The streets of Portland have been sizzling for the last handful of days. Temps are in the 90’s and upper lips everywhere are glistening. For me, that’s translated to my most minimal week of outfits to date. Think: black, white, linen and a summer bag. Rinse + repeat. That’s basically what I wore, and it felt pretty darn good.
I think I’m finally in that place with my summer wardrobe where I have a lot of foolproof outfits. I’m staying cool (in the heat) but I do not look like I’m wearing kid clothes (however, I often feel like it in shorts) or, worse, next to nothing.
But, the most interesting thing that’s been going on with me lately, in terms of my appearance, is my hair. I’ve been experimenting with embracing my ‘natural hair’ for the last week or so, and the results have been surprisingly good. Inspired by Natalie’sĀ air drying tips (no combing after the shower, and tuck behind the ears until it’s dry), andĀ Amanda’sĀ efforts to embrace her natural texture, I’ve decided to give it a shot. You can judge the results below.
MONDAY:
CardiganĀ (M/L) Cuyana | Luzon Tie Top, c/o Only Child (same in solid black) |Ā Clyde Work Short (6) in Linen, Elizabeth Suzann |Ā Huaraches (9.5), Nisolo |Ā Classic Tote, c/o Cuyana |Ā Necklace, c/o Rebecca Mir Grady
Style Notes:Ā We had one breezy morning before the heat kicked in, and this light cardigan was the perfect answer. I did not expect to wear this cardigan through the summer, yet here I am. It’s light and breezy, but still brings warmth when needed. It’s hard to tell from the photos, but the linen shorts and cropped shirt almost mimick a jumper, and it’s one of my favorite summer pairings right now! Cute and functional at the same time.
Style Score: 9
TUESDAY:
Linen Jumpsuit (M), REIFhausĀ (same in organic triple gauze cotton)Ā |Ā Tan PonsĀ | Vintage Sisal Bag, EtsyĀ |Ā Necklace, c/o Rebecca Mir Grady |Ā Initial Cuff, Able
Style Notes:Ā I was in a hurry this morning, and this jumpsuit is always very easy to reach for in hot weather. It’s breezy because it’s a lightweight linen blend, and it fits away from the body. With the shoes and the bag, the look feels a bit ‘granola’ but I’m okay with that.
Style Score:Ā 10
WEDNESDAY:
Candela Utility DressĀ c/o Able, (M)Ā | Sandals, old Everlane (similar) |Ā Vintage Sisal Bag, Etsy
Style Notes:Ā I told you my looks were simple this week! Another day and another black outfit, this time the new Candela Utility dress by ABLE. I can say almost the same things about it as the jumpsuit from Tuesday. It’s light, breezy and fits away from the body. The length is a little longer than I usually wear, but I think it adds a subtle element of chicness to the dress. Not pictured: super cute v-neck in the back!
Style Score: 10
THURSDAY:
The Friend (S), c/o Power of My People |Ā Clyde Work Short (6) in Linen, Elizabeth Suzann | Huaraches (9.5), Nisolo | Vintage Sisal Bag, EtsyĀ |Ā Earrings, c/o Passage
Style Notes:Ā This was one of the hottest days of the week, and I opted for an all-linen ensemble to stay comfortable. In the past, I would have gone for a cotton tank, but I think a loose linen top is actually cooler! I don’t normally wear my hair back, but it was too hot to wear it down. So I opted for some earrings to keep things interesting!
Style Score: 9
BONUS LOOK:Ā
On Thursday Mr. Seasons and I had a chance to head out on an impromptu date night! We went to a screening of SEARCHING, an internet-driven thriller. It was really good. It opens in theaters August 3rd.
But let’s talk about this outfit!! I got sucked up into the romanticism surrounding DĆ“en and ordered this shirt. I had previously sold my Petra tank top by ES, after accepting that it was just too big, and instead of ordering another tank, went for this breezy, summer top. It’s a huge contrast to what I already own, and I think that’s why I like it so much!
FRIDAY:
Cotton Tank, Everlane, a few years old (theĀ Air Cami looks similar) | Clyde Work Short (6) in Linen, Elizabeth Suzann |Ā Madrid Sandal, Birkenstock |Ā Sunglasses, Ray-Ban
Style Notes:Ā I’m feeling really thankful for this vintage bag because it’s made all my outfits this week a lot more interesting. It brings color and texture to these otherwise simple, monochromatic looks. Bonus: no need to lug a leather bag around in this hot weather!
When I got these shorts in the mail at the end of last summer, I was a little disappointed with how short and ‘low volume’ they felt. But I’m pretty sure after this hot and sweaty week, they have firmly earned their place in my closet! Linen shorts are magic in the heat.
Style Score: 10
SATURDAY:
Dress, a few years old (similar + reversible) (use code FORSALTREADERSĀ for 10% off through 7/19)|Ā Huaraches (9.5), Nisolo |Ā Vintage Sisal Bag, Etsy
Style Notes:Ā Pulling out one of my classic summer pieces today. I bought this in the summer of ’16 from Everlane, and it has been an easy staple in my closet ever since.
I’ve been breaking in these huaraches this week, and they feel more comfortable with each wear. I sold my old huaraches because they stretched out too much, and when I went to replace them, the colorway on this year’s burnt sienna was darker than past seasons. That is how I ended up with the almond. I love the color quite a bit, and they feel similar to my Pons, but a bit less casual.
Style Score: 10
SUNDAY:
Wide Leg Jumper, c/o Hackwith Design HouseĀ (use code FORSALTREADERSĀ for 10% off through 7/19) | Wedge ClogsĀ (41), No.6Ā | Vintage Sisal Bag, EtsyĀ |Ā Ā Sunglasses, Ray-Ban
Style Notes:Ā Jumpsuit number two for the week! A lot of you have asked how this jumpsuit compares and contrasts to my Lou Jumpsuit (as worn on Tuesday). This one is made of tencel, and the other one is linen, so this one feels decidedly dressier. It also comes with a removable belt, which makes it a little more body-con than the other. I like them both, and which one I wear depends on my mood. I do think I wear the linen one a bit more. But I am whole heartedly in-love with the denim version of this one!
Style Score: 10
In Review:Ā
FAVORITES: Thursday (bonus) + Sunday
CLOSING THOUGHTS: As I mentioned in the intro, I am feeling really good about my summer wardrobe. It’s effectively meeting my goals – staying cool and staying styled. This makes me think I should set some simple goals for how I want my fall wardrobe to serve me. More to come!
I’m in love with both those jumpers! But I personally just can’t see myself in all that black. Have you come across anything in a similar cut and/or style that comes in other colors? (I did see the denim one, so that’s an option..)
You really seem to have your summer dressing down, and you’re inspiring me to try to stay at least a wee bit stylish in the heat! Sometimes I just want to wear a pair of denim shorts and a cotton tee, but then I feel sort of meh, so I’m going to try doing a fun, voluminous blouse instead. I don’t have anything linen, but I love the linen shorts from Elizabeth Suzann and the drapey linen tee from Grana. (Any thoughts on the ethics of Grana? I’ve seen floating around the ethical space but I can’t seem to find much about it–it reminds me of Everlane in terms of no middlemen and markup, but I’m not sure about their factories…)
Hi Kelly, great questions!! As for the jumpsuit, Vetta has a really cute blue one, Ozma of California has some, and Lauren Winter has a pretty wrap one.
As for Grana, it’s hard to tell! I’ve done some digging around, and it seems like they are doing the right things, but they don’t publish a lot of information about their factories on their website. I know they make a point to keep a low carbon footprint. I don’t personally shop there because their style isn’t quite aligned with mine, but my husband does, and he loves his jeans from there. Good luck!
Adoring all these easy, breezy summer outfits! It’s great to see the black linen Clyde shorts styled so many ways. I also have a pair, and like you I had similar hopes for them to have a bit more volume. I tried the Florence shorts first (in cotton canvas, so not a direct comparison), and I found them to have almost TOO much volume (like a comical amount on me). Rolling the waistband up, while reducing some of the excess bulk, just made them uncomfortable in the crotch zone. Just not something I could work with! In comparison, the Clydes feel totally wearable and modest, and I think have just the right amount of volume after all. They look awesome on you!
Hi Lenna, thanks for the insights on the Florence shorts, I was wishing I had those instead, but it sounds like maybe they aren’t what I was looking for! I’d love to hear what you’ve been wearing with your Clyde shorts??
Oh nothing groundbreaking! Mostly tees tucked in and a sometimes a longer cardigan layered over. I’m totally inspired by this faux romper concept though – so sleek!
You look great, comfortable and at ease! I feel good about my summer style. My winter style needs help. In the winter I feel cold, wet and uncomfortable. Hoping it will help when I add a few cozy outer layers and boots to keep my ankles warm.
Me too!! And it’s always so hard to go from easy/simple summer styling to being covered up and managing layers when it gets cold. What are you thinking for outer layers? Those are always the trickiest in wet climates! I want another pair of ankle boots, but the ones I want are cut so low, I’m not sure they would keep my ankles warm. :/
I am saving up to purchase a Patagonia parka. I wanted one last year but it sold out! Also, I like the ankle boots by Bhava Studio but right now my life is super casual. I am staying at home with my kids so I might purchase either No.6 clog boots (loving how you style them!) or Sandgrens clog boots. Also, At some point I would like to purchase a bare knits kimono for cooler days. I like that it is cotton and should be easier to care for compared to wool/cashmere. I would love to know if you find any great items for winter months!
Your hair looks great air-dried! And I love the outfits with the linen Clydes–I have black canvas Clyde shorts and this gives me lots of ideas for how to wear them. I look forward to your outfits post every week!
Thank you Annie! That means so much!! Yay for versatile black shorts, I feel like we are just getting started on how many ways we can wear them!
Thanks for sharing, Andrea! I’d love to hear more about how you find your Doen shirt. I’ve been eyeing them for ages and am curious about the fit/versatility.
Hi Renee, great questions! I wasn’t sure what to expect either. I was worried the fabric would be too delicate. But it’s sturdier than I expected! I have a medium, and though I’ve only worn it once, the fit seems pretty good. It doesn’t stay tucked in to non-high waist jeans super easily though. But I am pretty sure it’s the prettiest top in my closet! Hoping it makes me feel pretty in the middle of winter too!
Did you purchase the Clyde shorts in the same size as you would the pants? Wondering what your thought are in how they fit -same or different?
I bought that Everlane cotton tank from one of your posts a couple years ago, five of them in fact. They are such a summer staple! They are the summer version of their v-neck cotton t-shirts to me of ease of just tossing it on and you have an outfit (plus some bottoms lol). They’re not the most stylish, but they just work and sometimes that’s what you need in the summer. I love my Luzon tie top too, but I can’t wear it in the summer heat. It’s more of a shoulder season / overcast day piece for me. I especially love the rust colour with high waisted navy shorts! Those Elizabeth Suzann shorts are on my list to buy in like April next year. I’m trying to get better at planning my purchases – I already have a long list for October that I need to sort through.
One odd thing I’ve found is that by not being in an office, I never wear my cardigans anymore. It’s funny how our style can shift so much with our life shifts.
Your hair looks lovely with its natural texture! I love a slightly undone look for hair and makeup. Plus, especially in humid summer, I canāt get much else to āholdā for a day. :)
I love those linen Clyde shorts on you! I just got mine in the mail, and ordered a size up from my twill Clydes, same as you, and…mine are huge. So Iām wondering if the newer generation is perhaps a little longer/looser/more forgiving, at least in my sizes (I did a 2 short in the olive twill ones, which require a LOT of shimmy with my big hips, and a 4 in the shorts)? I was scared the 4 would be too small (Iāve gained weight lately), and Iām going to end up exchanging them for a size down. Beautifully crafted, though, and Iām excited to get the new size later this summer!
Hi Meg, that is a very interesting question! I wonder if you’re right. Hopefully the next pair will be perfect! I have to shimmy my size 4 clydes quite a bit to get on too! Oh the things we do! And thank you for your very nice comment on my hair!! :)
Hi Andrea!
You look great, comfortable and at ease!Your hair looks lovely with its natural texture! I feel good about my summer style. I love the outfits with the linen Clydes. I look forward to your outfits post every week!Thanks for the sharing this.
Thank you so, so much! I appreciate the support! And thanks for the hair comment! >< Means a lot!