Finding My Style Part 2: Favorite Outfits From This Summer
Plus some excitement for the fall
The White Cape is a newsletter that shares the interests, evolution, and changing perspective of my little white Cape Cod-style home, and the people (mostly me) inside it.
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Yesterday I shared my many thoughts and feelings about personal style. I spent the past year trying to find myself, as they say, as a new mother re-entering the world after miscarriage, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, loss, depression, and a pandemic. I am not alone in this nor a victim, but the weight of all of these things completely knocked me off my feet. I needed to figure out who I am and how I show up to the world each day. Discovering the clothes that fit me well and that make me feel good was a huge contributor to my happiness.
Now for some specifics:
Here are some of my favorites from the past summer season, with links to items that I’ve been able to find below. I’ve noticed some themes: Fitted denim with a nice-ish top, loafers/flats, hair down straight or in a bun. After truly battling to find the perfect jeans for my body, I’ve landed on Banana Republic high-rise slim and straight jeans, and Paige Cindy jeans.
Work outfits:
My office is *casual.* I work in a very corporate setting, in the financial services industry. However I work in both the marketing and tech portion of the business, so there is a real mix of styles that make it into the office these days. I do my best to remain “smart casual,” usually wearing jeans and a nice top, with hair/makeup done and nice shoes. I never show my toes at the office, and heels are considered too dressy in my department.
Work pants:
I bought basically every pair of the Banana Republic Slim Jean and have found that these are my favorite for wearing casually, and these are my favorite for the office. The slim white jeans are also the best white denim I’ve ever worn, not see-through and with enough give to move around comfortably without losing their shape. I have worn the white straight leg jeans to the grocery store twice now, and have received a total of five compliments on them from strangers, including one incredibly sweet teenage girl who turned to me and said “you are so beautiful!” Day made, and I returned the compliment to that beautiful, sweet soul.
I also have just about every pair of the Hayden Tapered Pant from Banana Republic Factory. Truthfully I wore these a lot more last year when I was breastfeeding and had less of a butt to fill them out, but they are still my perfect style of slacks. I don’t care at all about the elastic waste showing when I tuck shirts in. If others are bothered by this, so be it.
Work tops:
I am loving short sleeve sweaters, especially ones that are ever so slightly cropped and have detailing on the shoulders or neckline. Ann Taylor has an excellent selection, and Abercrombie sweaters are made with soft, thicker material. I also like a put-together blouse. Ann Taylor is my go-to for these, but Boden also has a few every now and then that don’t include wacky designs. I’m hoping to collect some Sézane tops eventually, but haven’t yet pulled the trigger.
Work dresses:
A few dresses have made it into the rotation, all with collars included. I’m loving the selection at Tuckernuck but need to be selective because they are just outside my price point for the number of times I wear dresses. Boden is a tried-and-true classic for me, their styles and fit are just right. I’m also loving the Anthropologie Somerset Mini, I have it in black and pink floral.
Work shoes:
I have basically two distinct shoe styles in every neutral color you can think of. These are:
Rothy’s pointed flats - I have them in tan, gray, and black
Sam Edelman loafers - I have the Loraine Bit Loafer in tan leather, and the Linnie Bit Mule in black leather and light natural basket weave
I also recently got these brown leather flats from Quince which seem comfortable, and these woven flats from Rothy’s which are beautiful. Full disclosure: I haven’t worn them out of the house yet, so we’ll see if they are comfortable all day.
Casual summer outfits:
This summer I have been all about being *put together* each day, even if I’m not going anywhere notable. I have spent so much of my life in loungewear, and I Am Sick Of It! Here’s what I’ve been enjoying:
Shorts:
Shorts right now, I will admit, are good. We all agree that high waste, a-line cut is the way to go, with a fun little pocket detail. Every influencer and their mom seem to want to push the Agolde Parker short onto me, and this year it finally worked. They are roomy, comfortable, flattering, all the things. I also am loving the utility denim shorts from J.Crew Factory, especially with a cropped tank because these are so high wasted in the best way. I also have them in white and they are very cute with a fitted black tank.
For non-denim, I’ve really loved Madewell’s styles this year. I have the Emmett in the burnt red (which are sold out), yellow-ish color, and black denim. I also bought these paper bag shorts when I saw them in the store, and they are breezy but secure in the best way. I am wearing them right now as I write this.
J.Crew patch pocket shorts are also very cute, I have them in white and navy chino. These are not as high-rise and are a shorter cut. They look good on me, but don’t feel as great, so I have been wearing them with longer, less fitting tops.
Tees + Tanks:
Tank tops are all so cropped these days, which is not a bad thing for my body but also not my preference as a mother. I’m trying to be taken seriously, here! Regardless, I’m wearing a lot of high neck tanks and Everlane shells. My favorite tees this season are the ribbed crewnecks from J.Crew Factory. Great length, tuck-able, love the small ribs, and fitted just right.
Summer sweaters:
They say the summer is a woman’s winter and that is true for me. I’m enjoying a few summer sweaters, especially the J.Crew cable-knit cardigan, Quince fisherman sweater and $50 Mongolian cashmere, and Gap shrunken polo sweater.
Clothes for lounging:
I always try to have 2-3 “Sunday outfits” in my rotation at any given time. These are intended to be comfortable, sweat-friendly, and wedgie/bra wire-free. This season I’m loving the Vuori Villa Short with their Halo Essential Tank (it’s cropped - fair warning). I also like the Athleta Weekender Run Short for nights when I’m taking my dog for a walk and might get a little bit sweaty.
Workout clothes:
I am a runner and have been spending many of my days in the gym lately. I tend to find 1-2 tops and 1-2 bottoms that fit me well, and I buy them in every color. Here’s what’s in my rotation:
Running shorts: Lululemon High Rise Hotty Hot Shorts - I have about 8 of them
Running tops: Athleta In Motion Seamless Tank - I also have about 8 of them
Sports bras: I only run in the Zella High Neck sports bra that is discontinued (!) and I don’t know what to do with myself knowing these won’t last forever
Running shoes: I recently converted to the Saucony Kinvara 15 (look at that blue!) after years of running in the Brooks Launch sneaker and could not be happier. Both shoes are great, but the Saucony are slightly lighter without losing the support of the Brooks
Biking/lifting shorts: Lululemon Align 6” Biker Short all day every day
Biking/lifting tops: This time of year it’s too hot to wear a shirt so I’ve gotten some longer sports bras and am enjoying that. I wear the Athleta Aurora Seamless Crob Rib Tank and the REI Active Pursuits Ribbed Bra.
Biking/lifting shoes: For gym workouts that aren’t running I wear the Nike In-Season TR 13 and love!
This time of year always gets me excited for what’s coming. Fall fashion is my favorite, I love shorts and sweaters and light jackets. I’m eyeing a few key pieces for this year, but hope to “shop in my own closet,” as they say.
That’s all for now,
Kelly