Understated tank tops, basic blazers, eyelet lace shirts and floral dresses from Shibuya. There are times when I open my closet and wonder if I’ll ever stop the schizophrenic pursuit of finding a signature ‘Sam style’ that’s devoid of trends. One week I’ll just wear the same pair of shorts with a white tee and other days, I’ll pair florals with studs. Do you embrace trends or shun them? Are you a daring Maximalist who loves the exuberance of acid wash denim, rose prints and layers of lace? Or are you the carefree Minimalist who prefers the tranquility of gray jersey or the coolness of a simple tee? Which ever style tribe you may stand for, push either ends of the spectrum to its limit. Here’s a breakdown of summer events to try and find yourself in style:

There are more florals in your closet than in your backyard. You read ViVi and Popteen Your mantra is: More is more and less is… just boring		Your dream home is a loft apartment with white walls and Bauhaus furniture. You see the world in black and white. Your mantra is: Confidence is in the person, not the clothes

Unless a uniform is required, your dress code at work hinges on the nature of your industry. I interned at a couple of design offices so it went from skinny jeans and tees to skirts and blouses. When in doubt, ask. Your image reflects the company you work for.

Casual work attire is a breeze for the Minimalist who probably owns a lot of office-appropriate pieces already. A tailored shirtdress in beige or muted tones looks city chic. Punch it up with a boxy leather bag in rich camel or walnut. Whether you’re on a coffee run or photocopying press kits, your feet will thank you in a pair of flats.

While the Maximalist’s vibrant personality may feel boxed in with office wear, I’d tell them to add their own signature touches to their look. A blazer with a scalloped edge in periwinkle paired with a chiffon blouse is far from boring. If permitted, sneak in some of your beloved florals with a skort. Just remember to wear a top with sleeves to balance it.

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As a baker, one of my favourite pastimes with family and friends is enjoying afternoon tea. It’s nice to dress up to match the occasion, whether we pick our own strawberries and douse them in cream or splurge at an upscale hotel complete with a string quartet!

I understand that florals for the Minimalist feels like wearing your grandmother’s wallpaper but when done right, it can look more modern. Choose oversized florals in a dark palette. I like this dress from CLICK because of its edgy plunging neckline that doesn’t expose too much. A little silver hardware and studs keeps the look more tough chic than choux creme.

This is the event you can go all out with florals, polka dots and lace. The fringed floral cardi would look stunning against a lace tank top and skirt. Heels are a must since you’ll be sitting around slathering clotted cream on scones anyway.

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I’m a huge Lord of the Rings fan so after I saw men and elves alike saving Middle Earth on horseback, I thought I might give it a try. My horse ended up eating most of the time and ignoring me. Despite that, I do love equestrian-inspired wear whether truly on horseback or watching as a spectator on the sidelines.

Look to Hermès for that classic equestrian look with a mix of soft cotton and leather pieces. Muted olive green is broken up with threads of cream in the accessories.

Maximalists will have fun mixing D&G-inspired denim and lace pieces together for the local derby. I like the play between denim and lace on these pieces that can be worn easily with a pair of cuffed shorts or cropped jacket.

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The most memorable experience I had was at a masquerade ball held at the Metropolitan Museum (MET). A group of us pulled out the 19th century gowns and top hats and went out to mingle amongst Grecian and mythical marble statues.

Black is the color of choice for those with artistic temperaments. It probably helps to clear their heads while they create with their hands (that’s my theory). With a flute of champagne in hand, go mingle in a streamlined black cutout dress and a pair of luscious heels. I like how this dress shows the peaks of the shoulders.

The Maximalist’s warm personality reflects their more extravagant cocktail look. Floaty chiffon and rosettes contrast with the knubby texture of a straw purse. I recommend a statement bandage heel to contrast with the lightness of the dress. If the event calls for a less dressy outfit, you can count on those floral skirts with a blouse tucked in.

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Last summer, a friend and I traveled around Taiwan and Hong Kong taking pictures of crumbling buildings and antique markets with our SLR and Polaroid cameras. Here’s to exploring new places, downtown edge and creating art in style. And who knows? You may even catch the eye of “The Sartorialist”!

I’m fond of the maxi tank dress – it’s modest without losing the curves of the body. It also offers a lot of versatility for layering pieces on top like a vest or a dress shirt. When you’re crouching down and taking macro shots of graffiti on the wall, be assured you’re not flashing pedestrians.

Leave your eyelet dresses for café-hopping. The Maximalist blends downtown cool with her sweet staples by opting for chiffon tops paired with denim shorts for a picture-perfect look. An illustrative banana lightens up a basic T-shirt dress.

If youre overwhelmed with the offerings on YesStyle.com, I’ve selected a few brands that express The Minimalist’s and The Maximalist’s point of view. There’s no harm in experimenting with a few basics or fad items to create your signature look!

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