STYLE FILE Alta Alexander’s Altatudes boutique helps shoppers express their unique style, even when lounging poolside.
Get Your ‘tude on! Altatudes’ Leading Lady Tackles Summer Style Dilemmas Alta Alexander realized her childhood dream when she opened her Altatudes women’s boutique in historic East Austin in 2017. She knows how to stay true to her own style—her Tude, as she calls it—and is here to help Waterways readers stay chic this summer—and beyond.
What are the current rules for wearing white? Am I only supposed to wear it between Memorial Day and Labor Day? In the last few years, the tradition of wearing white or a shade of it for only a certain part of the year has changed, so you now see it year-round. Some of us took a little while to get on board with this change, but the “rules” look like they’re not reverting back any time soon. You’ll continue seeing white apparel, shoes, handbags, hats and more—and they will be rocked all year long. Party dress codes seem to be more confusing than ever, and I’m often left guessing when an invitation reads “Poolside Chic” or “Patio Wear.” Can you offer any insight and guidance? Ever since Casual Fridays and business casual attire took hold, we’ve been in a perpetual state of clothing confusion. These are some new dress code trends: 46 WATERWAYS | June 2019
Beach Formal Think flowy dresses and billowy-legged jumpsuits in fashionable prints worn with minimal jewelry. Finish with wedges for events on a grass lawn or sandals for when the party’s right there on the sandy beach. Smart Casual This one’s a step above dressy casual and with a stylist twist to keep it from being too boring. A pop of color and unique shoe should complete the look, keep you on trend and address the host’s dress code wishes. Creative Black Tie A more contemporary, fashionable take on traditional black tie, this dress code offers plenty of opportunities to have fun! Think of it as a theatrical dress code, and get creative with the details, textures, unique combinations of elements—and don’t forget the embellishments. I plan to wear a slinky cocktail dress to a midsummer gala. The air conditioning will surely be blasting for the entire event. What’s your advice for staying chic and warm in my skin-baring dress? Would a pashima scarf be déclassé? We’ve all likely been in a situation like this. A scarf or shawl can absolutely help you in a predicament, but I’d opt for a dinner jacket or tuxedo jacket. You can enter the event wearing it. If the venue isn’t an icebox, just drape it over your chair. If it’s cooler, you’re ready. Altatudes is located at 1717 E 12th and online at altatudes.com.
ALTATUDES PHOTOGRAPHY BY DHILLS PHOTOGRAPHY; INSET PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAL VISUALS
I love hanging out lakeside or poolside with friends. How can I best accessorize so that I look stylish when sporting my swimsuit? Hats are back in a big way. Long gone are the floppy numbers you happen to find in the attic or at the bait shop. Fashionable hats with structure are all the rage and have made their way to the casual side of fashion. They’re a great way to top off our summer attire. And don’t snooze on scarves! They not only serve as a lovely bathing suit cover-up but can double as a head wrap after you get out of the water.
