Last Friday, I went to the mall (Pioneer Square to be specific) with the goal of finding some affordable summer outfits and play clothes, but instead, I basically tried on the entire store to find some things that I liked across a few categories (summer office clothes, too). I don’t take pics of what doesn’t work (a waste of time and would likely include some self-body shaming that is bad for everyone involved), so what you see here today is what I really really like and think passes a lot of tests. Now to remember, I’m more apple shaped (bigger boobs, smaller hips/legs) and right now I’m around a size 4 so I’ll indicate the size I’m wearing because sizes at stores right now are WILD and nothing is consistent across the board making it really hard to buy sight unseen.
Jean Jacket Size XS | Blouse Size S | Striped Pants Size S | Mules
A solid summer chore jacket – lightweight denim, huge pockets, easy fit to layer over. LOVED IT. But we are all here for the pants. I tried on every single wide-leg linen pant they had, and this is the only one that I felt like had a drape that didn’t read as pajamas. The cream and grey stripe is flattering and could be worn with flip flops or elevated a bit (but not too much). I want to wear these all summer when I don’t have self-tanner on my legs (which is never, LOL – this is my new at-home favorite and develops in TWO HOURS). I don’t want to hate on loose linen pants, but often I just feel a bit schlubby in them out of the house – not these!!
Top (+ similar) Size S | Shorts (similar) Size S | Mules
How cute is this set???? So great for park hangs, over a bathing suit, mall shopping – anywhere where you want to be cool and casual but not look boring. These have a GREAT fit for me with a nice boxy top with a rounded shirt hem (i.e., not straight across), and the shorts don’t hug, cut in, or gather in weird places. I wouldn’t typically wear this set with those Nisolo Mules (still a favorite pair for almost any occasion where I want to be comfortable with a heel for hours), but with flip flops, sneakers or even cute wedges, this yellow and white stripe allows me to enjoy this summer yellow trend without investing too much financially. Affordable summer outfit, check!
Blazer Size S | Blouse (+ similar) Size S | Shorts Size 4 | Mules
This is a fantastic summer suit if I had an office job. It’s linen and looks really high-end, but is so affordable! My lifestyle does not support me having a white suit set (although if I were headed to New York for work meetings, I would totally buy this). The blouse is easy and lightweight (not a total slam dunk, but cute enough).
Blazer Size XS | Top Size S | Skort Size 4 | Mules
Another one, but make it a skort! And cream (which I can do a bit better than bright white). I loved the cut of the jacket – strong shoulders that drape really well. The skort is pretty dang cute – skirt in the front, shorts in the back. And that ribbed tank top is pretty great – for $9.99, it comes in a few colors. Great to layer, not too see-through, or did it show my bits and bobs. I’m wearing a medium but would size down if I wanted it more fitted (it was loose as a medium).
Blazer Size XS | Top Size S | Skort Size 4 | Mules
Proof of skort 🙂
Blazer Size S | Blouse Size S | Shorts Size S | Mules
Likely my favorite of the work looks – these navy blue shorts are so cute and pairing them with the crisp white blazer felt pretty “me”. The shorts are formal enough that I think you could totally wear them to work (or anywhere, really). The linen blouse has cute ruffled sleeves and isn’t like doing anything new in this world, but if you need more airy white linen blouses, this one is great and affordable.
Shacket Size S | Pants Size 4 | Mules
Listen, I’m not a huge white denim wearer year-round or in the summer, but this set is SO CUTE. I bought the top enthusiastically because I have it in denim (wearing it right now actually) and it’s a solid shacket. In cream with the button and pocket detail is solid (and it’s lightweight, not a super thick heavy denim). The jeans were long on me and high-waisted – so I didn’t get them, but they were great if you like straight-legged high-waisted denim!
Shacket Size S | Top Size S | Shorts Size S | Mules
Oh! Here is the white denim shirt as a shacket with these awesome pull-on linen shorts. Again, I tried on many linen shorts and these were my fave by far. Cute, affordable, flare out a little bit (no hugging or cutting in at the waist).
Shacket Size S | Top Size S | Shorts Size 4 | Mules
I also really liked these shorts with the tie at the top. I think these pair best with a tank top tucked in, which I rarely do, so they aren’t for me, but my team agreed they were really good if you are into that look.
Button Up Size XS | Shorts Size S | Mules
The last two things, which admittedly don’t make the best outfit, but individually, the pieces are great. Baggier jean shorts with a drawstring/elastic waist (so comfy) that flair out a bit. Solid summer play shorts. Then the linen shirt is SO GOOD. Easy to wear, so breathable, forgiving/flattering stripe pattern, dress her up or down = solid summer shirt.
Where should I go next for affordable summer outfits and clothes????? I tried Mango (and failed) but haven’t been to Old Navy in a bit…Just say the word… Oh, and if any of these are sold out online, I would absolutely check your local H&M if you have one.
And in case you missed some of our other summer fashion posts check these out:
Photos by Kaitlin Green
Source link
