It feels like summer is almost over, doesn’t it? The kids are on the cusp of going back to school, you can count the days until Labor Day, and everyone is scrambling to plan late summer barbecues or that last weekend away. But the good news is – summer isn’t over yet! Which means that there’s still time to enjoy your summer wardrobe before the weather turns cool.
If you’re like me, there are certain warm-weather items in your closet that are a little harder to wear than others. Whether they feel occasion-specific, a little too dressy for everyday, or the right circumstance hasn’t materialized this summer - those rarely worn, but much loved styles deserve to come out of the closet and into the sunshine more often.
So what’s the first step to getting more out of your summer favorites, and essentially doubling their wear-potential? TAKE THEM OUT OF THE CLOSET! Placing them in plain sight will keep them top of mind, and significantly increase the chance of using them while they’re still weather-appropriate. And the next step in ensuring double duty? Make some outfits featuring these favorites (and I mean now, not 5 minutes before you leave the house) so that the perennial question of, “how should I wear it?” isn’t an obstacle.
Read below for inspiration on outfitting your summer style treasures in a new way - what to do with that weekend camisole, where else you can wear your favorite party dress, how to outfit a floaty skirt when you’re not on vacation, and when to pull out those amazing special occasion sandals that barely see the light of day.
STRAPPY TOP
Where you normally wear it: Weekends at the beach
Where else you can wear it: Casual Friday at work
You may relegate that white eyelet camisole to summer weekends only, but why not grab it for a casual Friday at the office? (And no, you don’t need a strapless bra, because you won’t be removing your cardigan in office air-conditioning.) Pair it with ankle-length neutral pants, open-toed booties and printed accessories for a look that takes you from casual 9-5 to ‘it’s finally the weekend’ drinks afterward…
Eyelet top and ankle pants by Rebecca Taylor. Yellow cardigan by Karen Millen. Booties by Paul Green. Eyeglass frames, cheetah-print bracelet, suede tote by Tory Burch.
FLORAL DRESS
Where you normally wear it: The rare summer garden party
Where else you can wear it: Sunday brunch
If the occasion hasn’t arisen to wear that cute little floral print dress, maybe you need to revise your plan. Instead of saving it for a garden party, use it to dress up Sunday brunch. Slip-on sneakers and a denim jacket make it less ‘party-only’, without subtracting any of the fun!
Floral dress by Karen Millen. Denim jacket by Acne Studios. Rose gold slip-on sneakers by Vans. Monogram tote by Cathy’s Concepts. Sunglasses and phone case by Tory Burch.
FLOATY SKIRT
Where you normally wear it: Tropical vacation destinations
Where else you can wear it: Weekday date night, weekend wandering, etc. etc.
A floaty midi skirt – you bought it, you love it, but you can’t figure out what to do with it. Don’t over think it – under think it! Keep it super simple with a t-shirt and denim slides, because yes, it’s that easy. Where will you wear this? Wherever you want…
Midi skirt by Rebecca Taylor. Tank top by ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo. Denim slides by Taygete. Straw tote by Eric Javits. Necklace by Tory Burch. Watch by Boulevard. Sunglasses by Quay Australia.
SUMMER SANDALS
Where you normally wear it: Cocktail parties or summer weddings
Where else you can wear it: Girls’ night out
You’d normally save your super-chic, outrageously stylish strappy sandals for an evening wedding or dressy party – but why not wear them for a girls’ night out? The secret: don’t get dressed and then choose the shoes – put the shoes on first and build your outfit around them. Summer staples like white jeans and a chambray shirt (knotted at the waist) are the ideal supporting cast to superstar heels, and they almost guarantee a never-fail, envy-worthy outfit.
Chambray shirt by Madewell. White jeans by L’Agence. Printed heels by Gucci. Red clutch by Rebecca Minkoff. Earrings and ring by Tory Burch. Cork belt by Banana Republic.
Do you have a summer favorite that you wish could do double duty? Comment below with your question and I’ll send you some ideas!
