Summer from scratch

I’ve never done this before!

Would you believe I got through ALL of last summer with just two pairs of rented shorts? So crazy, but all my shorts were too small and I was doing Rule of Five and for many reasons, did not want to factor new shorts into that math. So! I rented some. And it was fine! More than fine! But now, I want my OWN summer wardrobe*, and for the first time in my life, I’m going to buy everything I need for the season, all at once. As someone who values buying things slowly and over time, will this blow up in my face? Or be amazing? I’ll be reporting at the end of summer, trust me!

*this is my “off duty” wardrobe, not my work wardrobe! We’re talking playgrounds, brunch at neighborhood restaurants, going to the local science center, upcoming trips to visit family in Florida and Nevada, and backyard kiddie pool popsicle hangs :)

Ok, on to the fun part, obsessively planning. I am using this Substack post to go through the process in real time, so consider yourself a part of my working session :)

First- the ground rules!

1. I am relying on this extensive vetting process I created for each piece.

2. I’m uploading anything I’m considering into Indyx so I can play around with outfit combinations.

3. Everything must ultimately pass the final moodboard test.

Second - the framework!

• Bottoms

  denim shorts

  white shorts (casual)

  white shorts (dressy)

  black shorts (dressy)

• Tops

  black tank

  black alt tank

  grey tank

  off-white knit tank

  white muscle T

  black linen muscle T

  green COS top

• Shoes

  something to replace my Birkenstocks

  black flip flops (mine are 8 years old!)

  (I also have a pair of nude TKees from two summers ago still in great shape)

• Accessories

  black braided belt

  lightweight light color bag

  (I already have new Ray Bans from last summer, so all good there!)

• Dresses

  N/A … I never wear them. Sigh.

• Hats

  (I have a great one from Doen I bought a few years ago)

Third - sourcing!

For tops, I am relying on screenshots I’ve been collecting over the last few months saved to my “tops for 2025” notes folder:

(Clockwise) 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Accessories- I found this label-less cross body bag that I like, and then a braided belt at Madewell. They have great belts?? And I have a pair of TKees in nude and have been impressed with the quality, so a black pair is in order. The other black sandals have rave reviews, so I’m excited to see how they fit/feel. Sunglasses and hat are things I already own :)

(Clockwise) 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Shorts: There is a part of me that wanted CoH shorts, but then another part knows I go HARD on my summer clothes and the Gap price point feels more reasonable. These blue and white options look perfect, and then I do I like having a “dressier pair” - these Artizia ones look promising and are machine washable.

(Clockwise) 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

P.S. the white shorts above are the same ones from this picture I posted recently - love her Instagram account!

Fourth - outfit check!