Summer style has yet to grip me in the way that transitional season and winter season style does. Mostly because there’s nothing exciting about wearing a singlet and denim shorts on days when it is really hot and sticky out. So I was pleasantly surprised when reviewing my summer most worn (for 22/23), as there’s a bit of a shift away from those core basics towards items that have a little more interest (despite how subtle).
Again, curious to know if the timing of this post is working or if you’d prefer a post-seasonal wear count wrap up in “real time”.
Anyway, here are my most worn items for summer 22/23.
MOST WORN TOP
St Agni green ribbed tank | worn 8 times
One of the key things I was looking to add to my summer wardrobe were “not-so-basic” tops. While I tend to favour those easy base neutrals, I was keen to add in some soft desaturated shades to broaden my wardrobe colour palette. This top from St Agni ticked all the boxes. Strappy, but not so “barely there” that it wouldn’t work for day to day. For that reason, I found myself purposefully reaching for it when I was in the mood for something other than a t-shirt (a fall back more often than not with the kids). Perhaps driving what I wore was the fact that we had a milder than usual start to summer. The flow on being that I felt more encouraged to wear longer shirts or blouses, making a point to cycle through the edit I had on rotation at our rental. Overall, pleased with this top. It’s help up well despite being thrown in the wash multiple times, though I do wish I’d sized down for a closer fit. I have it in the size S and the silhouette is a bit more eased out than I’d intended.
MOST WORN KNIT
Jenni Kayne black cashmere cropped cocoon cardigan | worn 4 times
Knitwear isn’t typically a huge focus point of my summer wardrobe. But thought it was worth a mention for those of you who do tend to include. I’ve started to develop a preference for how I mix tactile qualities. So thicker knits, yarns that are cashmere or wool, I’ll reserve for the cooler months. Lightweight knits in fabrications of cotton or linen feel more spring/summer appropriate. So this came as a surprise. But a welcome one, as it’s an item in my wardrobe that I cherish. I think if you’re planning to buy one thing from Jenni Kayne, it should be a knit. Their cashmere knits reign supreme in my books. Yes, you will get pilling as there is friction against the yarn, but this is quite normal irrespective of the price point. Feels plush, and washes well too. A great option for petites who want a slouchy fit sweater. Try using code JamieLee15 for 15% off.
MOST WORN DRESS
Everlane black linen mini dress | worn 6 times
Another one of those staple items that I added to my wardrobe ahead of the season. A very good sale purchase from Everlane which I haven’t regretted once. I craved simplicity; something that I could throw on and it was essentially a full outfit. Easily styled up with a knit over the shoulders, or a slouchy cardigan. That didn’t feel too relaxed. Being linen, it was a fabrication I was familiar with from the brand, so knew what I would be getting. The style is great and perfect for our climate. One I continued to wear through early autumn, and that I plan to cycle back into rotation in the spring. Wears and washes well.
MOST WORN SHORTS
Ganni black shorts | worn 13 times
I can’t for the life of me figure out where I’ve stored these shorts, but I had them on high rotation over the summer. More because I realised what was lacking from my daily style options. A tailored short. Something that read “you’ve put in effort”, even when you hadn’t. Quality-wise, they’re lacking. Something I was disappointed in given that Ganni does hit that middle price point range. The fabric has worn and there’s pilling, most noticeably around the seat area. But they were easy to style, and made a t-shirt and shorts combination feel elevated for lack of trying.
Honourable mention goes to the Everlane a-line denim shorts. I own four washes, and they’re hands down the best denim shorts, ever. I wore these 21 times total (across three colour ways) over the summer.
MOST WORN SKIRT
ONTE black cotton mini skirt | worn 4 times
Laughably low in wear count compared to my shorts, but what occurred to me when reflecting on my summer wardrobe was that I craved ease. Shorts made more sense as I was often crawling around with my kids. Practicality always wins out for me despite my intention to just “wear the clothes”. That said, I’ve gone on to continue wearing this skirt throughout autumn, and can vouch for just how great it is (washes well, too). Key detail that I love is the woven cotton yarn. Subtle, and really only visible upon inspection. Things like this make an item feel special in that way that you know a little secret that no one else knows. And it can be fun to find this quality in your clothing.
MOST WORN PANTS
Facade Pattern black linen pants | worn 5 times
Again not typically a category I place too much weight on for summer here in Sydney. So I was surprised when reviewing the data to find that I’d been cycling through quite a few pairs of trousers. Facade Pattern without a doubt make some of my favourite tailored pieces, and these trousers are a reflection of my shift towards a more relaxed pant style that is longer in length. Quality wise, they’ve held up, especially being thrown in the wash, and I like how easy they are to style back with all my essentials. Am convinced that a black trouser (in any style) will go with everything, and I’ve definitely got all my bases covered at this point.
MOST WORN JACKET
Berschka grey oversized blazer | worn 3 times
My most worn jacket came as a total surprise to me. And perhaps given the season, should be one I omitted. But, it highlighted a few things for me. Firstly, that I still have a lot of love for the oversized blazer (despite what Gen Z say about it). It’s become a big part of my style DNA; something that I reach for and feel really comfortable in. And we like to see these common threads as it’s a sign that you’re adding the right types of items to your wardrobe. But I think moreso, what was curious was how little of an impact this blazer made on me. So little, that I had no memory of even wearing it. What it does represent is good value for money. If memory serves this blazer came in at under $100 AUD, and the quality is really nice too.
MOST WORN SHOES
Wittner tan Carolina slides | worn 36 times
Not at all surprised that my most worn shoe of the summer was a slide sandal. But was surprised that the Wittner tan slides pipped my YSL ones out of their usual top spot. I suspect it’s down to the warm colour, which felt much needed when wearing colourless looks. And also that they’re a lot more comfortable. The leather is very soft, and I didn’t need to break them in at all. They fit true to size. Perhaps my only caveat with this shoe is that I’d recommend the black or the nude patent over the tan leather. Reason being that I have noticed signs of wear and tear – marks from kids dropping things on my feet etc. I suspect the other two colours might be a little more hard-wearing, though that is more down to personal circumstance than anything.
MOST WORN BAG
Saben Tilly’s Big Sis Crossbody Bag | worn 29 times
When I picked out the Tilly’s Big Sis in the seasonal “berry” hue, my intention was that it would be a high rotation A/W piece. But with the prominence of caramels and earthy hues, it’s gone on to be a colour that gels just as well with my spring/summer wardrobe, too. Easily my favourite style from the brand, it is hyper functional. Most similar to my Celine trio for how practical it is, but I’d pop this a rung above if I we were ranking them. Love the two separate exterior compartments, but there’s also a zip up interior compartment with two side pockets that have cardholders. Your side to finally add to cart if you’ve been tempted. Quality is exceptional, and aside from some softening of the leather it looks like new (review incoming, soon!). 15% off with the code JAMIELOVESSABEN too!
