What to wear this summer
Are you looking for summer outfits? My favorite season is summer. My inner child still jumps up and down at the thought of the end of school.
It’s also the easiest time of year when it comes to getting dressed. I’m a dresses and flip flops kind of gal so I feel the most myself when it comes to summer dressing. I love the colors, patterns and fabrics of summer and the playfulness, and I think summer is the perfect time to experiment with colors, patterns and accessories.
Not sure how to prep for summer dressing? Here are ten items that will make your wardrobe summer-ready. PS: you may already some of these, and if you don’t I have lots of links for you…
#1 Bright colored poplin button down shirt.
Pink: Frame. Hot pink, orange and green: Zara. Yellow: Tory Burch, Blue: J.McLaughlin.
I love a crisp, bright green button down but there’s also pink, hot pink, bright blue, orange or yellow, depending what looks good on you. Oversized bright poplin tops are the trend (I don’t do oversized well so I’ll either size way down or look for a non-oversized version for me). This is a simple way to add a pop of colorful happiness to your look.
#2 Shirt dress.
Black: my J. McLaughlin dress (last year’s version), Blue print: is currently available from J. McLaughlin, pink: Faithfull The Brand shirt dress, black: Ralph Lauren, green pattern: Boden.
You can REALLY embrace the oversized button down to make it a shirt dress, but I recommend that only for a bathing suit cover up because there’s really no shape (unless you can rock that look, or try belting it). This Faithfull The Brand Vega Shirt dress in green is perfect for that look. I love my Arissa black poplin shirt dress from J. McLaughlin. It’s perfect for summer travel and looks great with sneakers or a sandal heel. This season it only comes in a blue and white print and they only have size XS. What’s key with a shirt dress is FIT. Ralph Lauren is known for their attention to fit and this Cotton-Blend Shirtdress in black and navy is sure to flatter any figure. I also like a jersey shirt dress option like this one from Boden that comes in a few fun patterns as well. I plan to add a shirt dress in a lighter color to my summer wardrobe.
#3 Graphic t-shirt.
Farm Rio blue parrots, Etsy “Merci”, Comme de Garcon heart, Old Navy “Be Kind”.
I know you have graphic t-shirts, and you probably wear them to sleep or work out. Go ahead and dust off your favorite vintage band-shirt or find a new one that expresses your unique personality on Etsy. Maybe a flag or saying to show your heritage? Art work from your favorite artist, a sentiment or a cause you’re passionate about. I like soft, drapey t-shirt material. Wear it under a blazer or with a patterned skirt for a more polished yet casual look.
#4 Linen Blazer.
Pink: Michael Stars, black: J. Crew, natural: Amour Vert.
Maybe this is something you don’t have in your wardrobe yet – and if so, get one. Perfect over that graphic t-shirt, a plain t-shirt, a dress or cami. It’s so much more stylish than a cardigan! Michael Stars makes a light-weight blazer in some very fun colors - I am in love with this pink. You can’t go wrong with J. Crew’s best seller: the Parke Blazer, and many of my clients have fallen in love with Amour Vert’s Merdedith Femme Fete Blazer. The lapel-less style feels less business like.
#5 White or ecru jeans.
Left to right: Alex Mill, J. Crew, Marine Layer, Frame, Everlane.
Although white jeans are a perfect summer staple, not everyone feels comfortable wearing them. I get it. Alex Mill makes a very cute recycled denim pant that isn’t your typical 5 pocket jean. Other options for white pants are loose linen pants like these ones from J. Crew. My good friend was wearing these Marine Layer utility pants and they were adorable. I also love these Frame white sailor button detail pants and Everlane’s Straight crop.
#6 Silk cami.
Left to right: Quince, Nili Lotan, Ralph Lauren.
This is a great stand-alone piece with jeans, heels and dangly earrings for an evening look. Wear it under a blazer for work, or with a sweater tied over your shoulders while on vacation for a softer more casual look. Quince makes a washable stretch silk cami in several colors for a great price. For a more lux version try Nili Lotan’s Isabella Silk Cami. And Ralph Lauren make a beautiful v-neck cami that is not silk (this goes against my natural fabrics preference), but it’s great for travel.
#7 Flare, boot cut or wide leg jeans.
Hurry because many of the best flare jeans are selling out – especially if you need a shorter inseam! These are such a nice change of pace from the skinny jeans we’ve all been wearing for years. You may even want two pairs so you can wear a longer pair with a heel to create the illusion of super long legs, and then a shorter pair to wear with sandals or flip flops for a California bo-ho look. Anthropologiehas tons of options. Express has Rachel Zoe’s new line and of course she designed a pair of flare jeans(warning: most sizes are sold out). AYR has “The Secret Sauce” which is a slight flare, with tons of rave reviews. I just ordered a pair to try them out! And Gap has a pair that I am in love because of the front pockets, but also because you can get them in petite… but most sizes are backordered until fall!
#8 Pleated silk or tiered cotton skirt.
Left to right: Rag & Bone, Eleven Six, Proenza Schoulder, Theory, Alex Mill.
1) Skirts can be tricky to style. The best bet is to keep the top simple and let the skirt be the hero. I love pairing a skirt with a plain tank, tee or button down in the summer. Style them with sneakers and a jean jacket like I did ,or leather jacket like this super chic woman did (love the orange skirt!) For a dressier occasion, swap out the tank/tee for a silk cami or blouse and you’re instantly ready for a wedding or cocktail party.
I love my Rag & Bone Esme pleated skirt and dress it up and down. Theory makes a beautiful recycled fabric cream pleated skirt. Eleven Six’s pleated cotton skirt comes in a super cute spearmint color, and of course Alex Mill makes the more adorable, comfortable, cotton June Pull on Skirt in stripes, solids and gingham… with pockets! Note: I have the Alex Mill skirt in gingham and usually I would wear a small in a style like this but sized up to a large (because it was all they had last season) and it looks great - even on me at 5’4!
#9 Fun tote.
Left to right: B2B Los Angeles, Mark & Graham, Claire V, Mark & Graham, Society 6.
Here’s another great way to add some personality to your looks this summer. Whether it’s a straw tote with sayings or pattern, a canvas tote with your monogram, a simple canvas tote or a vinyl tote in a playful pattern. Perfect for the pool, beach, travel, or anything else!
#10 Espadrilles!
Left to right: Soludos, Viscata lace ups, Manebi green, Manebi lace ups, Viscata wedges