Sunday Best: Field Notes from Early Summer

A dispatch from the deep end.

If today's installment of Sunday Best feels a little chaotic, consider it a reflection of the current state of affairs.

Last week was the limbo between the end of school and summer camp, which meant I was parenting while attempting to work. Then the Twin Cities got walloped by a biblical storm, we lost a 50-someting-year-old pine tree in our backyard, the power went out for a day, the husband got T-boned (he's okay!), and then left for a long-planned guys weekend. This post finds me waving a tiny white flag from the deep end of the pool.

Alas, summer. has. arrived. We’ve been logging serious hours at said pool, the lake, parks, and anywhere else the kids can burn energy. And while, for me, this season of dressing tends to skew more casual, I still want to feel like (the best version of) myself. That means reaching for pieces that are easy, comfortable, and require very little thought, but still deliver a small hit of joy when I put them on.

Consider this a bit of a grab bag: current hyper-fixations, recent outfit MVPs, and a handful of products earning their keep. A little scattered? Sure. But so is summer.

1. Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum and Forest Water Hyaluronic Serum

This duo is my current morning skincare power couple. The Forest Water leaves my skin feeling plump and juicy, while the Vitamin C brings the glow. A shortcut to looking like I drink enough water and get enough sleep.

2. Graphic Tees

Am I feeling particularly patriotic? Not especially. Am I suddenly very invested in dressing for the World Cup in this Levi’s tee? Apparently. (similar tee)

Graphic tees are back in heavy rotation here, there, and everywhere, which is news that would delight my 2004 self. Generally speaking, summer has a way of stripping my wardrobe down to the essentials. The less fuss, the better. Ultra-soft tees are primed for when you have five minutes to get dressed (and make epic third outfit building blocks!). I love them paired with denim, or something more elevated like a slip skirt, silky pull-on pant, or bias-cut midi.

old Eliou tee (similar here and here) // Enza Costa Everywhere Pant

Tee party! A few vying for a spot in your summer uniform:

Staud // J.Crew // Junkfood // Mango // Rails // Imogene + Willie // Zara x Paula Grenouille // Sezane // ASOS

3. Woven Shoppers

tote is old // found my bag on Poshmark (similar here)

A woven shopper is the summer equivalent of a great leather tote. It relaxes an outfit, adds texture, charm, and a hint of vacation-adjacent escapism. Slung over your shoulder with swimwear, track shorts, vintage denim, or a breezy mini dress, it somehow manages to work with everything. I'm especially drawn to the ludicrously capacious, slouchy styles. The bigger the bag, the more prepared for the day ahead…right?

Hunting Season // Zara // Mango // Mango // Muuñ // Madewell // Cos // Liffner

4. Pareos

Are you tired of me touting my new fringe Kujten bandana? Sorry not sorry, she’s arguably one of the strongest cost-per-wear performers in my closet at the moment. Whenever I buy a novelty piece, I try and treat it like a personal challenge to style it as many ways as possible.

I actually can’t believe I’m posting a bathing suit photo on the internet but Substack feels like a safe space and more like a group chat with friends? Old Zara pareo (similar here and here), Solid and Striped bikini top and bottom

I’m fully in my pool mom era, so I’ve become something of a pareo enthusiast this summer. This beaded linen number is next on my list. Between the breezy fabric and the colorful beading, it has the hallmarks of a great summer piece.

While a pareo naturally shines poolside, remember to get more mileage by styling away from the water. Paired with a white tee or a white button-down, it feels less like a cover-up and more like an easy summer skirt with a little more personality.

Kujten // Tropic of C // Zara // Zara

Soleil Soliel // J.Crew // Faithful // Sir // Calzedonia // Vitamin A // Cala De La Cruz

5. Vacation Chardonnay Oil

I repeat…pool mom era. A tanning sunscreen called Chardonnay Oil? The Vacation marketing team deserves a raise. I’ve been using this for a few summers now, mostly because it smells like a 1980s Palm Springs pool party and gives your skin a hydrated, sun-kissed glow without venturing into greasy territory.

6. Fisherman Hats

I've taken the bait—the fisherman hat is my pick for summer topper. Somewhere between a bucket hat and a floppy sun hat lies this perfect little middle ground. Born on the docks and originally designed for actual fishermen, it's since been adopted by the fashion set, who have embraced its nautical charm and practical appeal in equal measure.

pinterest // Aritzia // Lack of Color // Rachel Comey // me! // Pinterest

7. Proper Water Bottle and Hydration Packets

Perhaps the highest compliment I can give an electrolyte packet: it doesn't taste like punishment. I've been mixing these into my Proper bottle nonstop lately, and the built-in filter does an excellent job of breaking up powders. They've become a surprisingly effective tool in my ongoing quest to drink more water—a goal that somehow remains perpetually on my to-do list. Summer hydration MVP.

8. Striped Pants

We all remember the striped bottoms that sent the internet into a tailspin last summer—Renggli, La Veste, etc. I’m still on the kick, drawn to that elusive combination of comfortable, polished, and just interesting enough to make getting dressed feel fun. A striped pant always goes with your trusty tee or tank, but I also love seeing it treated like leopard print—as a neutral. Pair them with another stripe (à la Simon Miller) and don't overthink the matchiness.

Citizens (look for less here) // Simon Miller // Reformation // Sir. (similar here, as seen (and loved) on Ariane Anusbigian)

9. Barefaced Toning Pads

Anyone else’s skincare routine operating on summer hours? Between the sunscreen, sweat, and chlorine, these toning pads have become my one-swipe insurance policy against dull, congested skin.

10. Silver sandals

A silver sandal is infinitely chic in my book. Like a neutral with benefits—it works with virtually everything while quietly tying together the hardware on your jewelry, belt, or bag.

Schutz // TKEES // Ref // Rag & Bone // Staud // TKEES // Ancient Greek Sandals (another backless option here)

11. Shorts (…of all kinds).

I’ve always been more of a pants-over-dresses person, so it’s probably no surprise that I live in a short come summer. I realized last week that I wore some version of shorts every single day.

these shorts have reached uniform status.

For denim, there’s a reason Agolde’s Indra short is towing the line of virality. So nice I bought them twice. The long, loose fit gives all the ease of a vintage cut-off without any of the usual stiffness or discomfort—it barely feels like a denim short at all.

This Eaves silk short has been quietly earning its keep in my closet. Easy to dress up, easy to dress down, and good news: they’re finally back and available for preorder. If you don’t feel like waiting, how about a woven, cream, or lace-trimmed pair to scratch the same itch? As someone who HARD co-signs Enza Costa's Everywhere Pant, I can all but guarantee the shorts version is also a 10/10. And while on the topic of waitlist styles, these by Venroy continue to pique my interest.

I don't know how else to describe these shorts other than: they feel like butter. Splits59 shorts // Lioness tee // Reebok club sneakers

Adidas shorts // old Ipanema flip flops (this season’s style here) // Gap sweatshirt

Track shorts continue to be my summer security blanket. We love a bottom that can keep up with real life, especially on the days when I'm bouncing between drop-offs, coffee shop work sessions, and errands. Equal parts comfortable and cool, they bring just enough sporty energy to make a simple button-down, blazer, loafer, or feminine flat feel interesting.

Venroy // Splits59 // Los Angeles Apparel // Aimé Leon Dore // Mango