Maybe I’m exaggerating here, but I’m already looking forward to my favorite time of year: summer. I’m looking forward to long days and warm nights that will hopefully be peppered with beach trips, rooftop happy hours, and picnics in the park. While I’m sitting here daydreaming about rising temperatures and upcoming outdoor activities, I’m also examining my summer wardrobe and doing a lot of decluttering.
I think we can all agree that the past two summer seasons haven’t exactly felt normal, so the basics I wore between June and September could definitely use an update. After examining my closet, I plan to get rid of seven outdated summer fashion items that no longer feel fresh. Items like shrunken cardigans and leather blazers that I’ve been hoarding for years are getting the boot as I set my sights on a few updates for 2023 that will make all my summer fits more in line with where my style is today.
Keep reading to see which staples I’m cutting away for good and what I’ll be relying on to get through the coming months.
First of all, my sweaters could definitely use a freshening up. I’ve never really been a cardigan girl, so I’m totally ready to say goodbye to my cropped cardigans as they always felt a little too sweet for my personal style. As someone who lives for the classics, I’m excited about the refocus Prada’s fall runway is putting on classic crewneck sweaters, and I’ll be styling one with everything from denim to voluminous skirts.
Have you heard? It’s going to be a flat shoe fall, and none other than Mary Jane flats are leading the movement, ranging in every iteration from sweet satin to understated leather. I already find myself reaching for them with jeans, skirts and dresses, so I can attest to their versatility. With limited space to accommodate my growing shoe collection, I’m retiring flat mules that no longer feel like the latest option to me.
Skirts are skirts right now, and high-volume A-line styles are without a doubt the key silhouette of the season. I’ve been working on the look all year, but I’m still looking forward to doubling down on fall with fresh styling ideas. Pleated mini skirts were fun to try, but they don’t feel as sophisticated anymore now that these midi styles are in the mix.
No joke, my wardrobe is so overcrowded that my hangers are breaking from the weight of all the leather they struggle to support. What can I say? I love a good leather jacket, but practically speaking, I can’t own that many. I’m reworking leather blazers, as I haven’t found this style in over a year, so I can make room for distressed styles with a cool vintage feel.
I recently tried on a pair of ultra-high-rise jeans from the back of my closet. It hurt to sit down. I love the classic look of this style, but honestly can’t remember how I ever wore them as much as I used to. All I’m interested in lately is anything relaxed and low-slung. I understand that low rises are controversial, so whether this is good or bad news for you, one thing is clear: this fall, low-rise jeans are definitely easier to wear, with roomier and relaxed fits that compensate for the midriff-exposing waistline.
When it comes to boots, you can almost always count on a cool pair to emerge for fall. In past seasons that meant a pair of chunky Chelsea boots, but in 2023 they’ll make way for the new era of motorcycle boots, complete with all kinds of buckles, grommets and studs. Miu Miu is the target here, so I pay attention to the popular style and shop accordingly.