I’ll admit that my summer uniform doesn’t change much year after year, and with it, my failsafe pieces usually don’t vary too much either: natural fibres in neutral colours, dramatic sleeves, and some good denim.
This year, I made a conscious effort to really build out my summer wardrobe to pieces I really loved and was excited to wear; after years of having the same old shorts and tanks on rotation, I wanted to add a few special pieces into the collection. But I found that the pieces I did pick up followed that same old formula, which I suppose is a good thing in the end because it means I haven’t strayed from my core sense of style. While nothing here is groundbreaking, I thought I’d share the pieces I’ve really been leaning on this season…
The Off-White Jeans
After years of hunting for the perfect pair of ecru jeans, I finally found them earlier this spring from COS and I’ve been living in them ever since. Bright white denim reads a bit preppy for me personally, and I find that ecru denim lends more of an organic feel which I much prefer. Perfect with everything from blouses to tees and sandals to sneakers, these jeans feel like the perfect versatile summer pair.
The Billowy Sleeve Blouse
I have long been a fan of the slightly boho, very feminine silhouette of a billowy sleeve (I’m talking since my high school years when Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella was the pinnacle of style). As I’ve grown up, I’ve tended to prefer my clothing more on the minimal end of the spectrum, but a billowy sleeve top is still a must for me in the summertime. I found this Skall blouse secondhand (old season) and it really strikes the perfect balance for me of minimal yet feminine.
The Basket Bag
It should be no secret around these parts that I love a good basket bag. Over the years I’ve amassed somewhat of a collection of them, from small handheld ones perfect for a night out, to larger market totes that would feel right at home in the south of France. Baskets are well and truly my bag of choice in the summer months, and at this point are kind of a personality item for me. This particular one is from J.Crew (which is having a resurgence right now if you weren’t aware so the bag is OOS currently), and I think it’s the perfect mix of coastal and French countryside.
The Minimal Black Slide
It goes without saying that sandals are an essential in the summertime, but I have really been relying on these minimal leather slides from A. Emery this year. Whether on the more casual (black Birkenstock Arizonas are also a firm favourite of mine) or dressier end of the spectrum, a simple black slide goes with everything and just looks super effortless.
The Oversized Button Down
Perhaps the least groundbreaking item on this list as everyone has one these days, but the perfectly oversized button down is really a necessity in the summer, whether in poplin or linen or oxford weave. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just want some more coverage (and sun protection), they also add the perfectly effortless & undone finishing touch to more casual outfits. This one is from Aritzia and I have it in two colours because I love it that much.
The Vintage Denim Shorts
A few years ago, I swore off shorts. I could never find ones that fit my hips and bum, and I just never felt super comfortable in them. But I couldn’t escape the barrage of fashion girls who, year-in and year-out, deemed vintage denim shorts their be-all-end-all in summer. High and low I searched for vintage shorts that fit my body type, and then I came across these vintage Lee’s. I see now what the fashion girls were saying: they just make every outfit look so cool and effortless. If you have a body type like mine, keep an eye out for vintage Lee’s over Levi’s when you’re out shopping; they have more of an A-line cut that I find so much more flattering. And don’t pay attention to sizing when you’re shopping for vintage denim. It can vary wildly so just pick up a bunch of pairs that look like they might fit, and give them all a go.
The Statement Sunnies
Again, nothing groundbreaking here. Everyone needs at least one pair of sunglasses that spruces up any old outfit. I especially love a subtle cat-eye shape for summer, there’s something so chic and French and summery about it. These bold tortoise ones are from Raie (similar colourway linked), and they really give the coolest touch to just about anything.
The White Dress
Crisp poplin, oversized sleeves, and a billowing skirt, this dress really ticks off all the boxes for me. Faithfull the Brand do summer dresses so well, but every season they have a shortlist of white dresses that really make me swoon. It’s perfect for daytime with a flat sandal, but can equally be dressed up with a heel and bold lip for evening. I love it best styled with a basket bag so I can imagine I’m somewhere in the Italian countryside listening to some Jane Birkin while eating my way through some freshly picked peaches, as one does.
