Critically Curated: Summer Capsule

What I'll Wear When the PNW Cooperates, Anyway

This ‘summer’ has been fitful. Some days the patio door is wide open. Other days it’s just a crack. And others still, it’s closed entirely to keep out a sluicing of rain courtesy of an indecisive Pacific Northwest that’s unsure if it’s June or January. 

I eagerly flip my closet over, happy to at last be zipping heavyweight knits into storage under the bed in order to put linen tank tops front and center. I sleep in a worn Taylor shirt and shorts, one leg hanging out from under the covers. 

I grumble and regrettably tug a stubborn alpaca sweater back out from its retired cave. I wear flannels to bed covered in polar bears, the only sleepwear I own courtesy of Christmas sets as stocking stuffer gifts.

We’re on the other side of the solstice when this hemisphere tilts closer to the sun, like a flower preening itself towards early morning rays. But am I any closer to actually getting to use my so-called summer staples? I’ll check back in July and in the meantime I hope this serves as a nice planning post for when I’m ready to fully commit to this season’s wardrobe offerings. And of course let me know if I owe you a post with some of these item combinations on my body. 

Tank Tops: I’ve been on the hunt in particular for a white tank top for ages and this is THE ONE. Say it with me now: Built in bra. I feel like my life has been forever changed. This was a previous fave for its shorter length - great for short torsos like mine! 

Boxy Linen Button Down: Worn on their own to the office with lighter slacks or jeans or worn open over a tank top and cut offs, I’ll always find a way to incorporate a crisp button up into my wardrobe. 

Cotton Sweater: A lightweight knit for cooler summer evenings is a must imo. And if I’m opting for one, you know I can’t resist a good stripe. 

One ‘Nice’ Dress: The one to pull out for when any occasion more formal than ‘beach sloth time’ warrants it. 

Linen Trousers: The breeziest way to still be office appropriate. 

Ribbed Tank Dress: I love wearing these with a denim jacket and sneakers on the weekends or with a blazer and ballet flats to the office. I personally prefer a below-knee length so that there’s no ‘riding up’ annoyance. 

Denim Shorts: I have a distressed pair I love but wanted a longer, darker wash that was a little more versatile and clean (aka without holes). Recently, I picked up this cult and influencer-loved cut. While I love the darker wash (it feels like it’s making a comeback) and that my thighs fit in them, I must issue a warning to my fellow pear shapes. This style had crazy waist gapping on me which is not something I’ve experienced in other styles by this brand (the quality really is so good). While I’m keeping them and getting them altered to fit better, just wanted to issue that note to anyone who might be cursed / blessed with a dramatic waist/hip ratio. Such is our lot in life to be this juicy.

Linen Shorts: For something a little breezier and elasticized, naturally. 

White Shorts: Rounding out all my short fabric options is a cotton twill. 

Black Sandals: Love this for being able to work for both casual and slightly dressier situations. But is anyone else noticing a black flip flop is coming back in a The Row kind of way? 

White Sneakers: Crisp, classic, casual, and no risk of flying off your feet. 

Nude Sandals: I own a few pairs from this brand and really like their minimal designs and very slight cushion in the footbed. I own a black and white pair and am thinking of rounding out the neutrals trifecta with something in a nude/tan shade.