As I review my wardrobe wear count at the end of each season, I always like to go back and review what made it into my “top ten” for the previous year. It’s always interesting to see whether those items are ones that still gel with me now, or if newer versions have outranked them in the hierarchy of my wardrobe.
To some extent, I’ve been putting off reviewing my summer most worn items for 2024. It’s still hot here in Sydney. Close to, or hotter than 30 deg C most days, making the first two weeks of autumn feel more like an extension of summer. This seems to reflect the change in seasonal weather patterns I’ve noticed; a cool change coming much later in the year (April/May), with warmer weather starting to spotlight around late August – early September.
And I wonder, does this work against my seasonal data collection? Should I be using my own reference point for the seasons? As if so, autumn and winter would be just a blip on the annual calendar, with summer cannibalising much of my record-keeping.
Or, perhaps more logically, it makes sense to take this for what it is. A reminder that my warm weather wardrobe should far outweigh the wardrobe real estate set aside for cosy A/W pieces.
Food for thought, anyway. Let’s chat through my summer most worn items.
MOST WORN TOP
A black tank | DISSH, Everlane, Madewell, Marle & Tibi
While a very old spaghetti strap tank from Everlane held the title of my most worn top, the trend this summer was crystal clear. I favoured a black cotton tank over anything else. For me, it’s become something off a fallback; when I’m doing daycare drop off and need something easy… I reach for a black tank. When I want an effortless chic outfit? An all black look with a black tank. Despite participating in some pretty intense closet curation at the start of the year, this was one are of my wardrobe where I was happy to have many, many multiples.
MOST WORN KNIT
While the caveat here is clear – I didn’t reach for this heavily over summer – what I am picking up is the style is key. Looking back to my 2023 most worn, you can see I found myself reaching for a cardigan frequently then too. Part of the charm of a slouchy cardigan is that you can wear it off-kilter. Casually strewn over the shoulders, perhaps a little lopsided baring some skin. It feels like less o a commitment than a classic crew.
MOST WORN SKIRT
A maxi length skirt | Goelia (10% off with JAMIE10), Tibi
My love of long skirts – which we saw also in spring – hasn’t wavered. What I look for? Fabrications that feel light and airy, or some sort of movement that encourages air flow around the legs. The actual cut or silhouette seems to be less of a factor, as evidenced by the two I reached for the most. A nylon balloon skirt from Tibi, and a straight trouser skirt from Goelia.
MOST WORN DRESS
Sezane Sabrina mini dress & Pippa dress
A style I’ve gone on to wear once a week since adding them to my wardrobe – the Sabrina and Pippa from Sezane. What works for me is the wrap detail across the waist, which I find really flattering. The two silhouettes are quite different, though the easy cotton stretch fabrication is the same. Sabrina is a short mini, with exaggerated sleeves and a cinched in waist. Whereas Pippa has a classic sleeve with cuff detail, and a maxi length skirt with side split. The black is super practical, but am thinking I might branch out and add in a colourful option for next spring/summer.
MOST WORN SHORTS
Definitely in my wardrobe hall of fame by this point; the Everlane a-line denim shorts. Still one of my most reached for pieces in my wardrobe, and they’ve worn and washed so well. It’s the high waist combined with the wide leg opening that does it for me. For anyone considering a pair of these, I recommend sizing down one as they fit large at the waist. The other pair which was on high rotation were these from JAG. A white denim pair with contrast stitch, the fabric on these is nice and soft which is what made them so comfortable to wear. Despite my desire to wear things that are more tailored in cut and fabrication, I’m usually brought back down to earth each summer as my denim shorts always reign supreme.
MOST WORN TROUSERS
I have a habit of hyper-fixating on certain pieces in my closet – for summer, it was these white trousers from Sportscraft. Which I made a point of wearing, every time the weather gods aligned. Often, just with a simple tank and a belt at the waist to add definition. On the weekends or days when the kids were home, I’d alternate these with my Levi’s ribcage jeans. Which as far as I’m currently concerned, are basically the only jeans I need in my wardrobe.
MOST WORN SHOES
Simple flat shoes | AERE, Everlane day gloves & ballet flats, YSL
A few years ago, this would have been no contest. My YSL black tributes would have been my most worn by a mile. But for summer 2024, the spread was pretty even across four styles; these strappy sandals from AERE, my Everlane day gloves, Everlane ballet flats, and YSL tributes. As chic as the tributes are, I’ve noticed my feet seem to have “spread” a little more as I’ve aged and had children. They’ve always been a style I thought best suited for regular/narrow feet, but it’s never felt more true than now, as I usually chance getting blisters every time I wear them. One thing I’ve really started to recognise with shoes, is that I always gravitate towards simple, classic styles. I love something quirky, but it has to have elements of neutrality within it that make it wearable for every day.
MOST WORN BAG
A chic crossbody | Karen Walker, Sezane
Finally, ending with my most worn bag. I tend to cycle through my bags a few times over the course of the season. But generally, there will be one or two that I favour. This summer, it was this sweet perforated tote bag from Karen Walker, and my Sezane Claude bag. Similar, yet different. The KW bag I loved for the subtle texture, and was grateful for the interior clip which kept it feeling reasonably secure despite the wide opening at the top of the bag. And the Sezane Claude, because it feels indestructible, and adds this lovely textural quality and shine to an outfit. What they have in common? They allow me to go hands free. As much as I love the look of a shoulder bag, it’s not always the most practical option. And these have the perfect combination of style and functionality.
