The sun outside is almost too generous, and the air smells like lemon soda. This time every year, I find myself doing a little wardrobe cleanse—not because I’m running out of space, but because I’ve come to realize: having fewer clothes actually makes me feel freer. I no longer chase the thrill of buying 30 new pieces every season. Instead, I’d rather carefully pick a few quality items I genuinely love—pieces that I’ll wear on repeat, that go with everything, and that don’t make me feel bored halfway through summer.
I always begin with a white sleeveless shirt—clean, fresh, and ready for any weather. It tucks perfectly into high-waisted shorts or flares out casually over an A-line skirt. Then there’s my tailored beige vest—it’s sharper than a tee but far more relaxed than a blazer. I can wear it alone or layer it over a tank top. It gives off this effortless polish I’ve grown to love.
My favorite straight-leg denim shorts are the true MVPs of my summer wardrobe. They go with absolutely everything. And there’s this cotton-linen maxi skirt that I never want to take off, whether I’m wandering city streets or strolling near the ocean. It sways when I walk, breathes when I sit, and fits every mood in between.
And then there’s the black slip dress—simple, sleek, and surprisingly versatile. I can wear it with sneakers to the farmers’ market or switch to sandals and gold hoops for a breezy dinner date. A roomy tote and a pair of comfy mules round things out, carrying me through every kind of summer day.
It’s not much, really. Just eight core pieces. But somehow, they fit together like a puzzle, creating different moods, looks, and moments. The heat of summer feels less overwhelming when I’m not stressing over what to wear. These pieces have already written my summer wardrobe story for me.
Sometimes I think—this kind of simplicity brings me closer to myself. I’m no longer chasing trends; I’m living in sync with the season, in clothes that let me breathe. It doesn’t take much. Just enough.
