My Best Spring/Summer Fashion Purchases

Madewell Jules Slim Straight Jeans (Atlin Wash)

If I had to pick one purchase that defined my spring wardrobe, it would be these jeans. The slim straight silhouette works with everything from sneakers to sandals, the faded medium wash goes with just about every color, and they’re comfortable enough to wear all day. I’ve reached for them constantly. Fit tip: Size down, if in between. I have the 29.

Tommy Bahama Darcy V-Neck Sheath Dress

This dress made me feel good every time I put it on, even on days when I wasn’t feeling particularly confident. It’s incredibly flattering, easy to accessorize, and works for everything from dinner out to sightseeing. I know this one will stay in my closet for years. Fit tip: True to size; I have the medium.

EVEREVE Mary Textured Shift Dress

This became my extra casual version of the Darcy. It’s comfortable, doesn’t cling, works as a swim cover-up or an everyday dress, and always looks polished with minimal effort.

PAIGE Mason Slim Straight Ankle Jeans

These have become my favorite white jeans. The slim straight leg is versatile, they’re substantial enough not to be see-through, yet also soft and comfortable, and they work with both flats and sandals. If you’ve been looking for a polished pair of white denim, these are hard to beat.

Loeffler Randall Jovie Jelly Sandals

Without question, my most-worn sandals this season. They elevate even the simplest outfit, pair beautifully with dresses and denim alike, and they’re surprisingly comfortable.

J.Crew Factory Crewneck Beach Sweater

This was the dark horse of the season. I wasn’t sure how much I’d wear it, but it came in handy constantly—on vacation, in overly air-conditioned restaurants, and draped over my shoulders with dresses. I wouldn’t want to be without it!

Jane Win GRACE Pendant Coin Necklace

I wanted a slightly bolder everyday necklace, and this was exactly what my jewelry collection was missing. It adds just enough interest to simple outfits, and I’ve worn it far more than I expected. It also makes a beautiful gift if you’re shopping for someone special. The packaging is absolutely gorgeous.

KUT from the Kloth Jane Denim Shorts

These were such a good purchase that I bought them again after I lost weight. They’re flattering, comfortable, and just the right length.

There are so many more I could have added here, but I think this hits the highlights.

The Purchases That Didn’t Earn Their Place in My Closet

This category is less about pieces I regret buying and more about what I learned. Some of these are perfectly nice items, but they just didn’t fit my lifestyle as well as I’d hoped, or another piece in my closet consistently won out.

Tommy Bahama Relaxed Jean 4″ Shorts

There’s nothing wrong with these shorts, but every time I wanted to wear denim shorts, I reached for the KUT from the Kloth Jane instead. They just felt a little less fussy and were easier to style casually, which is what I usually want from a pair of denim shorts.

KUT Piper Short Sleeve Jacket

I still like this jacket. In fact, I have both colors, but I just didn’t have many opportunities to wear it. Between spending so much of the spring in Florida and then jumping straight into warm weather back home, lightweight jackets weren’t nearly as useful as I expected.

EVEREVE Jessa Utility Bomber

Same story here. I bought this jacket in both colors because I was so confident it would become a wardrobe staple. but I barely wore it. It’s a good reminder that I probably don’t need to buy quite so many layering jackets next spring.

EVEREVE Callum Travel Jacket

Another jacket I genuinely like but simply didn’t wear enough to justify the purchase this season.

Tommy Bahama Two Palms Trapunto Linen Shift Dress

I wore this once on our trip to St. Lucia and never reached for it again. I just didn’t love how I looked or felt in it, and in hindsight, I wish I’d packed fewer dresses and simply repeated a couple of favorites.

PAIGE Stevie Ankle Straight Jeans

These just never worked for me the way I’d hoped. I found the proportions a little awkward with flats, so I found myself reaching for the Madewell Jules instead when I wanted a slim straight ankle jean.

Quince European Linen Patch Pocket Wide-Leg Pants

These are perfectly nice linen pants, but I found myself reaching for my KUT from the Kloth Meg and Maya linen pants instead. They hold their shape better and feel a bit more polished.

Final Thoughts

Looking over this list, one theme really stands out: when I already own a favorite in a category, a “pretty good” alternative rarely gets worn. I think that’s probably true for most of us. It’s a good reminder that sometimes the best purchase is the one you don’t make.

Now I’d love to hear from you! What has been your best fashion purchase this spring or summer? And is there anything you wish you’d skipped?

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