On this post, channeling the 90’s and J. Crew catalog for summer styling ideas -plus some great pieces on my radar.
Welcome to May’s Signature Style! This month Cindy and I get to have some fun and share our own wishlists for the summer. I cannot believe we are almost to June!
Revisiting the Summer Closet
By now you’ve probably seen a lot of the warm weather clothes that are trending or that speak to you. I always have a sort of inspiration board going on the phone (sometimes Pinterest), and occasionally on my actual pinboard. Since it’s been a busy month, this post is a brain dump of all that has been swirling around my head. It’s the open tabs I’ve been meaning to give form to. I hope you won’t mind if I untangle the mess here- and perhaps you’ll even find something to love or inspire you too.
I have goals and in a perfect world I’d have the paired down closet- with only great basics I wear year after year and I would only add a few new coveted pieces each season to ‘refresh’ it all. Oh if only. I do recommend a little closet clean. Dig out the summer pieces you have forgotten, wash the white shirts, and line up the warmer weather things, and bring them to the front of the closet. It puts them on your radar when getting dressed
My Inspiration
First of all, a few photos. This is how I wish I dressed. I loved the simple look of the 90’s summers laid out in the J. Crew catalogs that my friend Ani and I would once obsess over! Oh how we adored those pages. I would dream of ordering some of those things! My taste I have today was largely thanks to those catalogs and how they were styled and the classic American pieces they made look young, fun and stylish… How great was that catalog?
I still love a preppy summer look with navy, khaki, whites, stripes, and a little pop of pink or red added in. I love brown leather accessories and a strappy flat sandal, or a woven bag with dark leather trim. ( So Ralph Lauren.) I adore a big scarf with a Hermes look (or actual if you are so lucky) wrapped around a pony tail or on a bag…or as a sarong. I love a man’s shirt worn over a bathing suit or tied in a knot. Cut off shorts are still a good look so try making your own! Raid the closets of the men in your family or check out the men’s section of your local charity shops. None of these looks need cost any money. It’s all about a vibe. Get creative and wear a chunky sweater with shorts and a bun, wear loafers or boat shoes with shorts. Layer your stripes. Use scarves as hair accessories and belts.
Making a summer wishlist
If you are close to my age, you probably know what looks good on you, and what works. When I went through my closet, I noticed I needed a few new tanks, another blouse or two, and a pair of light pants, a casual dress or two, and another pair of sandals. I keep those on my list- and mind, and make sure I refer to it when I shop.
The Wish List
The shirtdress
This stripe shirtdress from Tuckernuck is cute and classic and I also like the look of this boxy shirtdress in a safari print or denim. Would be adorable with an espadrille or sneaker… I also adore this fun multicolor stripe one from Faherty.
Tanks
One thing I bought and want more of is the Athleta Favorite Cotton Tank. It’s the perfect weight and good for layering, and the perfect cut- not too low or too tight, but still flattering. I bought a small. I want a few more in white and one in black. They are on sale now for $21. We could all use a few multiples of this. It looks very coastal chic layered under a button-up.
Button Ups
I feel like I may be beating a dead horse with this one, as I’ve said it a few times, but I love a good button-up. They can serve multitudes as a light jacket or alone, and untucked and breezy is how the cool kids are styling them. In Hawaii I wore one almost daily- with either shorts and a tank or over my swimsuit, and even over a simple sundress. I also wore one home on the plane and so did a few other gals like this cute lady who I snapped pic of with a stripe shirt and cotton chinos. She looked chic with the bun. Another fave is Christy Turlington in a short shirt combo.
I’d like to add one or two button ups with some colorful stripes. Banana Republic has some great options (30% off now) in this soft blue with tan (also a great pale pink and a peach and more.) Madewell has even more cuties on sale. I’m partial to the wisteria stripe, the indigo and the blue tipped with red.
White and colored jeans/chinos
I still love the look of this woman I spotted last summer in Paris… again the button up (sorry, not sorry), and the simple jean or pant- summer perfection. This could of even been a men’s shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Another post you may like is White Shirt Styling Ideas.
I am partial to a thicker white cotton jean and bought the popular Luna Pant from J.Crew that are a simple elasticized waist and a perfect weight. (I also have the peppermint ice). These low slung baggy white jeans are the most highly rated at Madewell are also on my wish list for my summer jean. I like the idea of a relaxed white jean! The same jean comes in a very cute red. Think of wearing that with a light pale pink- or a soft lilac blue.
Let’s Talk Shorts
No matter the state of our legs, shorts remain an essential for a lot of summer activities. I still need comfy shorts for summer days at home and of course on holidays. Lately I am considering these 3 – the elastic waist type, gardening/hiking shorts with pockets (love the pink & tan), and the 90s era length denim cutoff short. I wore these endlessly in my 30’s with black blazers and ballet flats out to dance clubs on summer nights. Now I like my shorts with a button up or a longer sleeve t-shirt, or tank.
More shorts below…
The pop on dress
I adore a simple tank or t-shirt dress that feels light and simple you can throw on and go. I have a older Z Supply black jersey tank dress that I wish I could have cloned as it skims the body and always looks good and feels easy. I’ve had a heck of a time finding a basic cotton tank dress that isn’t tight.
Maybe I’m crazy, but I think this white Polo dress is SO cute. Reviews say it’s longer than it shows on the model. I also like this tank dress in cotton for $58. Comes in 4 colors and is pretty close to my Z Supply version, so I will be getting one!
More simple dresses here…
A woven bag
We all need a lighter summer bag and I have a thing for woven bags…It may be becoming an issue, but I can’t help buying at least one most summers. Two on my list are this pretty, but pricey Polo bag, and have an eye on this Longchamp. (We did say WISH list!) This by this by Tuckernuck is also a good one!
I’ve got more good things that have been sitting on open tabs than I can blog about and I’ll add them below….
The pieces from the two graphics are included here.
What is your most worn item in summer? Is there a fantastic sandal, short, or swimsuit you adore? Whatever it is, I’d love to hear. Are you embracing the less and better things mantra? It’s a journey and we Americans particularly struggle with that. Summer clothes can be inexpensive, and we often buy more of these items and also discard them in higher percentages. Something to think about.
Last month Cindy and I shared Wedding Guest Dresses if you missed it. You might also like my post on Sneakers with Style.
Thanks for taking the time to read the blog!
Kim
Please pop over to Cindy’s for more summer things and great ideas as always…
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What a great selection of ideas for summer wear. I wish I could rock the same look as that stylish Parisian woman in all white, but my legs would not do them justice. Don’t envy the Hermes scarves. Bought a slew of them in the 1990s and ended up selling them at a luxury auction. They are stylish when young, but not quite so much when older (unless in your 80s). Think the late Queen with an Hermes scarf tied under her chin.
I live in dresses during summer, easy to style, wear and are comfy. My favourite sandals are Ziera. Summer clothes are more easily discarded because they take quite the flogging with constant washing. The white polo dress is cute, but if I squeezed myself into it, I would seriously look like a parody of a nurse on one of the Old Carry On movies
Thanks Susan! I think anyone can wear white jeans. You just have to find a pair you like on. Wow I would love to have a Hermes scarf. I need to look at the resale options!
I think dresses are just so easy always look chic. My mom had many shift dresses and lived in them in summers.
I would probably look the same in the white dress! xo
I love your picks for summer— laidback but stylish— just what I am aiming for. Just yesterday I received my Birkenstock Madrid in the raffia that you show here and love them!
Mary Thank you.
Those are Birks the cutest! I think I need to get a pair before they are gone!
Hi, Kim –
Great round up of retro looks, or are they just so classic? I love a big overshirt, usually blue denim, and then white linen in the summer. I have other button-ups and should try those as well! I’ll definitely try your Athleta tank recommendation for a cool underlayer.
Just this morning, it was warm enough to wear a sweatshirt and some well-loved jcrew shorts on my morning walk. I always say that’s my favorite weather — a sweatshirt and shorts!
My new favorite shorts are the Old Navy High-Waisted Relaxed Shorts recommended by my daughter. They are like cut-off sweats, loose and soft with large pockets. They come in a zillion colors.
Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Julia I love a sweatshirt and shorts! Agree that is the perfect temp! The Athleta tank is perfection and you need to size down maybe for it. I have small.
Popping over to ON to check out those shorts. They also have good summer things! Thank you. x
Kim, you’ve shown so many good options today, and I totally get your love of the 90’s style. Same for me—I loved those J Crew catalogs and always loved visiting large cities back then so I could shop in a J Crew store. Such iconic looks. Last summer, I really got into wearing button up linen shirts with a tank and am doing that again this spring. I found 2 cotton button ups from Madewell that I’m wearing now too—one is light blue with red stripes and the other is French blue. They seem to look good with jeans or pants, but I will have to try them with shorts after seeing your picture. My husband and I are heading to Edinburgh, York, and London later in the summer (I’ve been rereading your trips reports), and I anticipate bringing several button ups along with me. Have a great weekend!
Michelle, They were so good and a guide to style if you think about it. For someone like me who had no clue, I loved them! I can still remember the big one that opened in SF Centre as we had few J. Crews here in Northern Cal. It was gorgeous with tall shelves of the most wonderful sweaters. Swoon! I dreamed of a lot of those things.
I love the sound of your shirts. I want a blue with red stripe! Yes they re so good with a tank.
How fun your trip will be. Late summer is awesome. Let me know of you need any recommendations. We loved training from York to Edinburgh. York was magical and I also recommend the hotel Gray’s Court and dinner spot there if you can was my most favorite meal. Loved the place and people! You are going to have so much fun. xo
Oh gosh! I was volunteering at my local charity thrift store today. I focus on vintage clothes (which include the 90’s!).
There was a darling 90’s Ralph Lauren mini skirt. It was made of chambray with a simple thin elastic waistband, kind of like a slip skirt. It had a bit of seaming detail near the hem, but was so minimalist, and cute!
Vintage is a treasure hunt! Check out EBay, etc.
Lisa I think that would be so fun working at a vintage charity. I am at our local second hand Library bookstore, but I think I need less books- and more up cycled clothes! That mini skirt sounds wonderful. Did you get it? I need to get on EBay and Poshmark more. Good tip! xo
Great Blog Post! I miss a lot of the looks from the 90’s:…I think I need to dig thru my closet and see what I can find that will work….
Tara I bet we could all find things in our closets with this look and feel! x
Hi Kim,
Beautiful looks thank you for the inspiration. I just bought the INOUI/Sezane book scarf last night it is so beautiful and the price is good for a Inoui scarf…I remember drooling over their scarfs in Liberty’s in London last November. I bought the navy Soleil linen pants in petite in the J. crew sale recently, and they are so classy and so well made. Love summer ease…happy weekend!
Francesca, I love that scarf so much! I need to buy it today before it is gone. I know I discovered Inoui in Paris and they are a beautiful brand. I am not surprised Liberty carries them. Those Soleil pants look good and I am glad to hear feedback on them. Navy is a great idea in the linen. I may need to get a pair while they are on sale. Thanks for the tip.
Have a good weekend!xo
Kim, I definitely cannot wear shorts unless it’s just around my home…road map veins and chubby knees!
Longer skirts and linen pants work better for this body. But at nearly 76 , I have accepted the less appealing parts of my body since I am still pretty fit. I like your reminder of wearing linen shirts or striped slightly over-sized ones worn open over a tank. I have a few colours from LL Bean in Pima cotton that work well.
It’s been a rather exhausting time editing and reorganizing winter clothing (labeled bins under the bed) to summer linens, dresses etc while putting a couple of bags together of good quality things for my consignment appointment . Not having adequate closets in my little solo place does create challenges , but it’s interesting how I look at pieces differently during these reorganizations and come up with fresh ways to wear my pieces collected over several years. . During a recent trip to Dorset 🇬🇧 and then Edinburgh 🏴 followed by a trip sailing from Oban off the west coast of Scotland, I had fun wearing scarves to add some zip to my outfits. And my Hermes’ scarf, purchased years ago at Harrods, was finally enjoyed! Wearing silk around the neck is such luxury. Your reader visiting Edinburgh might enjoy wandering along George Street and stopping in at ‘Sea Salt’ and ‘White Stuff’ there…both have a line of striped 3/4 sleeve t- shirts in great colours. My latest obsession is these striped tops. Roll up and pack so well, as do the dresses. Sales were on and that definitely helped the CAD to British Pound exchange!
Cath how are you? The trip sounds wonderful. I hear you about shorts- and thankful we have a lot of cute linen pants options too now.
I am just about to store my winter things in bins under the closet too. It’s just so nice to see less when getting dressed!
I love that you had Hermes scarves came back into rotation! They never go out of style and scarves are so good to change things up when traveling.
I want to get back to Edinburgh. Those stores sound like my thing Cath.
I just bought a striped top too in Hawaii. I’m looking them up now! x
Kim, if you and Max do revisit Edinburgh, look into The Resident , one of a few newish hotels in London, Liverpool and now Edinburgh. Reasonably priced and close to Charlotte Square in New Town. This was my second stay, and as I joined their loyalty programme, I got an upgrade and other perks . I leave a detailed list of what I’d like for my breakfast in room, since there’s a mini kitchen. Like yoghurt, oj, croissants , fruit . Between 5 and 6 there’s a complimentary glass of wine and snacks in the lounge area. Works for me!
I had a couple of interesting conversations with people then. Also, there’s several cafes nearby for any meals, and one morning last fall I walked around the base of the castle , and up through Greyfriars Kirk green to reach The Museum of Scotland. Fabulous rooftop views of the whole of Edinburgh. I enjoy lunches at The Garden at The Kimpton on the corner of George Street and Charlotte Square. Unfortunately, when I visited in the fall, the prices were considerably more to stay there, so that’s when I found The Resident nearby, and was very pleased. It’s definitely worth a look at the lounge areas there…beautifully decorated.
Hi Kim, great post, very inspiring! I’m interested in the scarf in the last Summer Wish List image. It’s the light blue, yellow and grey one (pictured with the short denim dress and straw tote). Do you have a link to that scarf? Thanks!
Hi Caroline! That scarf is in the shopping carousel. It’s this one at Sezane- and designed by Inoui Editions in Pairs- a super cool French brand. I just bought it too.
This is the link
https://go.shopmy.us/p-59879090
x Kim