A (fun!) Summer Shopping List
Your complete checklist and pieces at a variety of price points!
Sometimes, I have a hard time shopping for summer clothes. There are so many things I want to wear, and so much inspiration, but I find myself reaching for the same things over and over because of the heat. There is something about the end of May/beginning of June that always makes me forget how long summer temps are going to last. If you, too, sometimes feel this way - just remember that it is usually WARM all the way through September. One of my favorite temperatures to dress for is when you can comfortably wear a long or midi-length dress with a cardigan or light jacket and low boots. Ahhh…Fall…I digress.
This year, however, I am feeling inspired and focused. I’ve made several lists of things I’m looking for, based on what I’ve been drawn to while browsing and shopping, gaps I’ve noticed in my closet, and occasions I have coming up. I’m thinking a lot more about what I love to wear — what I reach for over and over again and what I wish I had when I’ve been getting dressed. And, I’m letting go of silly fashion rules I’ve followed in the past — I wore white before Memorial day and I plan to wear it after! I am getting “overdressed” when I feel like it and I’m underdressing when I feel like it!
I’m not going after a capsule wardrobe — I am embracing color and pattern! I am embracing trends! I’m not trying to make sure everything in my closet goes with everything else or that I can wear every piece a specific number of ways. But, I am leaning in to repeating outfits that I love and wearing my favorite pieces and outfits over and over again. My goal (this is a long-term goal, it’s not going to happen overnight and it doesn’t just apply to summer) is to love every piece in my closet. I’m not subscribing to the “rules” or piece limits of a capsule wardrobe, but I want to love my clothes, and I want things that I can wear over and over again (because they will last and because they are versatile), and know that when I go into my closet to get dressed in the morning, there are amazing outfits to pull out regardless of my mood.
So, I thought I would share some of the things that have been inspiring me this summer, and how I plan to wear them! These are all categories and types of pieces that are on my list, or that I already have in my closet. It’s by no means an exhaustive list because everyone needs a couple of simple t-shirts and tanks and other simple basics…this is more about the fun stuff that I have been reaching for again and again or that I have been shopping for (or purchasing!)
Happy summer shopping!
White Wide Leg Jeans: I (and many others) have waxed poetic about the Zara Marine Leg Jeans. I love ‘em and I wear them regularly. They are doing the trick right now, but in the future, I would invest in thicker denim, with less stretch and front pockets. I have these (Rachel Comey jeans are OG for this silhouette), these, and these all on wish lists.
How are we wearing this? With everything! Literally. Tuck in a simple white T. Tuck in a patterned blouse (ideas below!) With the oversized button-down that we also wear as a beach cover-up. With a cotton sweater. With a silky tank. With a black bodysuit and awesome gold jewelry.
Light-Wash, Straight-Leg Denim: I only reach for light denim during true summer, but also don’t like wearing jeans when it’s super hot, so I don’t spend a lot on this denim. Gap crushes it here and I am obsessed with the high-rise cheeky straight jeans. I also love the Charlotte Citizens. They are slightly darker than my Gap pair, and I reach for them more. You don’t need both! If your budget is unlimited, these would be my pick.
How are we wearing this? Dressed up, dressed down, you name it! Hanging with your kids, throw on an oversized cropped T and sneakers. If you’re going into the office, wear them with a simple t-shirt (I’ve heard good things about these Uniqlo t-shirts, and the price is right. I have small children and do not believe in buying expensive white T-shirts) and a blazer. If you’re going out, wear them with a fun top. I love the look of a white bodysuit, gold hoops, and a sleek pony or bun for a night out!
Jean Shorts: My appreciation for the AGOLDE Parker long denim shorts is well documented, and that’s what is in my closet. I have on good authority that the Abercrombie High Rise Dad Shorts are a great pick (hopefully there will be a restock). And, Madewell has a huge selection.
How are we wearing this? Like jeans, we are wearing them with everything. Bonus extra is that you can pull them over a swimsuit when you’re heading to the pool/beach/lake/etc.
Black High-Waist Trousers: I have seen high-waisted trousers constantly this season and I am here for it. They can be super casual (the key is that the waist of the pants should have some elastic in it, and the material should not be too fussy). They can totally be linen, although sometimes I get annoyed with how wrinkly linen gets, tbh. I am still shopping for my perfect pair, my sister snatched up a great pair from Ann Taylor that is mostly sold out, but in the meantime, I’m hanging on to this H&M style that is doing the trick. If you like a crop and are loving gauze everything, these look awesome. This pair from Banana Republic Factory looks A+.
How are we wearing this? Also, with EVERYTHING. To the office with a silk or cotton button-down tucked in, or with a bodysuit and a tailored blazer. With a silky tank and heels for date night. With a crop top for drinks with friends. With a simple t-shirt or tank and sneakers on the weekends. Add a belt if you want to take things up a notch.
White Crop Top: I went INTO the J.Crew store to buy this top after I waited too long to buy it and then was worried even the express shipping wouldn’t get it to me in time. I love it. A cute white cropped top that works with high-waisted pants is so wearable. Currently, I’m into a pouf sleeve. This might not last forever, so this might be more your style if you’re not into it. And, I’m not entirely sure if this is hot weather friendly, but it stopped me mid-scroll when I saw @notskinnybutnotfat wearing it — so chic!
How are we wearing this? With any of the pants I included — it works with jeans, shorts, black pants, even for an all-white look. I think you could even pair with a midi skirt!
Patterned Blouse: Here, we are looking for something statement. I wore this Rixo blouse and the Zara jeans to a work event in May and I can’t even tell you how many people stopped me to compliment the look. What colors do you love — look for those! If you love patterns, look for that! Do you love stripes? Black is awesome if you don’t like a pattern! Love this and this from new-to-me brand Baybala.
How are we wearing this? You’re wearing it tucked in (fully or just front) to your white jeans, or your light denim or your shorts. You’re wearing it with espadrilles and high-waisted black pants! It works for a night out, for the office, for drinks, for a bbq, or for date night!
Striped Sweater: We all know we need layers to survive summer. I am obsessed with the La Ligne option, but it’s definitely an investment. And Other Stories does it really well. The Ciao Lucia one is gorgeous. I wear a similar version to this one all the time and actually love that it works as a pullover or a cardigan.
How are we wearing this? The beauty of a simple stripe is that it’s a neutral. You can wear it with other patterns, you can wear it with solids. You can pull it on, you can wear it around your waist, throw it over your shoulder or even tie it across your chest.
Rib Knit Tank: I got the idea of having a silky ribbed tank to wear with my high-waisted black pants and I am reaching for this outfit over and over again. I went budget for this (this is an awesome H&M find!), but I love this and it comes in several great colors and this is really nice if you are willing to spend a bit more.
How are we wearing this? With all our pants! Or with a midi skirt!
Gauzy Sundress: This is the summer of gauze! You can find it in cute sets, in coverups and in amazing dresses. I think this is worth spending on because I am planning to wear weekly (that’s why I am eyeing a solid color). I am looking for something in a midi-length, with a short sleeve or a tank (eg: not spaghetti stap) and an easy silhouette this J.Crew one (fits a little on the bigger side). Earlier in the season, Xirena had some great options like this, but it’s mostly sold out! I love , and Faherty has this one and this one!
How are we wearing this? This is just an everyday sort of dress. You can wear it to the beach or pool of a bathing suit, you can wear it for a day of errands, you can wear it with strappy sandals for a night out.
Strappy Dress: This is an “occasion” dress, but we’re choosing one in a solid color (or simple pattern), since we’re going to wear it a lot. The dream is this La Ligne one. I also love Reformation for these types of dresses. This H&M one is actually very nice and very cheap. And I love this.
How are we wearing this? With black sandals, with espadrilles. You can add any of your favorite jewelry.
Silk Midi Skirt: I did a whole Instagram post about silk midi skirts and how obsessed I am. They are a closet workhorse! Love Classic Six’s take and Favorite Daughter’s Navy skirt. J.Crew for a more budget-friendly version (this runs big!).
How are we wearing this? See here.
Colorful Party Cutout Dress: Cutouts are trending this season, and there are so many ways to try it, depending on how much skin you want to show! If you have a large budget, this is incredible. I love the floral pattern here. Faithfull does this style dress so well - I adore this and this!
How are we wearing this? This is your party dress! It works for a wedding, a party, going out for a special dinner, drinks, a date, whatever. Wear the dress and get dressed up because you feel like it!
Jumpsuit - I want to add a cool jumpsuit to my closet this season. I haven’t completely zoned in on what style I am looking for but the ones that have caught my eye are this White utility number from Alex Mill, this awesome one from Target, and this one. This is totally out of stock, but I love it!
Gold flat sandals: Gold sandals will go with everything in your closet, but feel a little special. I have an old pair from Zara, but I like these. If you are ready to spend a bit more, I love these.
How are we wearing this? Like I said, they go with everything!
White Sneakers: A classic white sneaker will get so much wear in summer. I love my Veja’s and also love these New Balance Sneakers (this style discovered via Brooklyn Blonde). Supergas look awesome with dresses!
How are we wearing this? With all your dresses, with skirts and with pants. If you want to dress something down or if you are spending the day on your feet - go for the sneaks!
Strappy Black Sandals: These ones from Ancient Greek Sandals are holy grail and so are these. I love the Margaux strappy ones. If you’re looking to spend less, J.Crew makes a good pair.
How are we wearing this? With everything - that is the beauty of a flat black sandal - they work with everything in your closet.
Espadrilles: Summer heel of choice. I like Castaner’s styles and would go for navy, creme/beige or black.
How are we wearing this? Anytime you want a little height with your outfit. I especially love with pants & a top!
Gold Hoops: Gold hoops are my summer earring of choice. Small ones, Medium ones, inexpensive Amazon ones. I am wearing them constantly, and I think they look good with pretty much everything, especially a tan (real or from a bottle!).
How are we wearing this: With everything - especially with a killer black dress. I think they look equally awesome with a sleek pony and with your hair all done up with volume!
Beaded Necklace: I got a beaded necklace from Webster Grey for Mother’s day and I can’t take it off. I’m already eyeing my next addition! Candy-style ones are also super popular right now.
How are we wearing this? A pop of color to a simple outfit, or oomph to your going out look!
Cheers to having the best (dressed) summer yet. You can shop everything linked and pictured in this post here.