Sometimes it feels like there’s a big list of needs to enjoy your summer style. White jeans. Bright colors. Straw accessories. Cute sandals. Sundresses. And not to mention bathing suits and sun hats and various kinds of SPF. And then it all gets so overwhelming if you don’t already have these things in your closet.
And then there are the things that everyone else is wearing. And if you don’t wear them, it might feel like you’re missing out. Or you didn’t get the summer style memo. But guess what? You don’t need to abide by anyone’s list of what you need for summer. And you don’t have to wear what everyone else is wearing.
Here are 3 things that some may say are summer ‘must-haves’. And what I think you can do instead.
COVERUPS
My clients will sometimes request a coverup when I’m preparing for summer shopping trips. But I don’t really like coverups, and here’s why. A coverup is such a specific item – you’ll only wear it at the pool or beach in the summer. So, it fills a very small gap in your wardrobe. And I think that gap can be filled by other items – styles that function as a swimsuit coverup, but that you can also use at other times. Because who wants something that you can only wear one way, as opposed to something you can wear multiple ways?
So, instead of buying a sheer coverup (that doesn’t really work any other way), how about trying one of these?
A t-shirt dress that you’ll also wear to run errands.
A lightweight shirtdress that takes you right to lunch (check out a few of my clients’ shirtdress outfits).
A long button-down shirt that gives you the coverage you’re looking for poolside.
A light cardigan if you just want something to cover your butt.
Easy drawstring pants (or shorts or a skirt) if you want to cover your bottom half.
Take a look in your closet - I’m sure you can come up with other ideas that you already own. And the best part is that it’s one less thing to bring on vacation. (Read this for my latest vacation packing tips.)
LINEN
According to some people, linen is a must-have fabric for summer. And I’m not saying that it’s not – but it’s not the only choice. Yes, linen is lightweight and it breathes and it’s perfect for hot weather. But, so are other fabrics. And if you’re not into wrinkles, it may not be your favorite. Here are a few other options:
Thin cotton - as something that’s just as easy-breezy as linen.
Gauze – a light fabric with a rumpled texture. It’s more on the casual side, but you’ll never have to worry about wrinkles.
Seersucker – another textured fabric (basically wrinkle-proof). It’s traditionally a blue/white stripe, but you can find a bunch of different options (dark solids are my favorite).
Eyelet & crochet – open weave fabrics like this literally let the air through. So, they’re perfect for summer (and they have an appealing visual texture).
If you specifically like the idea of linen, try a linen blend. You can find some great options that combine the crisp feeling of linen with the resilience of other fabrics. And these are still lightweight, but much less wrinkly.
SHORTS
I work with clients all the time who don’t like shorts. And that’s totally okay – you don’t need to wear shorts (read this for other things you don’t need to do in summer). But, then what do you wear when it’s too hot for a pair of jeans? Here’s what:
Lightweight wide leg pants – options in thin and breathable fabrics, in loose silhouettes that let air circulate.
Skirts – I know this may seem like a no-brainer, but you might think of skirts as something dressier. But there are simple, casual choices that are perfectly appropriate when everyone else is in shorts.
Dresses – ditto on the no-brainer. And ditto on looking for casual options that work for everyday wandering around.
But before you discount shorts, this might be the year to try them. There are tons of options in stores – everything from bermuda shorts that hit just above your knee to trouser options that mimic wide leg pants. So, if you haven’t tried shorts for years, take a look before you ignore them completely.
BONUS TIP: Here’s something else you don’t need in your summer wardrobe – the weight of other people’s opinions. Because if that’s the only reason you’re not wearing shorts. Or a two-piece swimsuit. Or anything else. Screw what other people think, wear what you want and enjoy your summer.
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