Early Summer Style: Stripes, Linen & a Few Finds Worth Knowing About
Though — per the calendar — summer is still a few weeks away, Memorial Day weekend has always felt like the unofficial start of the season. There’s something about that long, unhurried weekend that flips a switch: suddenly the grill is out, the days stretch past seven o’clock, and lighter fabrics start calling from the back of the closet. We’ve had a few warm days already to set the tone, and I’ve been gradually shifting my mindset — and my wardrobe — into summer gear. Consider this a preview of what’s been catching my eye.
Let’s start with what I’m wearing — because I love the colors in this striped cotton shirt, and it works so seamlessly with most of my pants and jeans.
The Outfit: A Striped Shirt That Works All Day
My sizes: Shirt – XS, Pants – Petite M (could have gone with S)
I’m finding a cotton shirt works well for those days that go from cool to warm and back to cool when the coastal breezes pick up in the afternoon. A cropped cut like this one (available in more colors) is perfect to wear with wide-leg pants or fuller skirts, and works well for petites. Banana Republic has just launched their long-weekend sale: 30% off!
If the stripe feels right to you (it’s a classic for a reason), here are a few others I’ve had my eye on.
More Striped Shirts I Love
Beyond the shirt, here’s a little edit of summer-leaning pieces that have been catching my attention lately — from a seriously good sunscreen to a fragrance that genuinely smells like a coastal afternoon.
A Few More Summer-Ready Finds
Eyelet Shirt – $128
Eyelet, but make it navy. (Springs, this is our Bright Navy! Winters, this works for you too.)
It’s not quite as cropped as it looks on this model; I tried the XS which hit me at the lower hip.
Cap Toe Ballet Flats – $325
I am SO tempted by these, which have more padding and support than most ballet flats. The open weave is a great warm-weather option when you prefer a closed-toe shoe.
Pull-on Linen Painter Pants – $120
I think Banana Republic has really been hitting it out of the park lately, especially with their linen pieces. These will take you from morning farmers’ market to evening apéro in comfort & style.
(I love that the pockets are toward the front, rather than on the side seams.)
Linen-Cotton Cardigan – $168
A more elevated alternative to a tee that’s just as comfortable and easy to style. This lightweight cardigan is available in several colors, runs true-to-size for a relaxed-not-oversized fit. Several colors available.
Mixed Pearl & Bead Necklace – $35.50
When it’s too warm to layer, I lean into accessories to add color & interest to summer looks. This necklace with freshwater pearls is so pretty! (And 40% off!)
If you like more color, this one is really fun too.
Sunscreen is a MUST – $54.75
This is the one I’ve used most over the last couple of years, and I still think it’s the best. Dries clear, doesn’t “pill” or get cakey, and works under makeup. There’s also a tinted version, if you prefer.
(Both are currently 25% off!)
The Long Weekend Sales Are ON…
J.Crew – Summer Kickoff Sale, 40% off your purchase
Ann Taylor – 50% off summer-ready styles
Talbots – 30% off your entire purchase
Madewell – 25% off dresses, shoes, & tees, code LONGWEEKEND
Paige – 25% off sitewide
Lands’ End – up to 60% off sitewide
Boden – 25% off everything
Vince – extra 25% off sale with code MAY25
The unofficial start of summer feels like the right moment to refresh a few things — and with some of great sales happening this weekend, the timing couldn’t be better. Enjoy the long weekend, and I’ll see you back here soon.
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