Every season, I like to round up my best and worst fashion purchases, and it’s always a reader favorite! Now that summer is winding down (don’t shoot the messenger!), I thought I’d take a look through my closet and highlight the true MVPs, and also weed out the not-so-stellar picks that I haven’t been reaching for. Let’s start with the good stuff!
My Best Summer Purchases of 2025
There’s a little overlap between this post and my 7 Wardrobe Pieces I’m Wearing on Repeat This Summer, but that one was more category-focused. This list is about the actual items I loved and wore on repeat, and the pieces I know have real longevity in my wardrobe.
MOTHER Weekender Flares in Totally Innocent
also wearing: Sanctuary mesh tee (M) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels (8)
I bought several pairs of white jeans this year, but these are the ones I reach for the most, and the ones I truly love to wear. They’re just so flattering, and they pair well with so many of my favorite summer tops.
Dolce Vita Mylee Heels
also wearing: MOTHER Hustler Roller Sneak (29) // WHBM sweater vest (M)
Once I got these, I didn’t need another pair of dressy heels in my summer closet. They’re so pretty on, and they go with everything from dresses to jeans. They’re also remarkably comfortable for a strappy heel. I actually wanted to love the Loeffler Randall pair that inspired this style (I liked the deeper shade of beige a little better), but I found the Dolce Vita more comfortable—go figure! I hope they bring these back again next year so I can link them when I wear them!
adidas OG Samba in White/Off White/Gum
I may be the last person on earth to buy a pair of Sambas, but now I get the hype. These are the only sneakers I’ve wanted to wear since I bought them. I love the mesh panels and the contrasting sand-colored gum sole. They’re such a good update to a basic white sneaker. I don’t expect to wear them much once cold weather arrives, but these are definitely staying in my closet for next spring.
PAIGE Jill Ankle Strap Espadrille Platform Wedge
also wearing: MOTHER Hustler Roller Sneak (29) // EVEREVE Jane Pullover (S)
I found these when I was shopping in-store much earlier in the season, and they are such gorgeous sandals. They quickly became my go-to for when I want a casual heel with my denim looks for dinners out, etc. I love the design with the soft, intertwined flat leather straps in the deep brown shade, and the way it contrasts against the jute-wrapped platform to keep them light and summery.
Loeffler Randall Dana Brown Strappy Jelly Sandal
also wearing: Sanctuary mesh tee (M) // PAIGE Anessa Utility Pants (29)
Jelly shoes were not on my BINGO card this year, but the instant I spotted these sandals, they went right into my cart. They’re just so fun, I love the color and the strappy design, and they’re shockingly comfortable for a flat strappy sandal. Plus, they were part of a limited edition collab so I feel like they’re a little more of an “investment item” than some of my other sandals.
I’ll also give an honorable mention to the Kaanas Alayta Square Toe Naked Sandal and Dolce Vita Dallen—they have a similar strap design, and I love them both, as well. I still wear the Dolce Vita Lorene at times, but now that I have the Kaanas Alayta, I don’t think I’ll wear them as much. I’m mainly keeping them b/c they’re perfect for pedicures, lol!
EVEREVE Nora Muscle Dress
also wearing: adidas OG Samba (8.5) // woven bag
By far, my best dress purchase this summer! I love this fresh take on the classic t-shirt dress. It’s so flattering and comfortable, and a nice quality too.
Athleta Brooklyn Heights Cargo Pants
also wearing: Athleta Getaway Linen Blend Muscle Tank (M) // Birkenstock Madrid (39)
I’ve talked about these pants ad nauseam, but they definitely deserve a spot on this list. They’re one of my best summer fashion finds of 2025—so comfy, flattering, and perfect for travel or lounging at home.
Vineyard Vines Herringbone 3.5″ Shorts
also wearing: LNA Dessa Muscle Tee (M) // VEJA Esplar (39) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo in Cashmere
I’m so glad I found these shorts so early in the season, they’ve been a go-to all spring and summer. They’re just a good classic pair to have on hand, and I’ll definitely be packing them away for next spring at the end of the season. (And I’ll give an honorable mention to this LNA Dessa Muscle Tee. It’s definitely been on repeat this summer—such a pretty color, and it seems to go with everything.
EVEREVE Jane Pullover
also wearing: MOTHER Weekender (30) // PAIGE Jill (8)
This is another top that seems to go with everything, and I just love the fresh green and white color palette. I find myself grabbing it whenever I don’t know what to wear, and it pairs easily with so many of my different styles and colors of blue jeans. It also looks surprisingly good with washed black denim!
KUT from the Kloth Holly Skirt
also wearing: MOTHER tee (L) // VEJA sneakers (39) // HOBO bag
This is a newer addition to my closet, but it’s quickly become a summer go-to. Since I got it, I’ve found myself reaching for this denim skirt over my favorite shorts nine times out of ten. I love the cool, casual vibe, and it feels just a bit more elevated when I’m meeting friends for lunch or hosting a backyard get-together.
And now, for my most anticipated product roundup of the season…
Worst Summer Purchases of 2025
Even though I edit my closet regularly throughout the season, there are always a few purchases that don’t get as much wear as I’d hoped. The pieces on this list are ones I’ve hung onto, thinking I might reach for them more, but for whatever reason, they’ve just been sitting there, week after week.
As always, I want to be clear that these aren’t bad items in and of themselves. Please don’t feel duped if you bought any of them! They’re still in my closet because I genuinely like them, but for whatever reason, I haven’t had the opportunity to wear them, or when I do, I end up reaching for something else instead. I think this is a helpful exercise because it gives me insight into my own buying habits, and hopefully it’s a valuable learning experience for those of you following along.
Gola Cyclone Leather Sneakers
also wearing: KUT Meg (6) // Sanctuary tank (S)
I still think these are super cute shoes, but I’ve only worn them once since I bought them. For some reason, I have a hard time with color on my feet — I just never feel like myself in anything bright, even as a subtle accent. I did wear those green Steve Madden sneakers a handful of times, so maybe it’s the high contrast between the white and red that throws me off. Either way, these keep sitting in my closet while I reach for my Sambas or VEJAs instead.
Quince Cashmere Tee
also wearing: MOTHER Dazzler Flood (30) // VEJA Esplar (39) // old LOFT crop trench
Ugh, this sweater. I also have a similar one from J.Crew, and both were part of my “England in May” packing plan. I got it in my head that I needed a cashmere short-sleeve tee for that trip. It’s such a classic look, and I love cashmere, so it felt like it should fit my style, but it always feels stuffy and too conservative when I go to wear one of them.
I did wear it once in England, and it looked great with my black jeans and crop trench, but here at home, I never reach for it. I tried to stick to my personal style for that trip and not take on a “London persona,” but I think this was where I got tripped up. Now both sweater tees just sit in my closet, mocking me. I think it’s time to admit they’re not for me and pass them on.
Ming Wang Chain Detail Sheath
I loved this dress, and felt like it was super flattering, but the one time I went to wear it, my daughter started relentlessly mocking the chain detail, and now that’s all I see. It’s also a strange length. I feel like the way it hits right across the middle of my knees, which are starting to show their age, is terribly unflattering. Maybe it wouldn’t have mattered when I was younger, but now it draws attention to an area I’d rather draw attention away from.
And while I’m sharing this picture, I’ll also mention the Sam Edelman Cressa Slingback Kitten Heels. I actually like these shoes quite a lot, and they do fit my style, but for some reason when I want a black sandal, I’ve been reaching for those Tory Burch espadrilles from last year. I’m keeping them, but they haven’t gotten nearly as much use as I expected.
Reiss Akari Linen Blend Maxi Sundress
also wearing: Loeffler Randall Dana sandals (8) // similar YSL bag // similar hoops // similar necklace
I hesitate to include this one because I don’t actually regret buying it, and I plan to keep it. But I doubt I’ll ever get a great cost-per-wear, so in that sense, it wasn’t my most practical purchase. It feels a little over the top for my casual life, and when it’s an option, I usually end up choosing something else. That said, I loved wearing it for my birthday dinner, and I hope to find a few more chances to pull it out—if not this year, then next spring. We always talk about cost-per-wear, but there’s also something to be said for cost-per-enjoyment… maybe I’ll coin a new term!
KUT from the Kloth Sleeveless Denim Dress
also wearing: similar sandals // Dragon Diffusion tote
This falls into the same category as the Reiss dress—I’ve only worn it once this year, but I love it and don’t regret the purchase. I just didn’t really need it, and more often than not, I reach for my Nora Muscle Dress or a favorite pair of jeans instead. If it were a bit longer, I’d wear it to church, which would give me more opportunities, but as it is, it’s mostly reserved for the occasional dinner out.
Maeve Colette Wide Leg Linen Pants
also wearing: WHBM mesh top (M) // Tory Burch wedge sandals (8) // Freja Hudson
I don’t hate these pants, but I rarely wear them. Being linen, they’re really a two-season pant, which limits my options, and I just feel more myself in jeans so I almost always reach for a pair of those instead. These are still in my closet, though, and I’m hanging onto them since Anthropologie tends to carry them year after year. I have a feeling I’ll find a few more opportunities to wear them if I keep them for next summer.
So that’s that! Again, please don’t feel offended if you bought any of these items on my recommendation — I truly like each one. They just didn’t work out for me… or maybe they just need another season. Sometimes the weather or stage of life changes enough that something I didn’t wear this year becomes a favorite the next. I’ll reassess when I swap my closet next spring.
Side note: I’m often asked what I do with the clothes I pass on. Unworn items get returned, but the rest go to friends and family or to a resale shop. My philosophy is that I’d rather see someone else enjoy them than let them clutter my closet until they’re out of style. Since I add new clothes regularly, it just doesn’t make sense to hold onto things I’m not wearing.
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36 Responses
Well, I think that you look great in the black dress with the chain detail.
Thank you!
I enjoyed reading this post about what you liked and what was just ok. My style has always been classic and tailored & I used to dress up often for events as my husband was president of a college. Now in our retirement I’m all about casual with only occasional need for dress up. I’m a big exercise fanatic & live in workout clothes.
Thanks for all your suggestions & help with what works for you! Always enjoy your posts!
Ahhh daughters….they are our harshest critics. Sometimes helpful with fashion but mostly they eliminate things we think are cute.
Yeah, I usually agree with her, but this time I don’t think the chains are so bad. But the overall length being weird, plus the chain thing, and I have another black dress that I love… so this one just hung there.
I too have one regret on my summer purchases, they’re still sitting in my closet with tags. And then there’s some “not my normal attire” that I love and have worn a lot this summer. Sometimes its a coin toss.
I bought a pair of white girlfriend shorts and a pair of multi colored shorts from Talbots and have worn them almost daily.
They go with just about everything in my closet, and with the really hot temps in TX too. Just because it’s hot outside does not mean I have to look like a hot mess.
At the bottom of this post are posts from 2021. Weird!
Oh, that is because I forgot to categorize this post, so it was showing the latest “uncategorized” posts… I fixed it!
It’s amazing how much our daughters can get in our head, like no one else🤪
I have the Jane pullover and Nora dress and love those pieces as well. I also picked up a pair of white sneakers since I couldn’t find the Sambas in my size. I bought the Steve Madden’s that are just like the green/pink pair. Do you find yourself reaching for the white and navy Converse? I picked those up as well but haven’t worn them. Trying to decide if I should keep or return.
I’m glad to know that you pass your items on or donate. I do the same thing. Although I’m trying to get more intentional about every purchase and trying to work with less in my seasonal wardrobe.
Thanks for such a great update/post
Cheers!
Yeah, and it doesn’t help that I buy a lot more than the average person becaues I need it for my job, but then I sometimes end up moving more to my personal closet than I really need for my real life. Even when I really and truly like the items, I just can’t wear it all enough to get a good cost per wear. I try to keep my personal closet and my “business inventory” separate, but they invariably overlap. But that is not a normal person problem, lol!
I did not end up reaching for the Converse, not sure why, except I don’t wear sneakers a lot in the summer months. I tend to grab sandals first.
Elly – if it helps, I’ve been liking the Converse. For me they filled a gap – I was looking for white sneakers with a dark logo, and not more Adidas because I have 3 pairs. I like the look of the logo on these. No complaints in terms of comfort and I’m finding the mix of textile with leather has better breathability, too.
Thank you both for your comments on the Converse! I tend to wear white sneakers a long time and keep them clean!! I just retired a pair of Stan Smiths I bought in 2017!!! lol I appreciate the ideas of having some texture and color on a pair, I love comfort shoes and these are really nice for the price point. I think I’ll keep them. Thank you.
I was a bit surprised when you originally featured the Ming Wang dress, but I do that sometimes too– think I’m purchasing the perfect, most flattering item that I see 100% differently once the tags are off 🤦🏻♀️ I would encourage you to think outside the box you have both the Reiss dress and the linen pants in: try to dress them down with sneakers, Birks, flip flops, denim jacket, etc. to achieve a casual look. Linen is so versatile, and you look great in both! 😊
The Evereve pullover has been my go to this summer as well. Evereve never seems to steer me wrong!
As always, I enjoyed this post. I don’t think there is a woman out there that hasn’t bought a piece of clothing that they ended up not getting a good cost per wear, like they thought it would. It seems that the older I get, the faster I become dissatisfied with something in my wardrobe, and I end up donating it.
May I ask how you launder the Evereve Jane sweater tee? I handwashed it and it stretched out terribly. Maybe dry clean only?
Thanks!
I washed it on cold on delicate and laid it flat to dry. It seems to hold up okay.
I wash mine on delicate. Damp dry and hang. It’s holding up beautifully!
I also regret the Maeve black linen Colette pants. They fit differently than the other pair I have in their regular “magic fabric.” They still have the tags and I have never worn them so I can still return. (Was keeping them around a little longer to see if I grabbed them, but I don’t think I will.)
I love your term “cost per enjoyment”! I have several pieces that I may only wear once a year, typically dresses that are very seasonal and there’s not enough Sundays or events in the spring/fall/etc to repeat them. But I love them and typically wear them for several years so I let myself enjoy them guilt free! However, I typically didn’t spend as much on them as I would for items that I wear more often. I think cost per wear is crucial for splurge purchases, and helpful for mid range. But maybe not as necessary for prices that are a good deal? And sometimes if an item makes me happy, that’s enough!
This is an interesting post. I’ve looked at my closet and realized I need to buy a lot next spring/summer.
I also realized I need a budget. Not because I spend too much, but because I always try to be thrifty and end up with clothes I don’t live. I’m going to see what I spent on clothes the last 2 years and feel free to spend that much on only a few items, if that’s what I want. My husband wants me to feel free to buy what I want, but I can’t seem to do it. I think knowing the total dollar amount will set me free mentally.
That is a huge revelation, and I’m so glad you came to that conclusion. I hope you find it freeing. Keep us posted!
I basically love all the shoes in your “best purchases” list, but none of them offer wide widths, so Price is Right fail horn for me on that one. LOL! On your “worse purchases” list, I, too, have the Quince cashmere tee, and it will be awesome for me in the winter. It’s too warm to wear right now. I will just add some feminine touches so it doesn’t feel too conservatively classic.
I think the linen blend maxi dress and black linen pants would be perfect travel/cruise clothes. Dress the pants down with a simple tee and fashion sneakers. They might feel more like you then. You could also wear flats with the maxi dress, or even shorten it. It’s a cute, cute dress but the length might be what’s bothering you. I know you prefer above the knee dresses.
I’m off to see what I didn’t wear or only once/twice in my summer closet. I find if I didn’t tend t9 teach for a piece it’s usually something I bought while shopping with a friend. Impulse?
Jen (Everyday Style School) recommends not making purchases when shopping with friends b/c they tend to tell you everything looks good. Maybe that’s it?
I also love the cost per enjoyment concept! I have a few formal dresses that I absolutely love and wear maybe once a year, but they are worth their price in terms of how confident I feel wearing them! It’s also great to have them on hand so I am not desperately searching for any dress that works for the upcoming reception or party. It’s kind of silly, but I actually also have 2 dresses I may never wear, but I still love to own them because they’re just so beautiful.
I have a question. The brown purse ,looks like dark brown, you have in your photo on email page I love. But I cannot find it mentioned anywhere. Please help.
Is it this one? If so, it sold out, but Quince has something similar.
So interesting to see your hits & misses! And your thought process. Online shopping and following you has completely changed my shopping. If I don’t LOVE it, it goes back. I love the KUT cream denim dress. Great fit and cut but I don’t reach for it often. I’m shorter so it isn’t as short on me.
I find these posts helpful looking at my own closet, even though I don’t buy many items per season. Back when I was buying more, I had a lot of regrets, either because the item didn’t really suit me or I didn’t have much opportunity to wear it because there are only so many days in a season and I had too many options.
Like you, I find that non-neutral hued shoes are not something I reach for regularly, especially if they’re in a bold color, like red.
I know red was one of the trends for spring/summer, along with crochet-type garments, bold jewelry, and capri pants to name a few. Much like in your post about whether white pants are still in style being somewhat regional, did your readers wear this year’s trends, did they see others wearing them and what region do they live in? Here in the PNW, I feel like a lot of adults are stuck in the rut of wearing t-shirts and basic bottoms daily. My moments of enjoying stepped-up outfits on others is rare but definitely appreciated.
This is a great post and thread of comments. Daughters!! Too funny. When mine compliments me on something–I’m reaching more for that item to wear–too funny! I recently bought a cute summer midi skirt–I was headed to a girls b-day party when my daughter stopped by the house–she said–I had my eye on that same skirt–its cute! OMG, did I feel great at that party–ha ha ha ha. I then bought the same skirt for her bday-and she loved it–I was afraid she wouldn’t since HER mom had it! Whether we like it or not–they do seem to influence us somewhat! As far as your black dress with chains–I thought it was cute til I read your comment and then all I could see were the chains! LOL I’m very happy to discover and follow your posts–its like another shopping tool to help weed through all thats out there!
I think you look amazing in the white Kut from the Kloth denim dress! I also think the style is cool and hip. So definitely give that another shot. I also think the Maeve Collette linen pants look really flattering on you.
Thanks for all you do to keep us fashionable.
I really appreciate your perspective in this post! Now I want to go through my closet and look at things with that same lens. I wear lots of shorts and tshirts on the daily, but I love cute things and bright colors, so I have gotten some things this summer that I’ve worn very few times, if any. I think that maxi dress looks darling on you and loved it from the first time you posted about it. I also purchased the Maeve linen pants but in yellow (yes, yellow) because I thought they’d be perfect for my trip to France, but can you believe I ended up not taking them because I packed carry on only and they didn’t make the cut??!! I regretted it several times when we were there. I also purchased the Maeve magic fabric pants in the green and white floral and have worn those several times…very fun and summery (I love color!). I think the black ones look great on you, but I understand reaching for other things first. And, oh daughters…they are our harshest critics, but I find that I usually agree with my daughter’s fashion sense in the long run haha. Thanks for the fun post!
Hi Jo-Lynne…….I think on the black dress you didn’t like but thought you would (we have all been there, trust me) is the chains are straight across your middle section and who wants to looker broader thru there. I just looked again and it doesn’t look like you could take them off either. The length I’m with you is a modest right to knee length I can’t wear either and I’m petite. You have a great figure in other dresses so I would give it away or sell. Life is too short to have a nice shape and can’t show it off!