As spring winds down and the unofficial start of summer begins this Memorial Day weekend, I thought it would be a great time to review what worked well this spring. The following four outfits were my favorites and it’s no surprise a top I had been looking for (for two years!) made the list twice! I always get asked about how I decide what to buy, so here are a few of my secrets.
Secret #1: I always stop for kelly green
I have had this green dress for years (purchased at Target, of course!) I always stop when I see anything Kelly green and/or polka dots so you can imagine how quickly I snatched this up. I love the v-neck and length and the color isn’t something you see a lot of. While I’d love the dress more if it had sleeves, the wider straps help with the proportion of my arms and shoulders. I love pulling this out of my closet a few times a year and always get compliments. Camel and kelly green are something I’m always on the lookout for.
Secret #2: I look for basics with fun details
Pattern mixing is still new to me and it helped when I started viewing stripes as a “neutral.” This sunny striped top got me featured on Target’s website and the lemon skirt has been one of your favorites over the years as well. It goes to show you that classic pieces like t-shirts and a-line skirts can be anything but basic.
(T-shirt and my photo (!) are still available here.)
Secret #3: I spend time thinking about what I want
I love the idea of wearing florals in the spring but could never find anything that I actually liked. The patterns were always too big, too bold, the wrong color or style. I took a little time to think about what I wanted after I had the laundry list of things I didn’t. And so I I put on my shopping list a small pattern floral top in spring colors made of natural fabric. Being specific allowed me to skip past the majority of options until I landed on this top. I love it paired with olive pants and jeans and know it will be trotted out again this summer.
Secret #4: I wear pieces that work for me, regardless of trends
It’s no secret I love olive green. This pair of pants is a workhorse and the straight leg will suit me well for years to come–as much as I love the cropped wide length pants on others, they just don’t look right on me. And the jacket. Ahhh this jacket! Swoon! I don’t care for the look of utility jackets on me and prefer a cropped fitted jacket. I leapt when I found this one. I have no idea how it’s still available! I sized down one since I’ll wear it with thinner pieces. Get yours here!