A seersucker piece is a timeless classic in any wardrobe – but what exactly makes this sunny fabric a summertime staple?

Seersucker is cotton with a slightly subdued stripe design. It’s woven in a way that puckers the material and elevates it away from the skin. The shirred effect gives seersucker breathability and makes it a practical pick for warm-weather months. The best part? No ironing required.

Up until air-conditioning became standard in the 1950s, the seersucker suit was a mainstay in the wardrobe of the Southern gentleman. Politicians observed Seersucker Thursdays in the summer once it was introduced on the floor of the Senate. Seersucker isn’t just for suits, though – Lilly Pulitzer, with her perfectly preppy designs, masters the seersucker shift dress almost annually.

Today there is still something so very special – almost nostalgic – about seersucker. Politicians and preps alike don it from the Kentucky Derby straight through Labor Day.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

Want the lowdown on fabrics and more? Follow our What Are You (Really) Wearing? column every Tuesday.

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With cool mornings, warm afternoons, and in-between evenings, dressing for the entire day can be a bit tricky. But learn the fine art of layering, and you’ll be comfortable in any temperature (even the office’s arctic A/C). To avoid looking bulky, use these tips to mix and match pieces for the most flattering shape. Bonus: you’ll create new looks you never even knew you had hiding in your closet.

1. Keep the underlayer (like a body-hugging tank or dress) fitted for the ideal outfit foundation.
2. Throw something loose on top (think: a flowy tee, button-down chambray shirt, or both).
3. Don’t let your shape get lost – add a belt to cinch your waist.
4. Tie on a summer scarf to finish the look. It will come in handy for the breeziest times of day.

 
And remember these two things when picking your layering pieces:

1. Be mindful of proportion and keep the bottom half of your outfit slim.
2. Pair long pieces with short, and short with long. If everything is one length, no one will be able to see your mix-and-match genius.

 
Our American Apparel Women & American Apparel Men Boutiques open Monday, May 13, at 11AM ET.

With a gleaming rosy hue (its name is no mistake) and understated elegance, rose gold has made its way to the forefront of the metallic trend. Not quite gold and not quite silver, this sunny-hued metal has been heating up everything from clothing and accessories to nail polish and makeup. But what exactly is rose gold?

Translation: Whether solid or plated, rose gold is a mix of gold and copper that’s usually 75% gold and 25% copper. The more copper, the stronger the rosy hue. Who knew?

Now that you know what it is, scoop up a watch in our Switch Up Your Look: The Rose Gold Watch Boutique, opening Sunday, May 12, at 11AM ET.

Big, chunky necklaces – in any size, shape, or color variation – are hands-down my favorite way to accessorize. Who doesn’t love a one-step addition that instantly takes plain T-shirts from 0 to 60 on the style scale? Exactly.

Even though there seem to be no hard-and-fast rules about which type of statement necklace should be worn with each neckline, I’ve found that these pairings always work (and are pretty much guaranteed to garner a handful of I-want-your-necklace compliments).

The Statement Necklace: An Instant Outfit-Maker Boutique opens Saturday, May 11, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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Spring and summer are always big on color – but sometimes your wardrobe just needs a good palette cleanser. For a little hue detox, check out the tips below for rocking this season’s beloved all-white ensemble.

1. Start with a summer staple: the little white dress.

2. Make sure to always have a Tide to Go pen handy inside that white clutch.

3. Add a little edge. Try a studded sandal or stacks of spiked jewelry.

4. Take a note from the Spring 2013 runways and keep makeup fresh and simple. And remember: get dressed, then do your makeup.

Our White-Hot Fashion: Featuring RED Valentino Boutique opens Friday, May 10, at 11AM ET.

Prepare to pucker up – citrus hues are headed to a closet near you. Seen on red carpets and runways everywhere, these vibrant colors add a little something sweet to summer outfits. Whether it’s a small splash (think a blood-orange clutch) or huge burst (imagine lime pants paired with a lemon jacket), one thing’s for sure: this season, the trendy will be getting plenty of vitamin C.

Our How to Wear Citrus: Women’s Fresh-Picked Style Boutique opens Thursday, May 9, at 11AM ET.

Making their debut to the forefront of men’s fashion in the 17^th century, cuff links became the upscale alternative to self-tie cuff strings. They’re chic. They’re crafted from precious metals. And then they’re hand-painted or jewel-encrusted for an extra luxe look. While these fasteners all serve the same purpose, there is some disparity in the ways they attach, so it’s important to know which backing will work best for you.

Bullet Back
Quite possibly the most common cuff link, the bullet back has a capsule-shaped end that rotates 360 degrees. The range of motion makes this type easy to fasten, thus securing its status as a guy’s go-to.

Whale Back
With a curved post and swivel-tail end, it’s clear why this variety got its name. Similar to the bullet back, the whale-back fastener swivels up to 180 degrees for easy slip-in styling.

Fixed Back
As the name implies, the fixed back is comprised of one solid piece of metal. Compared to its counterparts, this link is the most rigid and makes for a very tight cuff.

Chain Link
Regarded as the first cuff link in its class, the chain link serves as a more formal choice. The two decorative ends are often reversible and connected by a short chain, offering both easy motion and a dose of serious style.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

Want the lowdown on fabrics and more? Follow our What Are You (Really) Wearing? column every Tuesday.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Date night is officially on the calendar. Now, the all-important decision that trumps all else – what to wear? For me, dresses are the ready-in-five, instant-polish pieces that win every time. (Seriously, who doesn’t love a girl in a killer dress?) Here are three versatile styles for your spring and summer outings.

The First Date
Pick a body-conscious style in a solid shade. This taupe version is slimming while also being super comfortable (thank you, jersey). Bonus? The diamond-embossed pattern is essentially wrinkle-repellant, so if you’re doing the classic dinner and a movie – read: a lot of sitting – you’ll still look polished when the time comes to say good night. Consider ruching, banding, and ribbing a date-night dress’s best friends.

The Wedding Date
No need to compete for Best Dressed (the bride’s got that covered), but you can definitely come close. Show off your shape in a figure-flattering, not-too-clingy style, and stay away anything too overtly trendy. This dress strikes that just-right balance. Romantic in a pastel shade of light pink. Flirty with shoulder-baring straps. Totally tasteful at knee length. The solid color and classic shape also allow for endless styling options. Fascinator, anyone?

The Dancing Date
Go for something fun and flirty. Short skirts are a must for ease of movement and for putting those stellar moves – and stems – on display. Fitted on the bottom and swingy on top, this punchy blue halter dress brings together the best of both worlds. Add high-heeled sandals and you’re ready to hit the dance floor in style.

Our Nicole Miller Boutique opens Tuesday, May 7, at 11AM ET.

You’ve snagged a new pair of skinnies. Worn them four days this week. Then realized people were starting to catch on. Solution? Cuff or roll them. New pair of jeans, in a flash (especially when paired with new shoes).

Here’s how to perfect the cuff and roll, what to pair each with, and more.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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Best known for playing Alice Cullen in the Twilight series, Ashley Greene has moved into her role as fierce fashionista on the red carpet. (The proof is in her 2012 Met Gala getup.) With silver accents and a stunningly draped Donna Karan dress, Ms. Greene stepped out as a stylish force to be reckoned with. So in honor of this year’s ball, we’re remaking her stunning look. Here’s how:

Our Walk the Red Carpet: Met Gala–Inspired Style Boutique opens Monday, May 6, at 11AM ET.