5 things I'm Wearing This Summer (Hint: You Already Have Most of Them in Your Closest!)

Back in the day when summer rolled around, I used to stare at my closet in disgust. Because of the punishing heat, I was simply at a complete loss for what to wear. Like, what do I put on when it’s 90 degrees outside and I just want to melt into a puddle? My outfits were drab, uninspired, and honestly just basic. But lately, I’ve been struck with inspiration. Summer fashion doesn’t have to be miserable. In fact, it can be a prime opportunity to showcase the best of your style if you have the courage to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. What I realized is that I was approaching warm weather fashion in the wrong way. Instead of dressing for the weather outside, I was trying to make my favorite fall and winter pieces fit into an environment that they had no business fitting into. 

Now my approach is different. I’ve gone back to the drawing board and found 5 can’t-miss pieces to wear this summer, and I’ve been using these staples as a base to build my outfits around. They are pieces I already had in my closet, but ones I just wasn’t utilizing to their fullest potential. Let’s discuss!

Here are five things I’m wearing this spring to elevate my wardrobe:

1.Minidress

There are few things in my life that I love more than a mini dress. Besides it giving 1960s mod realness, it’s a cool way to show some leg and keep things cool all at the same time. My mini go-tos oscillate between a tank mini dress and a mock neck short sleeve mini dress for days when the air conditioning is working overtime, and I need some coverage. Find one that's unique to you and tailor the styling to fit your style. 

2. Tall boots

This is one that I had to check my bias on. I’m a boots girlie through and through, and I used to think that the boots I loved were only wearable in the cooler months when the temperatures fell below 60. Now I am among the converted. Boots are totally a summer shoe, and no one can convince me otherwise. My go-to boot? It’s got to be my thrifted leather knee-high cowboy boots, with white stitching. I love this shoe, and it’s one of my favorite items I’ve thrifted recently. 

3. Scarves

A well-placed scarf can really make an outfit. It can be worn in the hair, around the neck, on a bag, or on the waist. It’s an adorable way to add a pop of pattern and color to an otherwise simple look. My favorite way to wear a scarf is either in my hair or around my neck, because I love a makeshift tie moment with some added sun protection to boot. 

4. Breezy button down

Okay, I admit it. I’m the friend who’s always getting cold and will suggest turning down the a/c if given the opportunity. My favorite way to not become a frozen popsicle is by throwing on a loose button-down dress shirt over top of anything I happen to be wearing. It’s a cute hack that never fails me when I go out to a bar or restaurant. And it’s a whole lot better than having to carry around a clunky jacket all day. You can integrate this hack into your look by choosing either a neutral colored dress shirt to blend in with your outfit a bit more, or by choosing a louder print shirt to turn your cover-up into a whole mood.

5. Jorts or long shorts

Here comes the king of summer styling. I feel like jorts have had a huge resurgence in recent years and I’m all here for it personally. In fact, I kind of love the scumbag energy that comes with a disproportionate length of summer denim. It’s both streetwear meets summer in the city, and that’s a vibe I can certainly get on board with.

These five pieces have completely changed the way I dress in the summer. Before, my style was uninspired when the temperature would begin to rise. Now with a few strategic tweaks, I’m dressing better for the weather and for myself.

What could be better?