closet, and I love pairing this vintage skirt and shirt together. These ice blue tights are a favorite when I want a light color and white just won't do. Did you know that blue is the most popular color in the world? 

Sammi of The Soubrette Brunette

I tend to be a little matchy-matchy with my color schemes, so the whole monochrome trend comes fairly easily to me!  I usually like sticking with more classic colors or neutrals (like red, black or white) when it comes to this trend, or else I will use different hues of the same color (like in my Valentine-y pink outfit).  The trick is to make sure the overall look isn't too overwhelming! 

Jen of JennifHsieh When it comes to monochrome outfits I always tend to stick to neutrals or dark tones to stay away from being overwhelming. Then again, I'm always usually a neutrals girl so I guess that's not saying much coming from me. In this specific outfit, I decided to go for an all white look which is a challenge since my food usually gets everywhere whenever I eat. I think I played it pretty safe with my food choices though and ended the work day without a spot or stain. But when it comes to monochrome looks, I always tend to pick a secondary color to balance out the outfit in small but powerful ways (i.e. the tan belt and moccassins). 

Dus of Cuddly Cacti

Well, this challenge sure was a challenge for me! I kept thinking of what items I could pair together for this monochrome style challenge, and nothing felt quite "me." I thought back to my old posts, and while I've surely done something more recently, this was the most monochrome outfit I could think of, and the top of course has lots of cream in it. It's crazy to look back and see that this was after I'd only been blogging a few months, which was nearly three years ago (and wow, pardon the awful photo quality I had back then)! 

Hannah of The Braided Bandit

I have to admit, it was a bit difficult for me to find outfits of mine that featured a monochrome style.  As a love of combining different color combinations, I rarely think to combine the the same color with itself! I do actually love the statement it makes though, especially if the colors are in the same family with just slightly different shades!  

Marisa of The Shades of Monet Chronicles

So they say it's not easy being green, but I beg to differ.  Though I don't own much in the way of green myself, I felt up to the challenge of styling a monochrome look around this little green daisy dress I recently acquired from Jana's closet.  Green ... especially mint is one of my favorite colors, so I couldn't help but kinda just love the end result.  What's your favorite color to build a monochrome look around?

Style Challenge: Winter Coats

Brrr! Whether it is the Polar Vortex hitting or just normal winter weather in your town, there's no denying that winter can be a bit chilly! But that is no reason to let your style suffer, so for this month's style challenge we're sharing our favorite coats and ways to style them.

Kristian of Never Fully Dressed (Without a Style)

This navy blue coat is short but surprisingly warm thanks to it's silk lining. I like to dress up any winter wear look with accessories too, like gloves, hats and scarves. Suddenly, there are so many style choices to have! Perfect for those days I want to brave the cold and tramp about in nature.

Sammi of The Soubrette Brunette

Full disclosure: I am obsessed with coats.  If I could have a matching coat for every outfit I own, I would!  As it is, I already have a pretty substantial collection -- and my more "practical" coats (for these bitter Rochester winters) aren't even shown here!  Having to wear a grubby coat with a pretty dress is always kind of a bummer for me, so I've made it my mission to fill my closet with pretty-colored, fancier coats.  I really love styling them as part of a complete outfit to complement what's underneath, rather than covering it up.  I'm always on the hunt for unique coats (two of my favorite finds include a mint green trench raincoat and a faux fur collar $10 estate sale snag), and it's a good thing I live in a colder climate so I can wear and love them often!

Lisa of Lala Faux Bois

While the rest of the country has been Polar Vortex-ing this year, here in Phoenix we've had the warmest "winter" I can remember. But if it makes you feel any better, we'll be scorching our way through summer- and based on winter, I fear it will be worse than usual. I thrifted this green beaut a couple of years ago and it's still my favorite go-to coat. Granted, I don't get much time to get sick of it...

Marisa of The Shades of Monet Chronicles

I must admit, I have basically lived in denial of winter my whole life and would do anything in my power to get around wearing a coat.  I'm pretty sure it's always Carolina in my mind :-).  However after moving to the mountains of northeast PA, it's kind of hard to turn my back to the negative degree temps and frigid winter winds.  In saying that, these two coats have been my saving grace against turning into a human icicle.  Both the classic feel of the neutral and vintage feel of the bright yellow have given so many options when it comes to remixing colors and accessories with my many dresses.

 Katie of Butterfly Loves Snapdragons

Let's face it, as a South Dakota gal I am pretty much forced to love winter coats. If I don't I'll freeze into an icicle. Because of this I've had to work to find coats that are warm, yet encompass a style that I enjoy. Enter vintage wool! Many of my coats belonged to my grandmother (or grandfather!) and make them that much more special to wear. They are made of warm wool, lined impeccably, and are so colorful! I like to add a fur collar and a hat in a contrasting color to complete the look for winter.

Dus of Cuddly Cacti

Well, winter coat season is most definitely over in Phoenix, and since it's never that long to begin with, I'm a bit bummed about it. Not that I can complain at all about our weather right now, but I definitely am not ready for it to be 80 degrees already. Today I'm going on a 7am hike to beat the scorching sun and mid-day heat, and it wasn't even my idea. Crazy I know. But as Lisa said above, you all will be enjoying summer and we'll be near dead.

Jenna of Smitten

Hailing from the great expanse of Canada, more specifically in Alberta, it's essentially winter 6-7 months out of the year here so I have to invest in a lot of outer wear. It gets a little boring having only one warm coat to wear for that length of time. My newest and most favourite winter jacket is this blue number, I find I wear a lot of darks and neutrals all winter so it's nice to have a nice bright coat to pop on. And this long plaid one is so perfect for getting dressed up and going out with friends, it's got such a classic pattern and fit.

Elana of Room 334

Despite the fact that I've been living in coats every day for the past few months, it's not often that one shows up in an outfit post. Usually I just take my coat off and risk the chance of catching frost bite instead. You know, things normal people do. This style challenge did finally convince me to leave a coat on for an outfit post (which will be on my blog later this week), and I'm glad that I can finally share my trusted coat of almost four years with all of you. In case you were wondering, I'm a sucker for toggle coats. Of course, the zipper's broken on this one and might have been replaced with a safety pin, but that's besides the point.

Erica of Sweets and Hearts

Peacoats, trench coats, car coats--give me all of them. There's just something about a nice, tailored coat that can really pull an outfit together. Unfortunately, there's really only about 2-3 weeks in December when I can actually wear them. One of my favorites in my closet is this charcoal peacoat by Tulle, which I actually got in a trade from a Facebook swap group a couple of years ago. It has an oversized boyfriend fit and looks great with jeans and dresses. Peacoats are so classic and versatile. They're my go-to coat style because they go with just about anything. (Original outfit post)

Hannah of The Braided Bandit

Living in the Rocky Mountains, I am no stranger to winter coats! Though you can most often find me in my dark green long puffy down jacket on most winter days, I also have a few more fun coats in my closet and shop that I like to add to the mix once in a while!  These are two of my favorites, as I think adding color to an outfit is super important on the greyest of days!

Style Challenge: NYE

Who doesn't love the glitz and glamour of ringing in the New Years? Here are some of our favorite looks to wear for such an occasion. Stay safe, have fun, and from all of us here on Flock Together, have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Jenna of Smitten

As much as I may not be that into New Years Eve and having crazy exciting plans, I am a big fan of dressing up. At this very moment my new years plans are up in the air, but when thinking about what to wear I know for New Years I want A) something with a bit of glitter and B) something comfortable. This tank has the perfect amount of glitter to it, and I adore the comfort of my maxi skirts while still looking dressed up. Chances are in the great white north it's going to be super cold so my faux fur stole is definitely necessary to provide warmth and a bit of glamour ;)

Ashley of Southern (California) Belle

I'm usually one to get dressed up for New Year's Eve but this year I'll be home waiting for my baby to arrive!  This was my outfit for NYE last year.  I feel like (much like Jenna) sparkle is a definite must for your outfit.  I just paired my most shimmery top with a black skirt and some textured tights.  I also had to add my favorite red wedges for a hint of color.  It was perfect for a dinner out at a swanky speakeasy.  This year I'll be enjoying some sparkling grape juice at the comfort of my home or the hospital :)

Lisa from Lala Faux Bois

New Years is one of my favorite holidays! Every year we go on a trip somewhere with friends, sometimes just a weekend road trip away or sometimes out of state. My favorite way to kick off a new year is on vacation. I love dressing up but I also try to wear comfortable shoes for any possible dance opportunities :) I've actually worn these shoes a couple of times for New Year's eve because they are flat but patent leather and shiny. This year we are heading to Austin to meet up with friends we haven't seen in awhile and I couldn't be more excited!

Marisa of The Shades of Monet Chronicles

Just like the other gals, I'm quite the fan of dressing up to ring in the New Year.  I'm pretty sure this year will be spent inside, away from the cold at a party with some of our closest friends, but nonetheless breaking out this full-skirted dress along with my fanciest fascinator and velvety green shoes is definitely in order.  Now bring on the bubbly!

Dus of Cuddly Cacti

This New Year's outfit is more of a hypothetical one for me this year, and is the newest edition to Prickly Pear Vintage. Since we'll be moving to a new state the day after Christmas and likely will not have found a place yet by New Year's Even, I am already preparing to ring in the new year in my PJ's. However, I am loving this Great Gatsby-ish dress as an "in theory" New Year's cocktail party.

Kristian of Never Fully Dressed (Without a Style)

There's not much call for an evening dress is Cowboy Country, but I dream of living in a nineteen thirties movie-  one filled with escapism like bias-cut gowns and night clubs. One time wearing such finery is not out of place is the holidays while dancing. I wore this red number for a Christmas Ball last year. Sadly, we missed out on going to any such this year, so I'm determined to bring in the new year while on the dance floor!

Sammi of The Soubrette Brunette

I have no idea what I'm doing for New Year's Eve this year!  Like many of the other Flock Together girls, getting all dressed up is high on my list of priorities, and since I already have quite a few NYE-worthy pieces in my closet, I thought I'd compile a few options for what I might wear this year.  I usually opt for a mix of neutrals for this holiday, and then add some sparkle, feathers and faux fur for good measure.  I think I'm leaning towards wearing the gold one, which is an immediate repeat of last year's choice, but since this dress seems to come out only once a year, I guess I'm safe!  Whatever I end up doing -- even if it's just having a quiet dinner at home -- I am determined to look festive!

Erica of Sweets and Hearts

I don't have set plans for New Year's Eve either (I'm such a procrastinator/last minute planner, haha), but I do know that I want to wear this dress! When I think of the perfect NYE outfit, it usually involves sparkle. I don't have a lot of sparkly items in my closet (but I suppose I need some now), but this dress does have a few silver rhinestones on the bodice--just enough, really. I got it a couple of year's ago from Forever 21. It's made out of a frothy pink chiffon and is perfect for dancing in because it moves so nicely! My night will most likely involve a glass of champagne (or two) with a few of my favorite people. I hope you have a wonderful--and stylish--New Year's!

Jen of JennifHsieh

Last year I rang in the New Year all the way over in Istanbul since my boyfriend was teaching abroad in Turkey. Since I knew the weather was going to be freezing outside, I made sure to pack a pair of tights to get me through the night. During the new year I always tend to wear darker colors instead of bright and vibrant shades. Maybe it's because I tend to live in the past and I treat it as a funeral for the prior year? Who knows. This year, I'll be traveling once again with my boyfriend, but to the pacific northwest. Maybe this is the year I go all out and wear the brightest colors I can find?

 Jessi of Haircut & General Attitude

I'm not sure what my plans are for NYE but they're sure to involve this skirt! Sequins and sparkle everything for me! And a little fur never hurt anyone either ;) Usually I stay in with family and toast the New Year with sparkling cider but this year I'm hoping to find a party to go to so I have an excuse to dress like a disco ball!!

Style Challenge: Scarves

With fall in full swing and winter making its dreaded arrival for some of us, we thought it would be fitting for this month's style challenge to be an easy one, but one that we all wear — scarves. We all live in different climates (it's still warm for our California and Arizona bloggers, but it's starting to snow for those of us in the Midwest), but fortunately we can all find ways to fit scarves into our wardrobes as we transition from season to season. How do you wear scarves?

Elana of Room 334

I've basically been living in infinity scarves this fall. They're such easy pieces to throw on over dresses and sweaters. It's my favorite way to put minimal effort into getting ready in the mornings, but still manage to look like I tried hard. I'm really hoping to get more scarves for Christmas to pile on and help me get through winter. If you're reading this, friends and family, I hope you take the hint. More scarves, please!

Sammi of The Soubrette Brunette

Although I really adore scarves, they never seem to make it into my outfits much!  When I do wear them, they're usually more for function than fashion.  But my favorite way to wear scarves (in a rather impractical way) is probably this slightly-hipster-slash-cowpoke look, especially with a neutral dress.  I really want to get some more square scarves, not only to wear them this way, but so that I can try them in my hair in retro-inspired ways.  

Lisa of lala faux bois

I really love what scarves add to an outfit- it always just makes them feel more complete. During colder months, I love a knit scarf or cowl and every year I try to make one or two to add to the rotation. During the warmer months I often find ways to incorporate a vintage scarf into an outfit, either in my hair or tied in a bow and pinned to my clothes. It's almost winter scarf season in Arizona and I can't wait!

Jessica of Midwest Muse

Scarves are are for comfort and warmth, but if done right can also accent an outfit completely. I struggle wearing scarves that I can't keep on all day, so that's why I love this lovely and large pink scarf. I wear tons of pink and this shade gives me endless ways to look stylish and warm. Which is really the best part of any accessory.

Amy of A. Loo's Closet

For those who know me, you know I'm no stranger to scarves. You can find me wearing one most of the time. And even though I'm the type of gal who sleeps with thick, fluffy covers up to her neck year-round, I've never been fond of draping scarves around my shoulders. I prefer to wear them in my hair. I really love the way it looks, and there are so many different ways to style a scarf for hair. Plus, in these cold-weather months, my scarves help to keep my ears warm! That gives me an excuse to buy more scarves, right?

Dus of Cuddly Cacti

It's no secret that I have an obsession with Mexican textiles, so whenever fall finally rolls around over here in Arizona, we do a little dance at the chance to pull them out again. It might be a secret though for me to admit that I think I'd never even worn a scarf until college. The truth is that it's not really necessary during the day, even in winter here, but it sure helps on my early morning bike rides to work! 

Erica of Sweets and Hearts

Scarves are perfect for those strange in-between transitional weather periods. Here in southern California, it's barely starting to feel like fall (and it's the middle of November!). We even had a couple of days last week where it was in the late 80's and and then today, it was gloomy and chilly. Since the weather gets unpredictable this time of year, I usually dress in layers by adding sweaters, scarves, and tights to my outfits. I especially like knit wool or cashmere ones for when it's extra cold outside. I'm excited for winter time because I have some really cute chunky knit scarves that my grandma crocheted for me (and hers are the best, really)!

Jessi of Haircut & General Attitude

Scarves are definitely my go-to accessory during the fall and winter months! Especially infinity scarves! They're so easy to throw on, add extra warmth (especially if I'm wearing my hair up!) and just make any outfit that much better! I have way too many scarves in my closet. A good friend of mine happens to make and sell super cute infinity scarves and was sweet enough to give me a couple plaid ones from her shop, which have quickly become my favorite! I don't own a lot of plaid, but have really been loving it this year, so these have been the perfect piece!

Style Challenge: Plaid

If you're at all familiar with any of us here at Flock Together then you know- we none of us can resist a good pattern! You've seen all the ways we can style stripes, and many of our swaps have polka dots on them. However, today we're paying tribute to another pattern: Plaid. How do you like to remix this timeless print? 

Kristian of Never Fully Dressed

There's something about plaid that recalls simplicity and seems so Americana that I just had to channel some Audrey Hepburn into the look. She rocks some plaid in Sabrina when Humphrey Bogart takes her yachting, but adding some cigarette pants helps transition this look into fall. Have you ever had a movie icon help you get dressed like that? 

Jen of JennifHsieh

Whenever I pull on a plaid shirt I automatically go towards a casual look. There's something about plaid that scream comfort to me and I always fall back on it when I don't know what else to wear. It reminds me of impromptu midnight trips to the beach, hot summer days running around the city, and cozying up with great friends and just watching a movie. All those little, perfect moments. 

 

Jenna of Smitten

Being a Canadian, plaid is almost like a winter staple in our wardrobes. It's a fantastic pattern that just screams fall and winter to me. I usually try to dress it up a little bit so I'm not so easily confused with a lumberjack (ya know, because I'm so burly..) I love that such a typically masculine or casual pattern can be worn with a lacy skirt or top and it totally changes the way it looks.

Hannah of The Braided Bandit

Well this challenge was one of the easiest for me, since plaid rivals floral for my favorite and most worn print! I had so many plaid looks to choose from, it was hard to choose only four! It is getting to be that time of year again where its basically all I want to wear, which is both common and appropriate where I live in Colorado!

 Jessi of Haircut & General Attitude

I won't lie, when this Style Challenge was decided my first thought was "Crap! I don't own anything plaid!" As much as I love a good print to mix I've just never owned anything plaid. Now that I'm thinking about it I don't know why, it's a super versatile print and almost a must-have for those fall and winter months. Guess I have some shopping to do! But until then I decided to get a little creative and transform one of my Hubby's shirts into a skirt! Best part is, it's just tied on so He can still wear it too!

Dus of Cuddly Cacti

Like Jessi I also couldnt' automatically think of any plaid I owned. But fortunately I'd just done a recap post of my past favorite fall looks (here) and was reminded of this beautiful Pendleton wool plaid skirt I thrifted one day. I decided to go for a bit of a different look than my usual more boho that look that day and paired this Mexican embroidered top with the long skirt + a vintage hat for a bit of a Mad Men's Peggy goes to a music festival look.

What are you favorite looks with plaid this fall? We'd love to see and hear!