Starting with the Memorial Day sales, I added some new pieces to my summer wardrobe. I’m really pleased with all of these purchases so I thought I’d share them here with you. Sometimes it’s more helpful to see clothing on someone besides the website models.
This is a pretty lengthy post. You can use the table of contents to jump to a certain retailer if you prefer one over the other, but I’d recommend you grab a beverage or snack and go through the entire post.
Old Navy
Faux leather Strappy Block Heel Sandals
Top- Loft; pants- Banana Republic
These are faux leather with ruched straps. The appeal for me was the 2.5 block heel. It adds a little height but it’s still easy to walk in. Black sandals with a decent heel were something I didn’t have in my summer wardrobe. Now that they are allowing open toe shoes at work, I will be able to get more wear out of them.
I also have these sandals from years past in two colors, and love them.
Straw Bucket Hat
Shorts- Walmart; Buckle slides- Kohls; option
I have a couple of cloth bucket hats and I couldn’t resist a straw one. I like that Old Navy hats generally come sized small/medium and large/XL as the small/medium fits me better than one size fits all hats or adjustable ones. I’m going one a trip in a few weeks, so I’ll be taking this one as it’s smaller and easier to pack.
Graphic tee
Shorts- Nordstrom; Sandals- DSW
I bought this graphic tee during the $5 sale. I have plenty of graphic tees, but not many that are colored. Most of mine are black, white or grey. I thought this would be a fun addition to my summer wardrobe because I’m adding in pinks and oranges.
Poplin Pull on shorts
Straw bag- Amazon; sandals- Kohls; top- Banana Republic factory- similar
I ignored these on the website over and over again because I was not impressed with the way they looked on the model. I didn’t think they would look good on me. And then I saw them on Kellyann and decided to give them a try. I’m very pleased with them. They can be dressed up or down. They have pockets and an elastic waist that’s super comfy.
Gap Factory
Denim midi pencil skirt
Purse- Amazon; sandals- Tory Burch; look for less
Denim skirts are trendy again and I like skirts in the summer. My old one doesn’t fit and the longer midi length ones can be tricky for my petite height. This one from Gap was a winner for me in length. The pencil skirt cut works better for me too. The aline cuts just looked frumpy.
V Neck Dress
This is another item that doesn’t look too impressive to me on the model, but I love it. I bought it in the navy floral and the blue stripe. It’s cool, loose fitting but not sloppy, and so comfortable. The vneck is low so I add a cropped cami underneath most of the time when I wear it. Did I mention that this dress has pockets?
I ordered the regular length instead of the petite so the length would be a little more modest. I do that often with shorter dresses. I just order the regular instead of the petites so they have a little more length.
Banana Republic Factory Sweater tank
Pants- Old Navy; option option sandals- Amazon
A sweater tank has been on my wish list for a couple of years. I finally pulled the trigger on this one from Banana Republic Factory when I realized I could get it for almost nothing with rewards points. It adds just enough texture to summer outfits.
It’s currenlty sold out but this one is another great option.
I also ordered this waffle knit cardigan. Like I really need a sweater right now? It will come in handy for a couple of conferences later this summer when I’m trapped in freezing indoor AC.
Kohls
Thong Sandals
A pair of gold metallic sandals have been in my summer wardrobe for years now. You can treat them like a neutral and wear them with everything. This is my third pair of gold sandals. The first pair has been relegated to house/yard shoes as they are a little dated looking. My second pair buckles. This pair is a slip on and I can’t resist a cute sandal that’s easy to get on.
Croft and Barrow Pull on skort- black
I bought a navy skort last year and loved it, so I didn’t have to think long about adding a black one. This skort is soft and very comfortable. It’s a great option if you don’t like shorts.
Croft and Barrow Smocked shoulder tank
This top is sleeveless but still offers plenty of coverage. It’s soft and the olive color will go with lots of bottoms. It sold out but this one is a great option.
The cute straw bag is also from Kohl’s but it’s going back because it’s too small for my needs. You can only put items in up to the row of daisies.
Loft
Ruffle Wrap Skirt
Shop the ENTIRE LOOK
This skirt zips in the back and the faux wrap front provides plenty of coverage vs a traditional wrap skirt that might fly open in the wind. It’s a linen blend so it can be dressed up or down and it’s perfect for the summer heat.
Pull On Linen Blend Pants
I ordered a pair of wide leg crop pants from Old Navy that did not work. I decided to give these a try and they are perfect!
Garden Ruffle Neck Button Shell
I can’t seem to get enough black and white (neutral printed) tops. They go with everything but sometimes you want a black background, sometimes you want a white background. This one caught my eye and into my cart it went.
Ann Taylor
Ankle Pant/ Linen Cutaway Blazer
I started searching for a tan colored suit in the spring. The first one I tried was just the wrong cut for me in both the jacket and pants. When I saw these pants and matching blazer on sale during Memorial Day, I jumped on it. The pants are an ankle length but they don’t cling to my legs. They are more of a straight leg fit and the blazer is not overwhelming in size. Both pieces are great cuts for petites.
Straw Pumps
DON’T count the number of pairs of shoes I’ve bought in the last month. I totally didn’t need these but shoes with a pattern or texture can spice up otherwise boring work wear.
Woven Slingback Pumps
These are great for adding a summer touch to work wear.
Floral Ruffle Sleeve Top
This pretty print goes with two of my other blazers and will go with any neutral suit or blazer I own.
Petite Relaxed Double Breasted Blazer Linen
This bold color was a splurge, but linen is great for the summer. I will get plenty of wear from this blazer.
Wal-mart
Time and Tru Shorts
Top- Loft- similar
It seems like every summer I need new shorts because last season’s don’t fit. I didn’ t want to spend a lot on shorts until I settle into a size I can maintain, so these shorts from Walmart fit the bill. I’d recommend them for pear shapes and those with thicker thighs. They have ample room in the thigh/leg.
Time and Tru Denim Skirt
This skirt is soft and has a good amount of stretch.
Athletic shorts
These shorts were a fun addition to my workout wear and lounge wear. They came in a two pack with this bright color and black.
Belk
Graphic tank
I’ve been carrying around gift cards from Belk since Christmas. I don’t shop there much but decided it was time to use these gift cards. I ordered a couple of graphic tanks. This grey one pictured above is large in the arm holes, so I will be wearing it over a sports bra.
Sports Bra
The fun color coordinates with the graphic tank and I will use it for working out too.
Utility shorts
Also pear shaped friendly shorts. Love the 5 inch inseam.
Salt Life graphic tank
Dr. Scholl’s Island Dream Sandals
Pictured above- I’ve never had a pair of Dr. Scholl’s shoes that was not comfortable. I have decided that I need to start focusing on sandals with more cushioning vs some of the really flat slides I wear. I need more support in my shoes these days. These were a great option for style and comfort. I’ve been wearing them around the house when my feet and legs hurt and they feel so good.
Nordstrom
Wit and Wisdom Cargo Shorts
I love the fit of the Wit and Wisdom brand jeans, so I decided to give their shorts a try. I love them as much as the jeans.
Wit and Wisdom Absolution Skyrise Straight Leg Pant
I’m still debating these. I like them but they don’t blend into my wardrobe as well as I’d like them to. I have come up with three ways I can wear them, but I’m still not sure the color is versatile enough. They are a brown color.
Amazon
I purchased some skirts and a top from Amazon last month. You can find photos and reviews of those items in my June Prime Purchases post.
Need some help putting together a summer wardrobe? I recommend the Everyday Style Circle. Some of my purchases and my own summer wardrobe was based loosely on the summer capsule. The summer capsule is a fun blend of prints, pinks, orange, navy and lime green. Of course, you get other color palette recommendations if these don’t work for you. Sign up now and get the summer capsule plus access to style classes and a fun community.
