I feel deeply unprepared for summer.  My 2022 summer wardrobe was maternity clothes.  My 2021 summer wardrobe was all size 4 dresses — like those are going to fit after working a stressful legislative session. ????  So what’s a girl to do?

Go back to basics, but with a twist.  I want pieces that hold onto the building blocks of summer with a little something extra.  These are those pieces.

A Unique Striped Top // We all love a good Breton striped tee.  It’s a summer classic.  But this tee from English Factory gives you more.  The turned up cuff and the gold button are fantastic details.  And did I mention the top costs less than $75?

Other unique stripe options include this striped frill detail top, this pink and red stripe tee, and for a moodier look, try this black and brown tee from Everlane.  For a short sleeve option, I love this t-shirt from Sezane with a graphic-script accent.

A Straw Bag // The ultimate summer staple — a great straw bag can go from work to weekend if it offers a classic shape, a bit of structure and a leather accent to lift the style.  The Loewe bag is the dream (it goes on my birthday list every summer), but there are many affordable options at play.  This Mango bag is a perfect option, and their larger size is nice too.  In the mid-price range, this Demellier bag gives you that structured for summer vibe for under-$300.

An Unexpected Sheath // I need three things in a summer work dress: 1) a sleeve — Michelle Obama arms, I do not possess; 2) color — I have all the black and navy I could ever need; and 3) a dress that can stand on its own — I might take off my jacket, and I need the dress to carry its own sartorial weight.

This dress from MM LaFleur in an elegant aloe hue is such a dress.  The pleated, slightly wrapped front gives it just enough to stand alone.  I also love this pale purple dress from Calvin Klein with a ruched sleeve detail.  Also, when I spotted this under-$50 whisper blue dress, I swore.  That’s how good it is.

Plus-size?  This Donna Morgan dress has a flutter fit (also in misses) for a more forgiving and breezier look.  I also love this crimson dolman sleeve dress from Alexia Admor.  Petite? This Midnight Teal dress from Nordstrom is a fun option for work.

An Eyelet Blouse // This Nic + Zoe blouse is the perfect work to weekend staple.  For the office, try it with a pair of wide leg trousers in a subtle navy and a navy flat.  For weekend, add a colorful, high waist short and a sandal.  The blouse is also available in plus-size.

For other eyelet shirts, I like this J.Crew top and this wrap front blouse from Elie Tahari.  Looking for a more relaxed option?  Anthro has a mixed media top with an eyelet sleeve and a jersey bodice.

A Colorful Driver // Unlike many women, those of us who work at law firms, corporate offices, and government jobs can’t always wear sandals to work, even on Fridays.  The solution for a casual shoe that screams summer is a colorful driver.  These Rothy’s drivers are the perfect option.  The pale pink is my first choice, but it’s sold out.  This subtle aquamarine is a very strong second choice.  Sizes 5-13 are available.

These raspberry suede drivers from Massimo Matteo are lovely.  These blue-green tasseled drivers are also nice.  I also like this orange pair.  And if you need a chic pair that isn’t bright, this gold pair from Eastland is a great place to start.

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