Updated! WIWTS (What I’m wearing this summer)
Hello hello, my dear readers. I know for some, summer is coming to a close shortly but for those of us living in the South, summer is kicking into its second phase where it somehow gets even muggier and stickier. I wanted to update y’all on my summer “to buy” list, talk about what I’ve been wearing and new trends I want to play with.
Updated summer “to buy” list:
There are a quite a few things I’m still looking for from my previous list which are: sundresses, a black lace tank top, little pumps, arm cuffs, vintage pins and brooches. Of these, finding pumps has been the hardest item because I have massive feet which takes out 95% of shoe selections in a thrift store. Online, I’ve found a couple decent pairs but I’m always skeptical of buying secondhand shoes online because I’ve been scammed before on sizing, quality etc. Alongside these previously mentioned items, here are some new pieces I’m diligently hunting for.
Jerseys/casual t-shirts: Of course, jerseys have been everywhere. I’m yet to purchase one but Sophia just gave me one she thrifted because she didn’t wear it (thanks Bofa). I’m super picky about graphics on t-shirts, it’s why I own like two, so this will take some serious scouting and patience but in the long run, this investment will be well worth it on days I want to think less and get out the door fast.
Dainty white blouse: I want something that could be dressed up for work or played more casual with accessories. I talk in a lower section about the style I’m looking for- puff sleeves, structured fabric, some sort of interesting trim, lace etc.
High quality black tank top with thin straps: So, in reality, I want the Tankair top which is around $78 but allegedly fits like a glove and is sustainably made. However, I, in my current jobless state, cannot pay $78 for a black tank top so I’ll have to search elsewhere. Open to any and all suggestions.
Black bucket bag: I saw a vintage black Coach bucket bag in an Austin thrift store a month ago and I’m still thinking about it.
Brown Boots: This has been a want for a while but moving into the second half of summer, and eventually fall, this is becoming a refocus.
Combinations I’ve been wearing:
A) Midi skirts and sneakers: This is still a staple combination for me. I got a new midi skirt in Austin, which I posted in a weekly REPORT, and it’s been getting a lot of love. I can confidently say I have more midi skirts than I do any other item in my closet. It’s an addiction at this point, but I don’t want to be saved.
B) Denim shorts and boots: I don’t know why I love this combination so much, but I just do. Boots are just the best way to dress up denim, which can feel like such a plain slate sometimes because it’s basically become a neutral in the modern wardrobe.
C) Mini shorts and sneakers: Of course, by mini shorts, I mean the two mini shorts I made! I thought I’d be wearing them more with boots, but I’ve instead opted for the super cool and casual mini shorts x sneakers combo. The top I pair it with is essential, however, because otherwise they can come off too much like pajamas.
Updates summer Pinterest mood board:
Trends I want to play with:
Massive shorts: Unlike my last WIWTS, I now own these massive jorts that are dark wash and perfectly structured. I’m obsessed with them and would love to find the same fit in different denim washes. Overall, though, I’m just really loving a tent-like silhouette for shorts. On Pinterest, I’ve seen really long, triangular shaped shorts made of black dress pant material that I think would look so chic with a pair of little heels and a simple short sleeve top. If I found some fun fabrics at the store, I would definitely be open to making myself a pair or two. I also really love super baggy athletic shorts in mesh- there’s a lot of variety within this trend that I’m open to.
“Danish” style puff sleeve silhouette: I don’t know if this silhouette is actually Danish, but I’ve been seeing a lot of Danish influencers and brands sporting this style of puff sleeve. I think a white top in this style in a nice, structured fabric would be such a great transitional piece for summer to fall because in the fall, I could pair it with vests. Not that I own a lot of vests but in theory, this sounds like a great clothing combination. Also, I’ve been watching a lot of The Nanny recently and if there’s one thing Fran Fine loves, it’s a good vest.
Red Gingham: I tried on a red gingham dress at a thrift store in Austin that I loved so dearly except the quality was a little questionable. However, that has since propelled a deep desire for a red gingham little sundress, and if my fabric store has the right material, I fear I must make one for myself. Red gingham is nothing new, she had her heyday way back when, but I’m eager to participate in the trend in a way that feels authentic to me.
Slouchy, body-hugging tops: This has been a trend since early this summer but I’m just now starting to really appreciate a good slouchy top. Of course, every small brand I’ve ever loved has released their own version. Peachy Den’s Kylie top is the first to come to mind, and all versions are just a little more expensive than I would like. It’s something that in theory seems easy to make but it takes a very certain cut and fabric to execute properly, so I think it will have to be a later investment piece.
Funky hybrid loafer/sneakers: I want some unique shoes and I’ve been seeing these interesting part-loafer, part-sneaker shoes across various secondhand sites. I’m not really sure what to type into search engines but I guess I’ll know the perfect pair when I see them!
Fashion influencers I’m loving right now for inspo
Chloe Felopulos @chloe.felopulos on IG
Raymonda @raymonda.j on IG
Nil Sani @nilsani on IG
I’ve been really happy with the outfits that I’ve worn this summer. I’m in a period where it would be easy to not dress up at all because I have few structured commitments. I’m proud of myself for continuing to experiment and making the effort to play dress up, even when I’m sitting at home or going to run errands.
