summer basics in white | a retrospective
as we enter the dog days of summer, i wanted to go back through the archives to highlight some of my favorite summertime looks. one thing i noticed is that most of my favorite laid back summer outfits all incorporate at least one wardrobe basic. it just goes to show that some wardrobe staples outlast the trends year after year. this is classic style. the three summer basics i selected for today’s retrospective are: the mighty blazer, the classic button up and summer-friendly denim. if you peruse the blog going back to the beginning, you will regularly see these items styled in new ways season after season. so sit back, and enjoy my summer basics in white retrospective.
my favorite J.Crew summer tops
this linen blazer was last seen here, but it has and will be on repeat all summer long. this blazer is the perfect weight for hot summer temps. and it’s white, which goes with everything. like this cute summer top in my favorite color – pink.
while this post was originally about J.Crew summer tops, the white blazer is a basic that just pulls a summer outfit together with ease and panache. a white blazer in linen or cotton is my go-to when i need to add a bit of sophistication to any outfit.
similar light rinse jeans | white linen blazer | similar pink top
summer neutrals
anyone else notice the days are getting shorter? this past week when i was walking with oscar, it hit me that summer is fleeting. it was around eight o’clock in the evening and the skies were beginning to turn gray. it’s almost imperceptible from day to day, but the sun is now distinctly lower in the sky come evening. if time is fleeting, then i’m pulling out the summer neutrals while i can. and nothing beats monochromatic white with tan thrown in for good measure. there is something so crisp and clean about white.
you no doubt know the value of a crisp white button up in your closet. it’s something i talk about often on the blog. it’s such a versatile basic. i could pair these shorts with a different style of white shirt, but the classic button up really makes this whole outfit chic and sophisticated.
white shirt | white bermuda shorts | similar white sandals
summer slides
this time of year it’s all about transitioning from summer to fall. what better way to do that than with a year-round go-to: white denim. looser fitting boyfriend jeans are perfect for hot summer days. i tend to cuff my boyfriend jeans a tad higher – it just works. with a casual chic outfit. a simple white tee keeps the look fresh and summery.
white denim is such a pop of brightness on these august days. i love to mix white and khaki in the summer. and if i lose the jacket, i have another monochromatic white ensemble. there’s just something so easy breezy with an all white outfit.
similar white jeans | white tee | similar khaki jacket | two tone sandals
summer basics are best in neutral tones. white basics for summer are a no-brainer in my book. consistently on stye-repeat, basics in classic white will be your trusty go-to in all seasons, but perhaps feel most refreshing in these last weeks of summer. today’s post highlights three examples that perfectly illustrate my five tips on how to look effortlessly chic and elegant. we posted a video on this very subject yesterday, check it out!
What a delightful post! This retrospective on your summer favs just brings a smile to my face. I feel I could almost go through the whole summer with just these pics. Today it is going to be 31 Celsius here so I am thinking what to wear to remain cool. And yes the days are getting shorter, even here when we can have summer days that go on til 10 pm in the height of the summer!!
Beth, watched your video today on 5 rules, proportions, mix styles, monocramatic, accessorize and style uniform. You talk about shoes..my problem is ths. I have Mortons Nuroma on my left toes which causes much pain. I’ve had to wear birkenstocks the nicest ones I could find because of openness and they cause no pain in my toes. What do I wear to be stylish and not cause me pain? I’m very self conscious about my inability to wear beautiful shoes any more. Any suggestions.
I so enjoy the blog. Thank you Mary Topalian ps 5’2 117lb 74 years great health except for the left toes. I have inserts for my hiking boots.
Always loving your emails/blogs Beth! I look forward to your posts every morning! You always are an inspiration and without knowing it, always lifting my spirit!
God’s Blessings to you and yours!
Much admiration and love,
Chris Illius
Again and again, looking at you in OOTDs that speak to me just make me feel so so good! Have said it before and will say it again. You came into my life in November 2016 after I’d had a very challenging health year. You gave me hope that I could be healthy and look healthy again if I followed your lead. It worked. Thank you again!~
Great clothes!!! Very nice! Thanks for sharing!
I enjoy your site keep up the good advice
I’ve worn my hair in various versions of a bob for years because my hair cooperates the best In that style.
I thought your hair grew out so beautifully when you transitioned from your short cut to a bob and thought the style looked very smart on you.
That being said, I’m blown away by how much I love your new cut! It’s both a little sassy and sophisticated; it frames and shows off your face so well.
You look like a million bucks!
Great look for the these last days of summer for some. We will remain hot for quite a while even into October here on the Coast so I’ve always worn white after Labor Day. It still feels right if it’s hot. The pink top with the light wasted jeans is a favorite look for me. I just got new pink sandals but with this lockdown, there’s just nowhere to go. Have a great day, Beth.
I love the white button down and white shorts with tan belt. Great, simple look!
Also, love your new haircut! Very fetching and flattering on you!
I love the first outfit styled with the pink top, jeans and white blazer. Pink must be your signature color! Can you guess the movie I stole that line from?
Where do you get your belts? I am fairly small, 5′ 3″ and 125 pounds, but tend not to wear belts. You look great in them, so maybe I should try tucking in my shirts and wearing a belt!
White oxford with white Bermuda’s…such a classy outfit. Why didn’t I think of that? I will toss the navy Bermuda’s and pull out the white. Thanks Beth