It’s felt a little like that transition in seasons ever so silently just happened. One minute, it was “summer”; the next time I glanced at the calendar, I realised that we’d already rolled right into autumn. And for the first time, my most worn pieces felt like a bit of a mystery. Nothing quite stood out as being a piece I’d worn on repeat.
Wearing Lois Hazel silk tiered tank; Assembly Label denim shorts; YSL slides (affordable alternative); Madewell bag; Mejuri earrings; Linjer necklace (10% off jewellery with code “mademoiselle10”)
The one thing that did strike me as unusual this summer? Just how often I wore jeans. A first for me since moving to Sydney given typical summer temps here range from 27-41 deg C. I also noticed some themes, in the types of items I was wearing on repeat. Probably because once I had a handle on my summer style, I quickly developed a uniform. Same style, different day.
SUMMER MOST WORN ITEMS
Everlane black air cami | worn 9 times
The first theme I picked up on in my most worn items were sleeveless tanks. Bit of a no-brainer, they’re an all year basic for me, but even more so when it’s hot. My go-to seemed to be this scoop neck one from Everlane which I’ve had a few years now. It’s held up so well, and I love the feel of the fabric. Lightweight and soft against the skin. The seams on mine have twisted slightly, but it’s in otherwise excellent condition.
Other notable mentions include a muscle tank from CO/RCA in black with oversized armholes, and a beige ribbed tank with a u-neckline from Melbourne-based label Lois Hazel.
& Other Stories black cardigan | worn 5 times
I was a little surprised to find that I actually wore knitwear during the summer. Not a whole lot, but still enough that I wanted to mention it. This & Other Stories cardigan became a fast favourite of mine when I added it to my wardrobe mid-last year. Love that it’s 100% wool, and the style works with most outfits. Plus it’s black. Classic. Being natural fibre it does ball up a little so having a good fabric shaver is important from a maintenance perspective.
Assembly Label black denim shorts | worn 8 times
It’s funny to think that I’d almost decluttered these shorts at one point. A reminder of how quickly our style, tastes and preferences can change, depending on our circumstances or whims. What I love about these shorts is the large fit at the waist (very comfortable postpartum), and the wide fit through the leg. The denim has faded really nicely too in the three years or so since I first added them to my wardrobe.
Also among my most worn items for summer were these paperbag waist shorts from H&M. I have them in two colours – beige and a sage green – and think the fit is great. High-waisted, cinched at the waist, with a relaxed fit through the leg. Not too short either. Plus the price – under $15!
Isabel Marant Etoile skirt | worn 5 times
One of the many surprises that popped up as I was recounting my most worn was this IME skirt (worn on Instagram here). I purchased this as a bit of a birthday treat in late January, so it came into my closet pretty late into the season. It’s always a good sign when you reach for an item frequently so soon after buying it. Isabel Marant skirts are a firm favourite of mine – she always nails the silhouette – and I especially was attracted to this iteration. The pintuck pleating, slight asymmetric hemline, and the beautiful beige floral print. Having a black base makes it a great option to wear throughout winter too, with tights if it’s cool.
Witchery slim fit jeans | worn 9 times
I’ve been wearing skinny jeans religiously since the age of 11; more than two decades now. So this feels like a huge change, but a welcome one. I’ve been loving the “challenge” of incorporating a straighter leg style into my daily outfits; figuring out proportions, best “supporting acts”, as well as realising which shoes will best complement their shape, without making my legs look stunted. Witchery isn’t a brand I would normally think to go to for jeans, but this is my second pair from them and colour me impressed. Soft thick denim, with a bit of stretch (and a bit of give), they’ve been great for crawling around the house with our boy. No half sizes and I do find they run a little big but I’m also enjoying wearing jeans that feel more relaxed, too.
Jane Debster tan slides | worn 23 times
You probably could have guessed that these would have popped up. Well, slides in general. Definitely a theme as I opt for easy dressing, and shoes that I can quickly slip on around the house. Despite splurging on the designer version, I still can’t help but reach for these dupes. They’re looking a little worse for wear these days… though I foresee myself continuing to reach for them until there’s no life left in the shoe.
Trailing closely behind were my black YSL tribute slides. I was a little nervous when spending so much on slides, that I’d maybe not wear them as much (despite loving my latte patent pair), but they’ve been such a great addition to my wardrobe. The learning here? When you love a certain style, lean into it, and don’t save things for best.
Linjer Lana bag | worn 20 times
Still allllll about the small crossbody bag. My Linjer Lana Bag has been a consistent favourite of mine over the past year; it fits all the essentials, and I love the way the compact shape sits against my frame. Perhaps the only challenge these days is the popper closure. Our boy makes a beeline for my bag (if he can grab it, that is!), and loves to pull everything out, so I have to be careful where I place it down.
Another latecomer to my wardrobe for summer was this little crossbody camera bag from Quince. And in the month I’ve had it, I’ve worn it loads. This is my current every day bag; I love the zip top, the size is perfect, and the mock croc leather adds texture to my outfits. Wish the embossed croc leather was extended to the strap, and that it could be shortened, but those are little niggles I can live with.
