WHAT I’M WEARING THIS SUMMER
Every summer, like clockwork, I find myself doing that inevitable closet cleanse. Part ritual, part therapy session, it helps me rediscover what I actually want to wear as the temperatures start to reach scorching. This year, my summer style is leaning hard into charm, softness, and just the right amount of nostalgia. Polka dots that don’t scream retro, sheer pieces that feel intentional, romantic silhouettes that aren’t fussy, and woven bags that actually fit your phone and your sunscreen.
Since it’s already July, take a peek at what’s filling my closet (and heart) right now.
Polka Dots
No, I’m not talking about a Minnie Mouse situation. This summer, polka dots are everywhere, but are smart, playful, and grounded in modern cuts and clean palettes. From dotted slip dresses to boxy blouses with a hint of a spotty print, and even trousers that feel a little cheeky in the best way, the key is scale and restraint. Well-placed dots that suggest fun without tipping the cartoon scales are the name of the game. A little whimsical, but giving grown-up.
Sheer
Sheer can be tricky, but not if you treat it more like layering than baring it all. Breezy mesh tops that drape like gauze over tanks or bralettes are more about texture and airiness, not scandal. A sheer button-up over denim shorts suddenly looks like an outfit rather than a beach cover-up. I love the drama of a transparent maxi skirt with solid biker shorts underneath. It is the perfect balance of light and grounded. Just remember, sheer is all about softness and shadow rather than straight shock value.
Real Romance
I’ve never been a ruffle-all-the-time kind of person. I can think of only one top I’ve loved recently that leaned romantic, but this season I’ve softened up. Romantic details are everywhere right now, from A-line skirts to ruched crop tops with slightly puffed sleeves and dresses with subtle lace trims, which are the go-tos for everyday romance. They feel like something you’d wear barefoot in a field or to grab an overpriced matcha. I’m drawn to the pieces that move with me, not against me, and that hold their own without needing too much styling. Romantic, yes, but not the kind that requires a corset to breathe.
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Woven Bags
Listen, woven bags may not be groundbreaking for summer, but I’m just one of those people who has to be able to carry more than a lip balm and credit card when I go anywhere. This summer’s woven bags are both artful and functional. Totes shaped in structured raffia, shoulder bags with leather trim, and basket-style bags that don’t dump everything out when tipped over. They go with literally everything and somehow make even the most basic outfit feel considered. Plus, they are durable enough for impromptu events from vacation to pool days and brunch.
If summer dressing is about easy, then this lineup is me leaning into what feels good right now: playful prints, light layers, tactile accessories, and silhouettes that don’t ask too much of me. There is a sense of softness in the air this summer, and I myself - and my outfits - am embracing it fully. And honestly? It feels like the most comfortable summer yet.
