It’s that time of year when you can FEEL fall gearing up as our brains flip into back-to-school mode, yet the boiling summer temps remain strong. I find myself itching to change to fall style, yet totally unable to with the weather, and it’s tempting to mail it in in the style department. I default to my same go-to summer outfits. Don’t get me wrong, those are great outfits. But, they kind of lose their luster if you wear them too much. Know what I mean?
Today’s post is a little pick-me-up for anyone who needs motivation to get out of a summer style rut! It’s got three outfit formulas that I really like, but for whatever reason I need an extra boost to actually wear them. If you’re in the same boat, I hope today’s post will give you a little boost to help you through summer!
1. Tank Top + Skirt + Accessories
Maybe I’m the only one, but I often feel more comfortable in a skirt and tank top in the summer than in shorts. Perhaps because skirts are less constricting? Or because they don’t ride up the way shorts can? Or because some tops with shorts don’t look as good as they do with jeans, and being able to tuck a tank into a skirt is more flattering? I don’t know what it is, but sometimes I just feel way better in a skirt.
That said, I often don’t WANT to wear a skirt because when it’s really hot, a skirt feels like too much work. But in reality, a plain white tank + skirt is a very simple combo! And once I actually wear it, I’m reminded of how comfortable it is (because of all the reasons mentioned above) and that it actually feels pretty relaxed to wear. Plus, it looks pretty darn put together!
I’m wearing my favorite ModCloth tank. It’s super soft and stretchy, tunic length so it works with leggings but can be tied up like I did here, and it’s soooo stretchy that you can easily breastfeed in it. (I can almost NEVER breastfeed in v-neck tops by pulling down the neckline, but I can in this one. It’s so dang stretchy. I’m confident that if *I* can do it, almost anyone else can, too.) I wear size M. They come in several colors HERE.
A PMTer, Rebecca, recently wrote about these ModCloth tanks, “I finally got one of [them] and OMG THEY ARE THE ANSWER – flowy enough to hide what I want to hide in the midsection, but fitted enough to not make me look wider (or, ahem, expecting)!” LOVE IT! Thanks, Rebecca!
Shop The Outfit:
Tank: ModCloth (exact-size M)
Skirt: J.Crew Factory (exact, similar)
Sandals: (similar, similar)
Bag: (similar)
Earrings: Nickel & Suede (exact-size M)
Necklace: Dear Mushka (exact)
2. White Shorts + Navy or Black Top + (Printed Wrap)
I love the freshness that comes with white shorts! The brighter color “lifts” outfits, they get you out of the denim shorts rut, and you can basically pair them with anything.
I LOVE how white shorts + a navy or black tank looks by itself. It’s so simple, yet so cute. You could wear this outfit without the wrap, or add the fun printed wrap that I’ve shared quite a bit this summer. (BTW, it’s back in stock in sizes S-XXL here!)
Another PMTer, Sejal, said about these wraps, “Oh my goodness!! 😍 Ok I see what you mean about these!! Yes we need one in every single color! They fit so well and are more edgy on the front bottom, unlike other kimono’s! LOVE them so dang much! Thanks Audrey for being so choosey so I don’t have to 😅!! 🙏🏼😊”
Makes me so happy when stuff works out for you guys! BTW, those printed wraps are back in stock and MORE COLORS ARE AVAILABLE now! See them all HERE.
Shop The Outfit:
Tank: ModCloth (exact-size M)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory (similar, similar)
Wrap: Amazon: (exact– size L)
Sandals: (similar, similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Earrings: Nickel & Suede (exact-size M)
Necklace: Dear Mushka (exact)
3. Jersey Dress + Pendant Necklace + Sandals
Lastly, opt for a comfy dress! I feel similarly about dresses as I do with the skirt outfit. But, once I get over that little mental barrier and actually put the dang dress on, I’m like, “AHHH I forgot how easy this is to wear!” You know, especially these super soft dresses that feel like pajamas. And honestly, getting out of the rut of shorts + tee feels empowering and gives me an energy boost!
I talked recently about this particular dress. I have many comfy dresses in this shape, but this one is AWESOME. The cut is flattering, the length is perfect for me at 5’6″, and the material is thicker and buttery! And it’s only $14.99! It comes in black, cobalt, and pink, but unfortunately cobalt and pink aren’t available online anymore. The black is a great staple though. Check it out HERE! I wear size S.
There is a similar one from Nordstrom Rack for only $19.97 that comes in lots of colors and great stripes HERE–and it has POCKETS! There’s another similar one at Old Navy that is also affordable and comes in TONS of prints and colors HERE!
Shop The Outfit
Dress: Target (exact-size S; similar; similar)
Sandals: Target (exact-size 9)
Bag: Target (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
If you’re in a summer rut and feeling like summer is dragging on, I want to challenge you to wear one of these! Either put on a pair of white shorts with a neutral tank or tee, wear a skirt with a plain tank or tee, or throw on a really comfy dress. DO IT, friends! Which of these are you most inclined towards?
