Summer Staples
Aka the pieces I've been relying on to get me through the heat
Shitters! I hope this finds you well (read: sipping a Hugo Spritz, doing the Charli XCX TikTok dance, contemplating your newfound crush on John Summit, not at all spiraling about the election…). Ok, “well” might be tough to muster at the moment, but those spritzes are good if you haven’t already tried! (Also sidenote: After 30 years of not thinking twice about the Dallas Cowboys let alone their cheerleaders, I finally started watching their Netflix docuseries… I think Thunderstruck is one of the greatest displays of athleticism I have ever seen in my life??!! I could spend this entire newsletter discussing the show, and I’m hoping some of you have seen it too so we can take it to the comments. Highly recommend if you’re in need of something to watch while you wait out the heat.)
But speaking of, now that we’re approaching peak sweaty season, I thought I would share a few of the things that have been putting in overtime to carry me through the summer. If you’ve been feeling any gaps in your summer wardrobe, hopefully this helps!
Nili Lotan Denim Shorts: I grabbed a pair of these when they went on sale in January, and despite waiting a few months to actually break them out, they’ve very quickly become my most worn pair of shorts (actually, they’re the only non-athletic shorts I’m reaching for at all lately). I really like the longer length—they’re substantial enough to keep you comfortable and covered, but still cool and not at all frumpy. I also find that they’re versatile enough to be worn beyond the beach or poolside, which I would not say of my shorter options. Sizing is pretty generous—I took the smaller of my two sizes and still find them roomy, but I prefer a looser fit for denim shorts (few things sound worse to me than being stuffed into tight denim in the summer). These pairs from Moussy and AGOLDE have a very similar length/vibe, and more sizes in stock.
Doen Dress: I haven’t been a huge dress girl in the past, but this one has converted me! It’s SO light and easy, dressy enough for dinners out or a date night, but not too much for daytime activities. The fabric is lightweight but not too sheer, and it’s just so easy to throw on and look put together with just one piece. It’s on the pricier side, but I am definitely getting my money’s worth—it’s truly a workhorse in my closet (don’t ask me how many times I’ve worn it in the past month alone). I took the smaller of my two sizes, but like most Doen dresses in this style, it has an easy fit. I got the navy version, but it looks very similar to black IMO.
Mesh Flats: I know, I know—these are definitely a trendier piece. But I am getting SO much use out of them that I had to share! This is another thing I bought waaaay before it was warm out in hopes that I’d love them when the time came (solely because the nude colorway I wanted was completely sold out, so I rushed to snag a pair that came up via restock notifications). That is always risky business (and for a while I regretted not going for the black), but once summer rolled around, these quickly became my most worn shoes. First of all, they are SO incredibly comfortable—I’ve walked miles up and down the city in them with no issues. They almost feel like you’re wearing nothing, in a good way! They also pair really easily with most everything, and give a fun touch to even the simplest of outfits. There are plenty of less expensive options out there—I’ve loved other flats I own from this brand, this is an option sans strap in nude, and these are probably closest to mine, but I can definitely vouch for the Dear Frances option comfort and appearance wise.
Many of these pieces are older, but here’s what’s still around: Dress / mesh flats / white jeans (these are my all-time favorites—I take a few sizes up and roll the waist) / cardigan / linen pants are an old SIBAL favorite, but here’s a similar pair
Black and white tees: There will always be a special place in my heart for my beloved Re/Done tees, but lately these ones have been my go-to’s instead. The fit is perfect—not too boxy or too slim or too slouchy or too structured, and it’s not too long either if you’re like me and have a shorter torso. The material is soft, but it still retains its shape and the neckline stays put and doesn’t roll (my biggest complaint with the Re/Done’s after a while). That makes it great for wearing under sweaters/sweatshirts/blazers come fall/winter, or on their own right now. I take the larger of my two sizes, and they do shrink a little in the wash. I started with the white, but liked them so much that I bought them in a mixed pack this time, which I highly recommend. I wear black tees just as often if not more than my white ones (no risk of sweat or makeup stains is huge, and I love the contrast with white pants). This one’s great because it’s a true, crisp black.
Westman Atelier Highlight: I’m not really one to tan (one, my skin is brown already, and two, I spend way too much on skincare to have the sun wipe away all my progress), but I still love a summery glow and this delivers like no other. It’s basically a bronzer, highlighter, and blush all rolled into one stunningly beautiful compact, and like all Westman products, the end result looks natural and effortless (no glittery finish here!!!!). Makeup does have a tendency to melt off in this weather, but this looks great even after a full day out and about. Just a few swirls keeps me looking rosy, glowy, and sun-kissed! My shade of choice is Peau de Soleil.
Exercise Dress (on sale in some sizes here!): I’m definitely a late adopter when it comes to the exercise dress trend, but after a little searching (and cornering a girl who was wearing this one in Whole Foods…), I found my match. I tried a few other options, but ultimately liked this one best—the fit is body-skimming rather than crazy fitted (I took the larger of my two sizes), the length is still mid-thigh (so many others were a little too long for my taste), and the fabric and shorts liner are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and comfortable. Plus the straps are adjustable, which is a great update from the original version. I haven’t worn mine to exercise quite yet… at the moment, this is an outfit I break out exclusively for running errands in the NYC heat/humidity, but I’m excited try it out on the pickleball courts. I went for black because the green wasn’t available in my size, but that one’s definitely my favorite!
As always, would LOVE to know what you’re wearing these days! If you’ve found anything you’re obsessing over lately, please do share!