
When preparing my wardrobe for the coming season, I like to reflect on the last year and consider what items I got the most use out of, which items missed the mark, and identify any pockets in my closet that could do with some filling in. Last summer I really leaned into the most basic of basics: versatile neutral accessories and comfortable, everyday silhouettes. I threw in pops of color for vacation and special nights out with dresses like this, this and the hot pink Staud set you see above (see their current season set here!), but otherwise my wardrobe was pretty clean, classic and full of repeat offenders. If you’re looking to stock up on solid, wearable styles for spring and summer, below are ten favorites in my wardrobe that have proven their value in terms of cost per wear!
- LA LIGNE ANDIE DRESS – I have this dress in both white and navy, and have worn both on repeat each spring/summer for the last few years! The fabric is a high-quality, thick cotton – comfortable, durable, pretty wrinkle-resistant and not at all see-through. No slip required! It’s the ultimate travel piece, because it’s easy to dress up or down. I’ve worn this dress on countless flights with a jean jacket, Hermes scarf etc, and styled it with sneakers as much as I’ve worn it with sandals. I generally find La Ligne dresses to run a bit big. I have the dress in the small because I bought it when I was heavier, but it still totally works on me with the tie-waist belt! I actually *just* ordered it in black yesterday because I saw the XS become available again. This dress is a pretty wide cut unbelted, so it would be great for a gal with a baby bump! More sizes available here!
- HERMES ORAN SLIDES – If you’re searching for a wear-with-everything slide for summer, get these. The color I bought last summer was called “Beige Albinos”, but the current “Beige Lin” color looks identical – so maybe they just changed the name? Either way, this amazing neutral is fully back in stock and the moment and you definitely don’t want to miss them. I wrote a full review on these sandals in this blog post last summer if you want to read more about the “why” behind the buy!
- AGOLDE DENIM SHORTS – I wore both pairs of my Stella jean shorts SO MUCH last summer! They were the perfect high-rise look with a slightly longer hem – perfect for taller women like myself. It doesn’t look like they’re bringing back that style this season (womp womp), but instead they’ve launched an uncuffed version of the Dame style. For those of you who might be new here, I have the full-length jean version of the Dame cut in an absurd number of washes/variations, so I’m already a huge fan! If you’re in need of some new jean shorts for summer, definitely don’t miss this pair or this pair.
- FERRAGAMO HUG CONVERTIBLE CLUTCH – I wore this clutch practically every night I went out last summer! It’s truly the perfect summer neutral and goes with literally everything. It fits a card case, my phone, lipstick + gloss, keys and sunglasses (depending on the size!), but not much else – just the essentials, which is just enough for me! It also comes with an optional leather crossbody strap. Consider it the ultimate travel style for summer! You can also shop this clutch here and here.
- KHAITE JERICHO TOP – You’ve heard me rave about this top more times than I can count already, but you bet your bottom dollar I’ll be wearing it all season again this year. It’s just *that good*. It’s such an effortless top that makes a huge impact, even when styled simply with jeans or shorts! It’s such a cool, minimalist piece, but it really does elevate anything I wear it with – I’m always receiving compliments about it! I have the size small.
- LOEFFLER RANDALL TRIANA HEELED SANDAL – Ok, so this pair I actually didn’t buy until August, but I wore them all fall long in New York! I can’t wait to wear them again when I’m back in the city next month. They are SO comfortable and were such a great strappy, sleek look for dinners and nights out. They look as fabulous with jeans as they do with dresses! These heels fit true to size and now come in three colors: espresso, black and a dark beige (these would look great with the Ferragamo clutch!!). I have the black pair, but am considering getting the espresso next! They also have a flat sandal version that is definitely worth a look – especially this red pair, which is looking like the “it” color of summer!!
- MONTCE HAYDEN BIKINI TOP + PAULINA BOTTOMS – I own this bikini in three colors, I love it so much! Finding cute and supportive swimsuits for big boobs can be a challenge, especially when looking for barely-there bikinis. This one has *just* enough coverage and support up top to keep the gals looking perky and help them stay put! No underwires necessary. The fabric is thick too, so you won’t have any issues with transparency. The bottoms are a bit cheeky, but I love the cut – the high rise hits me right at the belly button! The Hayden top comes in dozens of colors and prints – thinking about trying the teal, the oat texture or the neutral stripe next. The blue gingham is darling too! I wear the size small in the top and medium in the bottoms!
- MADEWELL RUSSEL OVAL SUNGLASSES – I got these sunglasses in black last summer in Carlsbad, and have worn them repeatedly ever since! They are the most flattering oval silhouette I’ve tried (and I tried many before finding this pair), and are a great budget buy at only $75. Such a classic everyday style that still feels of the moment! They’re also very comfortable and lightweight – you can wear them all day without getting a headache or a mark on the bridge of your nose.
- KHAITE RIZZO DENIM JACKET – I got this jacket two years ago I think? The slightly cropped cut makes it a flattering choice for pairing with sundresses as the hem nips at the waist. It’s just the right amount of boxy – not oversized, but not fitted. It’s definitely pricey, but it’s been a very useful piece for me! Especially when traveling or when I just need an extra layer in the spring, or somewhere like California where the temps dip at night! I’d recommend taking your usual size. I have the medium since I bought it when I was a bit heavier, but if buying now I’d get the small! I’ve got quite the collection of Khaite pieces now, and can vouch for their quality – all of the items I’ve purchased have held up amazingly well and just look so good on.
- POOLSIDE JOSIE KNOT BAG – If you’re looking for a bag with a little seasonal texture, this straw bag has been a go-to of mine for the past two summers. Like the aforementioned Ferragamo bag, this bag goes with everything! It’s very lightweight and lays pretty flat, so it’s easy to pack and makes a great vacation piece. It also stores a surprising amount inside, and with the zippered closure you won’t have to worry about anything falling out like you would with most other straw and raffia handbags! The silhouette is fun and feminine, but it’s otherwise very simple making it incredibly easy to style. I love, love, love this bag and will continue to wear it again this season and beyond!