In This Post: 4 staple pieces that are a must in your wardrobe for creating simple, cute summer outfits – think off shoulder dresses and beachy basket bags. Plus, win the outfit that’s featured in this post!
The Look: Tribal Dress [c/o] | Tribal Chambray Jacket [c/o] | Castaner Wedges | Similar Bag
**This post may contain affiliate links (which means I make a small commission when you shop from them), gifted items indicated with a [c/o], and sponsored links with a [sp]) because we all have to pay our bills, and I’d rather keep creating awesome content for you than get a real job. All opinions are my own.**
We had our first 80-degree day of the season in Pittsburgh recently and I loved every moment of it. It makes me so happy to be able to spend time outdoors soaking up the sunshine in summer outfits. It confirmed just how much of a necessary decision it is to move somewhere where there are more days like this. There are about 160 sunny days a year in Pittsburgh (I don’t know Google, this seems like an overestimate) which is well below the US average of 205 sunny days per year! As I’m starting to sort through where and when might be a good time to do a location change, it’s becoming more and more apparent that I will miss certain seemingly insignificant things about living here (like the big park and field within walking distance from my house that I enjoy going for runs around) and just like the sunshine, I’m trying to soak up those, too.
But, before I let myself get too far ahead, let’s talk about 4 staples to shop now that will get your wardrobe ready and on-trend for this Summer!
Win My Outfit!
Before we dive in, I have to tell you that I have a chance for you to WIN the easy, breezy summer outfit (jacket and dress) I have featured in these images. It’s so easy to enter and you can do so on this Instagram post. Good luck!
Chambray Layers
The moment I walk inside an air-conditioned place, I’m always freezing, so even in the warmer months, you’ll always find me in layers. For summer, I trade denim jackets and structured blazers for airy chambray pieces like this jacket (love that the hood is removable). Chambray has the same effortless vibe and shade as denim, but garments typically have a more lightweight and less structured feel. A chambray kimono is another great piece to have on hand for Summer layering.
Off Shoulder Dresses
If the off shoulder dress isn’t a trend you’ve dipped your toe into yet, I highly suggest it because it’s not going anywhere. I never regret making an off shoulder purchase. I’m especially in love with the warm coral color of this off shoulder dress from Tribal. It reminds me of Summer sunsets! If you’re not a fan of shift dresses – loose dresses like this that don’t have much of a shape – belt the waistline to instantly give yourself an hourglass figure. This navy, embroidered off shoulder dress is a beautiful piece to have on hand for summer, too, if you prefer darker fabrics. More tips on how to style an off shoulder dress here.
Canvas Espadrilles & Wedges
After reading Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam raving about Castaner espadrilles for YEARS, I finally invested in a pair for myself and I could not be happier about adding them to my shoe closet. I wore them walking around DC for a few days and could not believe that they truly are comfortable. These are the holy grail of Summer shoes! The best prices I found for these have been on matchesfashion.com. I absolutely adore this purple pair and think they need to be the next addition to my life.
Woven Bags
Nothing means Summer has arrived for our closets quite like accessorizing with a basket or woven bag. They bring a “ready for the beach” vibe to all of the best Summer outfits. This gorgeous straw tote is from when I went to Ghana in September and there’s truly nothing quite like it available on the internet, but I did pick out some Gem Finds for you below!
