Shop My Closet: Summer Fashion Finds I Love

Summer doesn't officially begin until June 21st, but here where I live, it's been feeling like summer since about mid-April. Which means I've been adding a few pieces here and there to freshen up my summer options as I simultaneously clear out items I no longer find joy in.

When it comes to summer fashion, I look for pieces that are easy breezy. As in, they're easy to mix and match and let plenty of air in so that I don't suffocate in our frequent triple-digit heat and sometimes dangerous humidity.

Honestly, the past few summers have seen me living in shorts and t-shirts. To the point that every day looks pretty much the same. So boring. But when you live somewhere that the heat and humidity are always on, summer fashion becomes more about survival than style. This year, I want to survive in style, which means a few intentional tweaks to "dress up" what I already own.

Unfortunately, what's trending this summer is not my style at all. I've combed through all the summer fashion trend reports and come up completely empty. So if you're here to see the latest summer trends, you've come to the wrong place.

What you will find in this post are the things that I have actually bought that you will see me wear all summer long. As always, I do shop on a budget. While this is a pretty big list, you should know that none of these items were purchased as part of a "haul." Most were bought on sale over several months, and in the case of Old Navy with Super Cash.

I can't say that all of these items are currently in my closet. A small handful are recent orders that haven't come in yet, mostly shorts and a few tops (I tried to make note of that in the descriptions), but many of the items I'm sharing with y'all today that are currently in my closet have already made appearances on the blog. Like I said, it's been feeling pretty summer-ish for awhile now.

This post is not meant to tell you what to buy but rather to give you a realistic picture of what I'm currently shopping as part of my own personal style. If you do choose to shop through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Dresses

Blue & White Stripe Dress -- This dress is so fun for summer. It's also very flattering and would be cute for the 4th of July. It is currently on clearance, but it's still available in all sizes.

Sleeveless Drop-Waist Swing Dress in white paisley and blue retro stripe -- I was skeptical of these when I first saw them, then I tried one on and was sold. They are so good!

Green Floral Dress -- I'm pretty excited for this dress to come in. It's just a nice basic maxi dress in a pretty floral print. It's got a cute little bow-tie on the back and adjustable straps. Otherwise it's just simple, which is exactly what I want in a summer dress. Something I can throw on and go!

Green & Yellow Floral Dress -- This was a random Target find, but it will be such a good option for the summer. It's good on its own but can also be layered pretty easily.

Purple & Brown Floral Dress -- I love boho-style dresses so much, and this one is so good. Not only is it a pretty print, but it also has extra little details like a little scallop edge at the bodice and beads on the adjustable straps. It comes in several other options, as well.

Bottoms

White Linen Shorts -- Old Navy is my favorite place to get linen shorts. They're always good quality and not usually see-through.

Baggy Jean Shorts -- As far as denim shorts go, these are okay. For once, I don't have any complaints about how the legs fit; they're actually not tight! I ordered these in size 8, but I think I would actually like them a bit better in the 10 for more room in the hips.

Green Gingham Boxer Shorts -- Technically these are pajama bottoms, but I absolutely have worn them out and will do so again. The green is selling out, but they also come in blue and pink gingham and a solid yellow.

Pull-On Shorts -- So I've pretty much decided that if it has a traditional button and zipper closure, I don't really want it, especially in shorts. Do you know how hard it is to find a pair of good-fitting shorts? Especially when you're petite! Why do all brands think that petite equals short and stick-thin? Anyway, I ordered these in three different options: B Light Blue (striped), C Candy Pink, and B Forest Green. I ordered them in a large, or one full size up, to hopefully ensure that the legs are roomy enough for my thunder thighs. Will report back on whether or not they actually work once they come in.

Yellow Floral Print Flowy Shorts -- Y'all should remember these style of shorts from last year. You know I love them, and I couldn't resist adding this pretty yellow floral print to my collection. I've already worn them a couple of times and can't wait to style them in other ways.

Cotton-Linen Skirts -- Seriously, I'm going to do a post dedicated to these skirts. That's how much I love them. I've been slowly buying them all up. It started with the light blue back in the spring and has since expanded to include the light pink, yellow (pictured), white, and black. These are a cotton-linen blend and fully lined with an elastic, drawstring waist. The only thing they don't have is pockets, but I honestly don't even care.

Tops

Green Gingham Tie-Side Tank -- This is such a cute tank. I love the design. It keeps selling out, but they've been restocking it, so if they don't have your size keep checking back.

Tie-Front Polka Dot Blouse -- This blouse is adorable and keeps selling out, but they haven't removed it from the website yet, which usually means they'll restock, so keep checking back!

Blue Floral Scarf Top -- I love this top so much. It is so pretty in person. My only complaint is that it wrinkles very easily.

White Halter Top -- This is a nice, better-than-basic white top. It's super soft, has a handkerchief hem, and has a built-in bra.

Oversized Nirvana Tee -- I've been looking for a replacement Nirvana tee for awhile, and this one is a lot of fun. It is cropped, but y'all know that doesn't mean much for me. It's also oversized and boxy.

Loose Graphic Tee in beach print (white lilies) and fruit bowl (sunbeam) print -- These tees are the perfect boxy fit.

Good Times Ahead Oversized Tee -- This is a tunic-style oversized tee, so it's very much an oversized  fit. My only complaint is that it's pinker in person than I was expecting.

Pink Stripe Ribbed Tank -- This is such a cute top and will be one of those feels-dressy-but-really-isn't tops that I can throw on when I need something a little bit nicer than a t-shirt. I really like the scallop detail at the neck and arms.

Yellow Floral Tie-Front Ruffle Tank -- I got this top with the intention of being able to wear it to school in the warm months, but the ties on the front come down a bit too low for that. It's still really cute, though, and can be dressed up or down.

Red Button-Front Vest Top -- I really love this style of top. The bright pop of red will make any outfit feel just a bit more polished. I like that it can be worn buttoned-up on its own or open like a traditional vest.

Blue & White Eyelet Tank -- This blouse is absolutely stunning in person. It's fully lined and 100 percent cotton. The eyelet is embroidered, the neckline is slightly ruffled, and the buttons are cloth covered. The urge to order this in every color it comes in is real.

Black Floral Cropped Tank -- I'm taking a chance on this one since it's cropped, but I'm cautiously optimistic that the length will be just right for me. It's 100 percent cotton and has a cute button detail on the back.

Green Floral Button-Up Tank -- This top is a Free People dupe apparently, though I didn't know that when I ordered it. I wish I could give you a glowing review, but it's just okay. Don't get me wrong. It's gorgeous. I'm just having a hard time styling it right now. I'm not giving up on it, though.

Sardine Graphic Tee -- I gave in to the weird sardine trend. I still don't understand what makes this popular. That said, I can't deny that I really like this tee. It's nice and oversized and very soft. The graphic isn't crunchy or crinkly, which is always a plus, and it matches quite a few things I already own.

Strawberry Graphic Tee -- I've been going back and forth on this oversized tee for awhile. It's marketed as a Free People dupe and is supposed to be 100 percent cotton. I'm hoping that the print is sublimated and not one of those crinkly stick on ones that never last. The reviews are pretty mixed, so who knows what I'll actually get.

Cowboy Cat Graphic Tee -- I confess that I didn't order this specifically with summer in mind. I ordered it because it made me laugh out loud. I don't wear a lot of funny graphic tees, but I couldn't resist this one.

Shoes

White Sneakers -- I needed to replace my old white sneakers, which were just worn and dingy. These canvas ones are really comfortable and have more structure than my old pair.

Straw Sandals -- You've seen these on the blog a few times already, but be prepared to see them a bunch more this summer.

Cream-Colored Sandals -- I got these because I wanted a pair of sleek, neutral-colored sandals to "dress up" outfits without adding bulk to my feet. These definitely fit the bill. However, the ankle straps are pretty short, so they're very snug, which doesn't make them ideal for long wear.

Red Jelly Mary Janes -- I didn't buy these specifically for summer, but they are perfect for the season. Not only are they on trend, but they're cute and comfortable.