Closet Confession: When my closet starts to feel too full, I get overwhelmed, and that’s my cue to pare back. I once heard on a Mel Robbins podcast that everyone has a “clutter threshold.” Some people can handle more, some less, but the key is knowing when you’ve hit yours and pulling back before it gets to be too much.
I have a pretty low clutter threshold in general, and an even lower one when it comes to my closet. When I walk in and it starts to feel crowded, I know it’s time to do a quick mid-season edit and pull out the pieces I’m not really wearing. The irony that I’m a fashion blogger is not lost on me. The sheer amount of clothing that cycles through my house can be overwhelming, so I’m always trying to stay ahead of it.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how nice it would feel to narrow my summer wardrobe down to only the pieces I truly need and wear on repeat. That got me wondering: what are the items I would absolutely not want to be without?
The Hardest-Working Pieces in My Summer Closet
I started scrolling back through my daily outfit photos to see what kept popping up, and that’s how I came up with this list. I tried to keep it to five, but I ended up with seven pieces I’ve been reaching for over and over again. These are the ones that make it easy to get dressed and feel put together on these sweltering summer days.
1. Graphic Tees
MOTHER tee (L) // KUT skirt (8) // VEJA sneakers (39) // HOBO bag // Clare V. Tee (L) // MOTHER jeans (29) // similar Gola sneakers (7.5)
There’s just something about a graphic tee in the summer. I always find myself reaching for them over and over, and if I don’t have a good one in my closet, I end up hunting for one to fill the gap. I love how a graphic tee adds personality to simple warm-weather outfits, and it pairs so easily with all my shorts and jeans, and even my new denim skirt.
My two favorites at the moment are the MOTHER The Boxy Goodie Goodie (mine is from the #NSale, so I got a great price on it) and the Clare V. Classic Tee. They both have such a nice boxy fit, the quality is excellent, and they come in an assortment of designs. I also did a whole post on my favorite graphic tees earlier in the season, which you might find helpful if you’re looking for more options.
2. Cropped Jeans
PAIGE Anessa (29) // EVEREVE pullover sold out, option // similar sandals (8) // MOTHER Insider (29) // LNA top (M) // Marc Fisher slides (8)
I realize this is a pretty broad category, but I find myself reaching for cropped jeans almost every day, even in the summer heat. My full-length denim still gets some wear, but usually only when I’m styling a heel or want a dressier vibe.
The key is finding lighter-weight styles that work in warmer weather. Two of my favorites are the PAIGE Anessa Wide Leg Ankle Jeans and AG Mari Straight Crop (both included in the Bloomingdale’s Buy More, Save More Event!).
I also love the MOTHER Insider Step Fray Hem Crop for its flattering fit and perfect light wash. That said, I have to admit they’re starting to feel a little Huck Finn to me lately. In fact, over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been reaching for some of my longer styles more often, but I wanted to include these because they’ve definitely been on major repeat this summer.
3. Polished Going-Out Tops
Rails top (S) // MOTHER jeans (30) // Dolce Vita heels (8) // cloth & stone tank sold out, option // KUT shorts (8) // Kaanas sandals (8)
Now that our kids are older and often have their own plans, Paul and I have a lot more date nights than we used to. I also meet girlfriends for dinner or drinks pretty regularly, so I like to keep a couple of nicer “going-out tops” on hand for those occasions. They also work well for church on Sundays.
This year, I have a few favorites. The Rails Arlene is a breezy linen-blend top with delicate ruffle details at the shoulders and a flattering v-neckline. I especially love the muted pink and beige stripe colorway, and it’s currently on sale at Bloomingdale’s!
And the cloth & stone Stripe Square Neck Tank (option) is another lightweight linen-blend that pairs beautifully with both white and blue denim. Both of these tops also work with shorts for that easy mix of dressy and casual.
4. Strappy Sandals
Loeffler Randall jelly sandals (8) // PAIGE sweater sold out // PAIGE Anessa (29) // similar sandals // EVEREVE tee (S) // KUT skirt (8)
This summer, strappy sandals have completely replaced my usual slides and flip flops. I love the barely-there styling. It’s so flattering and works with everything from jeans to dresses. Plus, the current styles with flat criss-cross straps and a slingback still offering good stability.
My top pick this year is the gold Kaanas Alayta Square Toe Naked Sandal because it’s so pretty on the foot, and it goes with absolutely everything. I like the Loeffler Randall jelly sandals for a fun, trend-driven vibe. And when I need a heel, the Dolce Vita Mylee is gorgeous.
5. Mid-Length Shorts
Vineyard Vines shorts (8) // EVEREVE tee (S) // Kaanas sandals (8) // LNA top (M) // Gap Factory shorts (8) // similar sandals
I’m not reaching for shorts quite as often as I usually do this year, but they still deserve a spot on this list because they’ve been getting plenty of airtime. I was going to just highlight white shorts since those are the ones I’ve been most drawn to lately, but my Gap Factory 5″ denim shorts have been in heavy rotation too.
Some of my other favorites are the white Vineyard Vines Herringbone Stretch Cotton Shorts, my old white KUT from the Kloth Jane with the utility pockets, and the olive green Paige Olivia. Between these few pairs, I feel like I have every casual summer situation covered.
I was going to stop this list here, but there are two other items that I may not reach for as often as the above, but I certainly wouldn’t want to be without them…
6. My Denim “Shoelace Drawstring” Skirt
KUT from the Kloth denim skirt (8) // LNA top // adidas Samba (8.5)
I was actually debating including this skirt instead of shorts in this list, but I decided to include both. 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.
7. Casual Dresses
EVEREVE Nora sold out, similar // Sam Edelman slides (8) // Tommy Bahama sheath (M) // similar slides
Finally, while I’m not big into dresses, I like to have a few casual options in the summertime to alternate with my white jeans for church and dinners out. This year I found a couple really good ones.
The EVEREVE Nora Muscle Dress (option) is my favorite, because it’s easy and flattering and so comfortable. I love the idea of a t-shirt dress, but I rarely find one that checks all the boxes. They’re either too short or too boxy or the sleeves are too long. This one has the perfect silhouette, the fabric is super soft and comfortable, and I love the muscle-tee styling in the arms and shoulders. Sadly, it is selling out, but I found a similar one at Gap Factory. I’ve ordered it to compare… I’ll let you know what I think!
The other one I wanted to mention is the Tommy Bahama Palm-A-Dora Split-Neck Sheath Dress. I haven’t worn this is as much since I got the Nora, but it’s really cute and comfortable, and I love the contrast stitching.
Honorable Mention
As I was pulling photos for this post, I realized the LNA Dessa Muscle Tee is probably the most-worn top in my closet this summer. I love the bright pink color, and it’s the perfect weight (not too thin, not too thick) with a great shape and length. The v-neck combined with the muscle-tee styling is super flattering, and it pairs beautifully with everything from my denim skirt to white jeans and shorts to all my blue denim, from flares to wide leg crops. (It’s on sale, too!)
LNA top (M) Vineyard Vines shorts (8) // VEJA Esplar (39) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo (Power Points Offer)
And there you have it—the seven pieces earning their keep in my summer closet. It’s always interesting to see what I actually wear the most once the season is in full swing versus what I think I’ll reach for back in May. These are the ones making it easy to get dressed and feel put together, even on the hottest days.
What about you? What pieces are you reaching for over and over this summer?
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27 Responses
My summer staples (non-work days): elevated sleeveless tops, cotton and linen shorts, strappy sandals or my Vionic flip flops, breezy maxi dresses and skirts. 🙂
Every summer has some kind of loose theme, I realized in hindsight. Some summers it’s more preppy and sometimes it’s more south of France. I think this (crazy hot) summer has been all about 90s minimalism. Linen dresses in neutrals and linen pants and button down shirts. I wear castaner espadrilles every summer because they go with everything and are crazy comfortable if you get the lacing right. Although I’ve also been wearing minimalist sandals. Straw bags always. Minimal jewelry except my rings and watch. I’m so ready for fall..
I have a silly question:). What is the difference between a “graphic” tee and the t-shirts with something on the front that I have been wearing for years. Are they just calling them graphic now or is there a difference?
LOL, I don’t think so. I’ve been calling them graphic tees for years.
Hi Jo-Lynne, Greetings from hot hot New Jersey. Have fun in Maine, I am so jealous of your cooler temps. This summer I seem to be wearing more colorful and beachy jewelry, graphic tees from Life is Good, white bottoms, and button down flowy linen shirts. Very lightweight, loose cardigans to wear in the A/C. Also maxi dresses and many straw hats and baseball caps. Enjoy your vacation with family and I hope you get that lobster dinner soon!
Thanks! Yes, I noticed how hot it is back home. Yikes!
I noticed the shorter lentgh lululemon dance studio midrise pant you linked in your email. The description on the website says that it is inteded to sit below the calf. Do you think this length is trending or are they catering to women of a “certain age?” I actually like this length on me but don’t care to wear something for women of that “certain age” lol!
Well… I think in general full length pants are more current, but I will still be wearing crops and ankle length in summer. Those can kind of go either way, I guess, so it really depends on how you style them. I mean, that is always true, but it is more important with styles that can lean frumpy, if that makes sense.
I’m probably in the minority here, but I’ve been wearing cropped jeans a lot this summer and short sleeved tees. I get cold easily in our air conditioned house, so the jeans help with that. I usually just wear denim shorts when it’s really hot.
My most worn items this summer have been the JCrew Floaty Midi dress in blue stripes and an older tiered sundress from Anthropologie. Some days, I grab my longer-length cut-off shorts and a graphic tee, but denim can be hot, so the flowy dresses typically win. I don’t usually want anything to touch my waist LOL. I also bought the J.Crew Jackie Cardigan on sale this summer. It’s what I wear on top of the dresses if I need a layer. I bought Burnished Citron – it’s a fun color and it adds a lot of interest.
I found myself in this situation over the weekend. I was trying to decide what to wear to a friend’s birthday. (Outside eating a beautiful evening) but I was frustrated as there were just too many things in my closet! I skimmed over several items and thought, why are these even in here? I haven’t reached for them once. I too will be thinning out those items and either donating or packing them away to see where they fit in next summer.
It’s been so hot here with high 30’s with the humidity that most days I am reaching for sundresses or cotton/ linen skorts, also athleisure skorts and tanks with built in bra. In the evenings I find I am reaching for my white wide leg cropped linen pants with a crochet tank!
also, for the day my white linen shorts. I have so many shorts I haven’t even reached for this summer. I also don’t think I have had jeans on since sometime in early June as it has just been too hot!
I also just started wearing the Paradise Cami Dress from Athela that is linen and very comfortable so I can see that being on repeat these hotter days.
Enjoy Maine one of my happy places!!
Like you, I am not reaching for shorts as much as I did last year. I don’t know if it is a function of transitioning to lightweight jeans, linen pants and dresses due to age or that I freeze to death in the AC everywhere I go. I am saving the shorts now for strictly outdoor, casual gatherings.
I love the skirt! How did the LNA tee and the Cloth & Stone hold up after washing? Both have reviews that said they shrink. Thanks Jo-Lynne! I love seeing the pieces that get more wear.
They’ve both held up well. I wash on cold and hang to dry. The skirt did seem to shrink a bit but it loosened right up when I wore it.
A couple of weeks ago, I pulled numerous pairs of pants from my closet and donated them because I have not reached for them one time. It was hard to let go of some of the Zella joggers, but I did it.
Ginger!! I don’t live in GA, but if I did, I would want to know where you donated your Zella pants! I wear mine about 9 months out of the year and I have a pair on right now since I am going to the hair salon and it’s always COLD in there! They are a light heather grey, so a summery color. The only way I’d ever pass them along is if I outgrew them! Actually, I have a pair in my Wish List at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! HAHA!! Stay cool!
I’ve been wearing my linen pants, linen and cotton shorts and cotton V neck Tshirts. When I volunteer I’ll wear a more elevated top. For church my wide leg pants and white wide leg jeans. Since it’s so cold there I will wear a cotton jacket or crochet cardigan. Sandals whether flat or wedge heel. No jeans or closed shoes till fall. I don’t care too much about fashion in the summer. It’s too hot and nobody really cares. I’m working on getting rid of stuff too.
I just love that denim skirt with drawstring-I fell in love with it the first time you posted it. The comments on Evereve say it runs bigger? Its soooo hot here in the midwest and the humidity almost matches the temperature–just ugh. My favorites to grab are Prana items-(slinky material with an SPF) -skort or longer capris—utility style shorts sometimes–but I just dont care for shorts lately. If I have a dinner out–it’ll be drawstring linen baggy pants with a tank or a skirt. Can’t wait for fall!
Inside my house I wear Vuori all the time, outside I wear shorts most of the time, and supplement with linen pants and dresses. I usually wear sleeveless tops and love my brown Sam Edelman Bambi sandals, they just go with everything! No sneakers unless I’m working out, too hot. I’m probably in the minority here, but I like summer. I don’t love 95 degrees and 90% humidity but most days aren’t that bad, and I do like walking outside after dinner and not having to worry about being cold. I live in VA and it was so chilly and rainy this spring and didn’t feel truly warm until mid/late June. I’m enjoying the warmth and not looking forward to fall right now. 🙂
Are the Kaanas sandals comfortable and fit well on your feet? I have low profile feet and a lot of strappy sandals don’t fit me well.
I love summer too! I think the Kaanas sandals are very comfy. They have some cushion.
This summer has been a little different for me (I’ve actually only been home about two weeks, the rest of the time I’ve been traveling) but now I’m home for the next month. Our weather is so weird this year, very mild, it’s only been in the high 80’s low 90’s a couple days with cool evenings, so I have been living in my favorite find of the year, a pair of floral denim flare ankle jeans and then my jorts or as my kids call them my John Cena shorts with tanks. Traveling has been dresses and loose linen pants with tanks; I honestly don’t even take jeans when I travel
Nice looks!
If anyone is debating the Nora dress and it is still available in your size, get it!
It is so fun and simple yet works for dressy or casual. I wear it with Birks and get compliments on it! Thanks, Jolynne for styling it!
Right!?! So good.
Casual dresses (to stay cooler in the sweltering summer heat) and birks for everyday wear. Designer linen pants and Nautica tops with Sam Edelman buckle slides for church or dinner out.
I like this post but i really don’t have thise go to pieces. I have noticed the last couple of days since the heat index here in Florida has been 102 and up that i have been changing clothes 2 and three times a day Today will probably be a 4 change of clothes day heat index up to 112
Everyone’s go-to pieces are different. These are mine right now, but I’m not suggesting they should be everyone else’s. 🙂
I think I’ve said this before, but I’ve “purged” my closet down to 30 items (plus 10). It’s very freeing, and I am so loving it. That’s 15 tops, 9 bottoms, and 6 layers (aka third pieces). The “plus 10″ is a linen dress, two one-color outfits (top and pants), an LBD, and a couple of suits.
Right now, I have all 40 pieces hanging on a 42” garment rack I rolled into our bedroom to test this out. But I think I will be packing away what remains in my closet very soon. (Far more than 40 items!) I have plenty of scarves/wraps, jewelry, shoes, and bags to style outfits any number of ways with plenty of color variety. In fact the basic 30 pieces make over 800 outfits! This is my casual and elevated casual capsule. I also have folded a smaller at-home athleisure capsule, about 16 items, mostly graphic tees and knit crops.
Just one idea for taming your get-dressed and fashion blogger wardrobe … when I first started purging my 300+ seasonal item closet five years ago, I used clothing rod dividers to help me tame the sections. My plain white plastic circles came from Container Store, but Amazon has those and many others. They made a HUGE difference. Good luck.