On this month’s Signature Style, Cindy and I share our Summer Wish Lists! These are some of the pieces I’ve been coveting, trends to consider, and possible options for your warm weather capsule wardrobe..
Wow has this year flown by fast? I can hardly believe it’s May! love these sort of posts I’ve been keeping a running inventory in my head of the things I want to add to the closet for the warmer months. Doing these posts has actually helped me shop better. Finding things I really love online for the blog, has helped find items I truly love- versus just shopping what is available in the stores..
This year I am really into small jackets, longer skirts and dresses, one shoulder looks, metallic pieces, woven bags, and lots of green tones and blue.
Before you make your own wish list, pull out all your summer and warm weather items and try them on, evaluate and see what is missing, what you no longer love or looks good, and what you might add to make what you already have work!
Start with beautiful basics and to begin, everyone needs some lightweight jackets ..
Let’s talk small jackets
I’m mad for these small jackets ( i.e short jean jacket size), for warmer months and they could not be more flattering. I did a little Instagram PSA on them here. I have a linen color, one in khaki, a white and also denim versions… I like cardigans, but a lightweight shorter jacket is going to be more flattering and more chic. Here’s why they look so good…
- They give a sharper line than a cardigan.
- They help give a more defined figure i.e. waist.
- They hide bumps, back bulges and all of that and give a smoother look.
- They are great to make your dresses daytime casual and less bare..
- They are perfect for travel- and day to night wear.
You need a few of these in your warm weather closet so let’s look at a few options and some ways to style them. I love them with a longer skirt and t-shirt like I am wearing here with my Tommy Bahama Two Palms linen jacket that looks great after so may years and wears… and a new short jacket from Anthro..
Some current options to consider…Photos are linked.
Longer skirts
No matter your height or age, the longer casual skirt is another piece that’s going to be a workhorse in your closet. If you find a few that are comfy with elastic waists, (and even better with pockets), you are going to want to wear these all the time. You can pair them with just a nice t-shirt or tank and a jacket like above, or with a white cotton or denim button down- tied at the waist. I adore the feeling of a light long skirt on a summery day with pretty sandals and a straw bag..
A few to consider..some longer and some mid-length.. I like this denim one as it looks relaxed..Links on photos.
Fun tops
I love the one shoulder trend .. fun options like this one in three colors..
More elegance and layering options with this one shoulder top – and these Target camisole matte satin tanks are great pieces .. color options here and here.
Woven Bags
I love the Zara white one, this fun Tory Burch tote in multiple colors, and the classic H&M woven bag looks good with everything for $25.
A few cute dresses..
I love to get a new dress or two for the summer and when you see cute ones grab them as they tend to go fast.. This one shoulder dress by Madewell is a great look for $69. If you’re concerned about wearing a strapless bra with these.. You needn’t! I wear a regular bra and tuck the exposed shoulder strap in the side of the bra.. So much more comfy.
A few other fun ones..like this green floral in two styles…Maxi and a spaghetti strap version- and this pink SZ Blockprint dress… ( All cute under the mini- jackets!)
I’ve also had my eye on the Two Palms linen dress by Tommy Bahama that is a perennial best seller like my jacket. I just can’t decide which color – so many good ones. I love the raw edges and cute neckline- and pockets. This is the perfect vacation dress and no you won’t need to iron this.. It looks great natural.
If I had somewhere special to go, I would consider this dress from J Crew Collection..
Swim
I love this Tory tank suit with the clips.. and the original tunic coverups she made when she started are back and this green would be a dream with it..
This J Crew stamp print coverup and matching suit are adorbs…
I also adore this one shoulder ruched suit from J.Crew. I have the safari green which is on sale with a few others now for $59, and all these one shoulders would be darling with a pair of white beach pants or beach skirt.. I want another color and thinking the yellow or stripe is fun.
I also am finally going to order myself a pair of these Birkenstocks...
Loving these sunglasses in the olive and the buff colors…
I hope this gave you some ideas for 2023 warm weather trends and ways to work some of these pieces into what you already have..I’ll try and add more items as we move through into summer- if it ever gets here!
If you want to save this for later you can pin this image on Pinterest…
If you missed last month’s Signature Style I shared casual chic dresses you need for spring and summer and my favorite brands.
Now stop by Cindy’s blog to see what she is sharing…. always some gorgeous things and great ideas…
Thanks for being here!
Kim
If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.
Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!
Love the cargo skirt ordered!! The jean skirt link is not working would you mind linking again? Thank you!!!!
Julie thanks will fix it now. This is the correct link..
https://rstyle.me/+OvrIds7dvshXxiO0plm-lQ
xo
I love that cargo skirt too! xo
Hi, Kim —
Wow, thanks for putting this all in one spot. So many cute things! Now you have me considering a long tiered skirt. Would I wear it?
Alas, I am having a problem with your menu pulling down when I start scrolling, and covering half of the screen with black stripes. I first noticed this issue with your friend’s packing for Japan post. I would love to have this work full-screen again. Do you have any tips to cure this issue? Are others having it?
I appreciate all you do. I definitely need to look through my summer things and assess what I have and what I, date I say.., need?
xo
Julia
Hi Julia, I have to say I was not a long skirt person and recently rediscovered them, and now a big fan. You have to find ones that a are light and feel comfy on the waist… Easy is what the goal is.
Can you tell me how you are reading the blog? Is it on your phone? An iPad? I am unable to replicate it, but I can look if you tell me. Thanks so much..x
YOU MATCH YOUR HOME WITH THE SHORT BEIGE JACKETS!
I ADORE THE OLIVE GLASSES!
I NEED NEW SUNGLASSES…………..
YOU DONOT NEED THE BIRKENSTOCKS!
Listen to your elders!
BIG HUG,
XOXO
Yes maybe so! Is that a good thing? Or too bland? Love the glasses too.. Hey the Birks look really cute with long skirts and things. It’s a look and they are comfy.. LOL. xo
Wow Kim such lovely things thank you for the inspiration. I bought the linen Tommy Bahama jacket last year following you and you are so right it’s a game changer and the pink Kut from the Kloth jacket is very pretty too and useful in my closet. Looks fantastic with a black t shirt dress from Target. So many wonderful choices here! Thanks for the research.
Happy weekend.
I will be watching the Coronation and enjoying the pomp and circumstance! Hope your Dad’s kitten is settling in nicely. Take care xo
Hi Francesca thanks so much. Isn’t that the best jacket ever? I just love how comfortable it is too. Oh the pink jacket and a black t-shirt dress! Love that combo..
Enjoy the coronation weekend. Yes Herbie is doing great thank goodness and starting to nap next to dad! Thanks for asking. xo
Hi Kim. I’m wondering what size you ordered in the J.Crew one-shoulder swim suit. I’m 5’3” 130 so we’re about the same size. Most reviews say the suit runs large.
Hi Barb I ordered an 8 in the suit and I would usually be a 10! Hope that is helpful. I love this suit. Super comfortable as well as flattering! x
Thanks Kim! Ready to order in the green too!
I told my readers to come to you for the trends and you delivered!! You are always so fashion-forward without looking like you are trying too hard. You do the laid-back California girl look so well, and you still look like a teenager ! That J Crew dress is darling. If I were 20 years younger I would snatch it up. My daughter loves Birkenstocks. I love that Tommy Bahama jacket that you inspired me to buy. Now if our weather ever warms back up so I can wear it!! Excellent point about jackets not showing the bulges like sweaters! Maybe that is why I rarely wear them!
Cindy you did a super job with yours and all the beautiful pieces and chic accessories. I think you can wear that J Crew dress now!
Gosh isn’t the jacket the best?? I need another. BUT what about the weather? It’s getting me down. xo
Great job as usual Kim. Saw white pants in the collection image but don’t see where you write about them in the piece. Thanks.
Hi Carole Thank you! Yes they are mentioned by the bathing suits.. I just saw they are sold out darn it.. That happened fast. There is also a similar option here:
https://rstyle.me/+5o75OhZm2ZzYe7fi7hliEg
Hi Kim,
I enjoyed looking at all the pretty skirts, and jackets you shared. It’s always nice to see you modeling some of the pieces.
You portray such a fashionable vibe, and a laid back CA look that says “I’m approachable,”
yes that is a compliment.
Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Hi Katherine! You are sweet. That makes me happy. I try and be real on here.. I’m sure that I could look more perfect, but gosh we have a lot of that don’t we? I am more inspired personally by people that seem natural too.
Have a beautiful weekend !
Hi Kim!
I follow many blogs and yours is definitely one of my top favorites! I rarely comment, but wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your sense of fashion, views of the world, California lifestyle and general positive outlook on life! My boyfriend and I were in Napa for a few days at the end of April and flew out of San Fransisco late in the afternoon on April 30th. We decided to spend to the day in the city at the last minute and I remembered your post about Golden Gate Park. I had never been there, so we stopped by for an hour before having dim sum for lunch. I was amazed at it’s beauty! It had a Central Park vibe with a San Fran twist. But then there were these magical gardens and lily ponds with huge ferns and tropical flowers, orchids and hummingbirds! It was so cool! There were people everywhere and everyone was so happy that the sun was shining and the rain had stopped. We had perfect weather.
I just wanted you to know that a favorite reader from Denver Colorado remembered what you wrote and made a point of visiting the park because your writing was so interesting.
Thank you!!!!! Hugs – Lisa
Quick question about today’s post – Did you get the size S or M in the Pilcro Cropped Utility Jacket? (I am your size.)
Lisa, Wow what a sweet comment. Thank you! I am so happy to hear my little blog inspired you to check out the park. Isn’t it great? Love that you got to the Conservatory too and had good weather. It’s surprising how big it is isn’t it? Yay for Dim Sum too. Aw your comment just made my week.
Hugs to you! xo
P.S. I bought the medium in the cropped jacket. It’s a little roomy.. Hope that helps!
You and Cindy have done such a great job with your summer style choices. I’m looking at the Tommy Bahama jacket but actually got the Kut From the Cloth jeans jacket this time around. Shopping my closet first is starting to work! I do see where there are holes and that’s helpful also. You have a very nice selection of jackets and totes/bags–thank you!
Sally thank you! It was fun. That Out jacket is darling ! I saw it in person and it’s really well made. Yay I am so glad shopping the closet is helping. I think it really helps us shop better right? Thanks and you know it took me a long time to train myself to do the same.
xo
Hi Kim,
You did a fabulous job with this summer fashion post! You are so adorable modeling everything. I must go and try on the Madewell dress, some of the jackets and that Tommy Bahama dress – in navy blue. So pretty and easy! Thanks for inspiring me. Have a fantastic weekend. Hopefully we all see some sun. It rained all day today here in San Clemente!
Hi Karen, You are so nice! Yes if you can go try the dresses on it helps! Adore the Tommy B dresses and they are generous in sizing which is nice.
Hope you have a lovely weekend. We are having rain again too. Fingers crossed for sun soon.xo
Kim, I’m loving shorter jackets … although I didn’t realize they were shorter until you pointed it out. You’re right, they are flattering. I’d like to add the linen jacket to my closet. And a long skirt … love your skirt options. That J.Crew dress has been on my radar for the wedding in Italy next month. What do you think? Say yes to the dress? xo
You looked great in your darling denim one! You need that linen one. My favorite piece and feels great on.. Juliet that dress would be so great for the Italy wedding ! YES. xx
Yaaaaaasss, kween! Haha! I do love these picks! I am pear shaped and love a cropped jacket because I feel the look adds balance for me. I love the slight edge a one shoulder lends, but I have always had a terrible slouching habit and I feel those tops bring attention- however again, the crop jackets are perfect for that! You DO need metallic Birks! You look great and age appropriate! I have come by that H&M tote frequently secondhand, if I see one again I should just snag it and the Tommy Bahama dress is so dang cute! Happy warm weather to you!
Nicole you are so right the crop jacket is great for balancing out shapes. I also slouch..and fight it.
Isn’t that tote great? I know love the Birks too. Thank you for the sweet note! xo
Kim, It is always fun to see what you and Cindy put together for this series. I love all of your looks! I love the short jackets and the skirts. The swimsuit is gorgeous, it reminds me of Hermes.
As for the dresses, I am a dress girl and love to wear them, I will be checking out a few of these.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful selections, honest opinions and signature style.
Thanks so much Elizabeth, this was a fun one. I thought the Swimsuit had an Hermes vibe too..Dresses are so good. I’m just waiting for the weather to cooperate now! x
Hi Kim! So many great choices! This has me so excited for summer! I am loving the Birkenstock’s!
Molly thanks ! I know aren’t they cute in the mettalic? I really want them.
Love all your fashionable choices. Wondering g where the king floral skirt you are modeling with the Tommy Bahama jacket in the second photo down on the right is from?
Sorry for the typos, should read before I post 😄
Wondering where the skirt you are wearing in the second photo down on the right is from! Such a cute look!
Hi Jayne It is a Free People skirt from a few years back. I searched online a few sites for it, but can’t find it! I will keep my eye out for it and add it if I can. I tried Poshmark and Thredup. xo
Jayne sorry it is from another year from Free People and I can’t seem to find the same skirt. I looked online, but look at Free People. They have a few pull on ones now and Sundance may too. x
Thank you so so much I found the skirt in Poshmark!!!!!