Two Weeks of Outfits
An army of paper doll Madelines hiding behind a butter yellow iPhone.
A nearly-two-week Substack hiatus means I owe you something with serious substance. Luckily for you, my self-expression (maybe vanity, to some) shines through in the form of daily ‘fit checks. Whether you’re looking to add new pieces into your wardrobe or simply searching for combos comprised of ones you already own, I’m here serving up a fresh batch of summer outfit recipes. Bon appétit! Xx
I’ve been a fan girl of Aritzia’s effortless pant for years (seriously, you need a pair), but I recently added the Bureau pant to my collection. I love the relaxed fit, perfect drape, and fold over waist detail. I paired them with a simple ribbed tank, the perfectwhitetee blondie (longer version here), Zoe Lev beaded bracelets (check out this stack option), Zara tote (my colorway sold out, linking brown and a similar option), and sandals (old Madewell, similar here, and here).
This ‘90s baby couldn’t resist these (Juicy Couture-esque) terry cloth lounge pants by Rumored. They’ve quickly become my runaround bottoms and are the absolute best for travel. PSA: Casual weekend runaround outfits don’t need to be boring. Swap your go-to solid tee for a stripe (similar here, here, and here), toss on a bright flip flop (wearing old Staud, this pair gives the same look for less) and add elevated jewelry (earrings and ring), and you’ll take your look from snore to score.
It doesn’t get any easier than a breezy, chic linen mini. I’m already plotting to add another color of Reformation’s Jessi to my roster. With the white, I opted to keep it monochromatic with a creamy, open weave knit, and a bag and shoe (other snake options here, and here) with personality. Yes, you can—and should—mix animal prints!
A silk scarf can transform any look, like this all black outfit (donni pants—similar here, here, and here—old Vince tank, similar here and here, Clare V. bag, and suede Zara sandals). The styling possibilities are endless—bandana, bag accessory, top (I’m rocking one by Shona Joy), and my current favorite: the belt. Tip: Vintage stores are great places to find unique, one-of-a-kind silk scarves!
I may be a denim junkie, but once the temperatures heat up, I'm unable to ignore the allure of a loose-fitting trouser or lightweight linen or poplin pant. I'm not a *huge* dress person for everyday, either—and feel the most like myself in shorts or pants. It’s no secret stripes basically neutrals, and I’m here for mixing and matching the print for an unexpected twist. Staud linen pants (similar here, and here), black cinched waist tee is old, linking similar here, Zara tote and shoes, Heaven Mayhem necklace.
The Doên skirt I bought last year is sold out, but this Ref option gives you the same look for less, while this colorway has me green with envy. I love pairing a feminine bottom with a more masculine top, like an oversized blazer (tank, and heeled thong here), or an oversized tee (like this splurge or this save).
Easy, breezy, boho. I succumbed to all the feminine lacy tops I’ve been seeing and scooped up this under $80 Free People lace-detailed tank (also available in white) and paired with darted linen trousers, croc-embossed flip flops by TKEES, and an east-west Staud bag (on major sale RN!) for a cool-casual look.
Transparent fabrics like mesh, gauze, lace, and open knitwork are taking over—don’t be afraid to translate the runway-ready trend in real life. If you feel so inclined to dabble in a barely-there silhouette and show off a bit of skin, start with a subtly see-through dress that doesn’t cling too close to the body, or opt for a semi-sheer skirt. My DMs flooded with questions about what I wore underneath the polka dot dress—black bralette and the viral Amazon cotton granny panties postpartum moms swear by—IYKYK—and, voila!
Here is your nudge to swap your leggings for an equally-comfortable bottom that makes it look like put way more effort into getting dressed than you actually did. Drawstring pants in breathable fabrics are your summer BFFs. I paired this gingham with a lightweight rollneck sweater, boat shoes, and baseball hat for a park date with kiddos.
When I find myself in an outfit rut, I tend to go monochromatic. I paired this knit tank with said favorite trousers, and kicked it up a notch with brown/tan accessories: western-inspired belt, TKEES gladiators, and Toteme t-lock bag.
While I impatiently waiting for Aritzia to restock the long effortless shorts, I ordered these linen bermudas by Donni (on sale!) and they did not disappoint. Neither did this Banana Republic oversized knit I’ve been professing my love for since unboxing. Mixing white and cream is always encouraged in my book, with subtle pops of black (belt, shoes, bag) adding a bit of edge to the otherwise soft palette.