Last year my husband and I took quite a few trips, both during cold and hot weather. And each time I sat down to pack I realized my wardrobe is in a sad state, most of all being my summer wardrobe. This is due to purging items that didn’t work and also not purchasing anything to replace those pieces because I was focused on paying off debt. And now that I’m debt free, I have some extra funds to start adding to my wardrobe.
Because I wanted to be really strategic with what I added, I decided to start a new habit. I’m going to take some time to reflect at the end of each season to figure out which pieces in my wardrobe worked, which didn’t and what I’m still missing.
I’ve always had trouble with summer clothing and figuring out my style and what to buy. I grew up thinking that a summer wardrobe consisted of just different tank tops and denim shorts. Obviously that isn’t true and quite frankly really boring if that’s all I’m wearing. But finally I feel like I’m getting closer to my style with each piece I purchase and with a reminder to venture out of my comfort zone a bit because fashion is supposed to be fun.
After stopping to take a full inventory of my summer clothing, I was literally shocked at how few items I actually had. I knew my summer wardrobe was small, but not that small. Below I’ve laid out a few of the glaring holes in my wardrobe, what I’ve purchased this summer and what I’ve got on my list to buy.
Fabrics
Cotton is kind of the no-brainer when it comes to summer, but I realized I really prefer linen or silk against my skin in hot weather. Now when I am looking to purchase something for the summer season, I focus more on these two fabrics.
Dresses
In the past I really never wore dresses for a multitude of reasons. I’ve slowly been adding a summer dress here and there and I’m so happy I have. Dresses are like that unicorn piece that can be dressed up or down, gives some breathability in hot weather and makes getting dressed so effortless.
Accessories
My straw hat and raffia purse are the only two accessories I have specifically for summer. They get a lot of use so I would like to add a few more things to put into the rotation. But I’m focused specifically on straw and raffia pieces. These natural fibers just scream summer chic to me.
Shoes
I’m not sure how I’ve been surviving on literally one pair of sandals the last few years. My feet are problematic, prone to blisters even when the shoes are broken in, so I’ve just gone with my trusty Birkenstocks. Though I do love my Birkenstocks, a girl just needs some variety.
Pieces I Purchased:
- Theory Linen Shorts
- These were bought pre-loved and are so light and airy. Unfortunately I didn’t pay enough attention to the rise and I don’t love where they hit me on my waist. I have recently purchased another pair of black linen shorts in a high rise.
- Equipment silk cami
- Also bought pre-loved and I’m obsessed with this. Its so nice against my skin even in super hot weather, and just looks great with anything. I definitely am on the hunt for one or two more.
- Birkenstocks EVA Arizona sandal in white
- I’m not a lover of flip flops, so these are the perfect alternative. Perfect for the beach, kayaking, boating etc. I’m so glad I bought these!
- Saks white button down dress
- I picked up this dress at their outlet with the idea to use it as a beach coverup that can be worn out to dinner as well. However, it is quite see through, so if I don’t have a bathing suit on underneath, I need to wear a nude slip with it.
- Cuyana pink linen dress
- I wore this constantly this summer. It’s just so light and the cut is flattering. I like that its easy but also dressy at the same time. This has definitely inspired me to purchase more linen dresses in the future.
- Ecco black slides
- I desperately need summer sandals and finding something that is comfortable and stylish is tricky for me. The style of these Ecco sandals is pretty straight forward but can be either dressed up or down and provides some support as well.
What’s on my Wishlist:
- Linen shorts
- I have a pair of linen shorts in black, but I would like to grab a white and tan color as well – definitely in a high-waisted style.
- Skirts
- I realized I have zero summer skirts! I would like to grab one in linen and one in silk to add some variety to my summer wardrobe.
- Tops
- Adding a few silk camis as well as a few tops in linen is on the list to round out my tops for summer. Even though long sleeve is more considered a cooler weather style, I would like to add a linen long-sleeve button down for days when I need a bit more coverage from the sun or for another layer in the evening.
- Jackets
- Typically not something you think of when shopping for summer clothing, but a silk or linen blazer is the perfect weight for summer. A summer jacket is especially handy if you hate when the A/C makes if feel like an indoor freezer like I do.
- Dresses
- I’m on the hunt for silk and linen dresses that have a feminine silhouette but are not too body hugging.
- Shoes
- I’m definitely in need of a nude colored sandal, preferably one in white and one in tan. I would love if I can find something in raffia, and I’m really liking the woven leather look in really anything. I’m also on the lookout for a sneaker. I’m thinking to go back to a canvas style as they are much more breathable than say leather in the summer.
- Accessories
- I would love to have a packable straw hat. I love my straw hat but, not gonna lie, its a pain to take on trips because you can’t bend it. Also practical is a straw tote – something large enough for the beach but not too large so I can use it everyday. I’m also a bit obsessed with straw structured purses.