7 Summer Wardrobe Staples to help you create uniforms for any occasion
Outfit repeating & things I would buy again in a heartbeat
At the time of writing this, I’m on day 121 of my no buy 365 wardrobe challenge. Looking through my Indyx app, there are some pieces in particular that really deserve a special mention because of how hard they work for me in my forever wardrobe. The beauty of finding these hard working pieces is that it helps you create multiple summer uniforms you can rely on for any occasion. These are the 7 pieces I keep reaching for:
1. The Mini Woven Bag
After having both of these beauties in my wardrobe for more than 2 years, I can hand on heart say (and my Indyx app confirms it) that these are my most used summer bags. While nothing says summer quite like a basket bag, I do think there’s something about woven leather that just feels way more comfortable to carry than a straw basket bag. The other issue i’ve had in the past with big straw like basket bags is they are impossible to pack without destroying them, leaving you with the only option to use as a carry on, which I don’t love either.
No one does woven leather bags like Dragon Diffusion, the color options, the styles, the size…they’ve thought of everything. The mini size is my preferred size because it’s incredible versatile. I use mine for day and night, and they are still pretty roomy for a mini bag. Where most mini bags fall short thanks to only holding space for a credit card and a lipstick, these have somewhat of a Mary Poppins thing going on. They can fit a lot more than meets the eye. When I travel I always take the two because they stack into each other perfectly and then I just fill them with my underwear, and because the leather is so malleable, they’ve never come out damaged or bent.
2. The Linen Set
It’s no secret that linen is my go to fabric of choice for the summer months. Even if I only owned one white linen shirt and one white linen pair of shorts i’m confident it would be enough to see me through. I very rarely travel without some kind of linen matching set because they give me the option to create multiple other uniforms when used as separates.
3. The Cotton LBD
Ah the little black dress! I still think you can’t beat a great summer LBD, because as long as you’re wearing a breathable fabric it’s a piece that comes in handy for all kinds of occasions, plus its soooo easy to accessorize. For me a LBD in summer is my safe space, its my default, and when I don’t know what to wear, nine times out of ten, this is what I land on.
4. The Elevated Flip Flop
Name a harder working shoe in summer…i’ll wait. The truth is there’s a reason we all love a flip flop, it’s so easy. It’s the shoe you leave by the door, the shoe you put on when you just need to run errands, but it also gets to be the shoe that adds some magic to your summer uniforms. These Toteme flip flops are exactly what I mean when I talk about an ‘elevated’ flip flop. They go with EVERYTHING! Trousers, dresses, shorts, and when it comes to cost per wear I think of them as practically free now.
5. The Closed Toe Slingback
Now this one might seem a little left field, but there’s just something about a pump with a slingback that makes me feel that little bit more polished in summer. Especially when i’m wearing a fabric like linen because it adds a little more contrast. The slingback means there’s still some skin on show, but the closed toe gives my outfits somewhat of a grown up look that I really enjoy. My favorite way to wear these is with my matching linen sets.
6. A T-Shirt Dress
Dressed up or dressed down, for cocktail hour or by the pool, it’s just such an easy piece to have in a forever wardrobe. Change the shoe and the bag and you have a very different outfit. While it might seem repetitive to some, I find it hard not to gush about my love for T shirt dresses because of how versatile they are. It’s a nice alternative to an ‘everyday basic’ and actually lends itself to so many stylistic opportunities. It’s the ultimate blank canvas.
7. The Linen Blazer
Sometimes you just want to be more covered up, plus we all know how much I love a blazer. A linen blazer is my go to for airport looks (especially if i’m traveling somewhere hot) but I still want a cover up for the inflight AC. It’s also a great evening cover up for late summer evenings when you feel the slightest of breeze in the air, once the sun has set. I also think it looks great paired with linen shorts to give a summer update on a tailored suit look. I managed to find some shorts in the same fabric and shade of linen (from a different store) and when I wear the two together they look like a two piece suit. I can throw this on with linen trousers for a very casual feel but when its worn as a two piece it makes a really nice summer wedding outfit too.
Thanks for reading (p.s. some links contain affiliates).
What have been your summer staples that you keep reaching for?
Harry x
I loved reading so much -- this is like everything I want in a magazine! I've been in and out of homes and hotels with a moving wardrobe. But I have THREE proven go-tos for summer: 1) a Jil Sander foldable raffia tote with bamboo handles and a black leather pocket 2) The Row nubuck wrap sandal that actually stays tied and 3) Miu Miu rope sandals -- walked 1000s of steps in those already! XO.