Not So Boring Basics for Summer

A summer spin on these wardrobe classics

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There is a general list of wardrobe “staples” everyone in the fashion world insists you have — things like a black sweater, a LBD, a pair of perfectly fitting jeans, a trench coat, etc. You know the list. And in my opinion, the people who lack these basic pieces are the people who always complain about having nothing to wear!

So what’s the deal? Wardrobe basics tend to be boring, or at least seem boring — solid colors, sans pattern, etc. And while these boring basics can be necessary in creating a fashion uniform and creating outfits in general, they aren’t required to be boring pieces. Today we’re talking about not so boring basics for summer — about spicing up the basic pieces in your closet and becoming excited to wear them during these hotter months!

The Boring Basic – A White Button Down / Blouse

Everyone needs a basic white button down or silk blouse in their wardrobe, because it can go with literally everything. Wear it to the office under a suit or neatly tucked into trousers. An untucked or half-tucked, cotton version can come out to play with jeans for the weekend. It’s a classic shirt style.

The Summer Twist – Brighten Up

Swap out your basic white shirt this summer for something bright, like chartreuse or lavender. Or while you’re at it, opt for something summery like a tropical print or vibrant floral pattern. The summer pop will still be just as versatile as your basic white.

I have been obsessed with this bright chartreuse shade in everything from interiors to eye shadow. Something this bright may seem scary, but paired beneath a neutral blazer or tucked into a neutral pair of slacks is pretty simple. And loosely tucking this silk blouse into your favorite pair of mom jeans will be a perfect look for an evening out.

The Boring Basic – A Black Blazer

The perfect way to add a structured, polished look to any outfit is with a tailored blazer. The menswear inspired piece can easily be worn to the office or over a T-shirt and some worn in jeans.

The Summer Twist – Florals? For Spring? Outstanding!

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good neutral colored suit jacket, but this summer is all about the vibrant hues and punchy patterns. Again, you can wear a fun floral pattern or an unexpected green blazer in the same ways you can wear your neutral options, just with a little twist.

This striped, emerald green blazer is perfect for summer due to the fun, unexpected pop of color but still classic due to the pin stripe pattern. And these days, emerald is totally a neutral to me.

You could also try punchy colors like purples and blues (which are pretty easy to find at the thrift store) or animal prints which can remain neutral with an interesting pattern twist.

The Boring Basic – A White T-Shirt

You’ve probably got one (ok 2…3) of these lying around, because a white T-shirt is a classic piece to have in your closet. This foundation piece is always casual and cool with jean shorts or dressed up when tucked into a pencil skirt.

The Summer Twist – Ruffles and rouching and zebras? Oh my!

You’ll see a trend, if you haven’t already, that simply swapping out the basic aspect of these pieces doesn’t make them any less versatile. Put your classic white T on the back burner for a bit, and replace it with a quirky graphic T, animal print number, one-shoulder silhouette, or something ultra bright and summer appropriate like this bow blouse from Mango. Even though it has puff sleeves and a bow at the waist, it still will be as classic as a white T-shirt. You can wear it with jeans or with trousers for work.

And if you want to keep it cool and classic with a white T-shirt, try finding an option with some frill or ruffled sleeves to add a structural interest without compromising the ultra-versatile white color.

The Boring Basic – Jeans

Listen, I’m never going to tell you don’t need a good pair of denim in your closet. No matter what your style is, a perfectly fitting pair of jeans is a must! So how do you add a summer twist to something this classic and timeless?

The Summer Twist – Relax!

Not to disrespect skinny jeans, but the new go to denim style among the fashion crowd is loose fitting jeans, according to Who What Wear. And I’m here for it. Grab yourself a relaxed pair or mom jeans, bootcut, or hell, go for a wide leg-crop if you want. The point is, wear the relaxed jeans while it’s trendy (because who doesn’t want to be hella comfy?).

The Boring Basic – Classic Flats

I say “classic flats” extremely loosely here, because your idea of a staple flat shoe will be vastly different than mine, I’m sure. The Blair Waldorfs of the world will opt for a ballet flat. The cool girls will opt for a pair of Adidas slides. And the French grandpa’s of the world (me) think a pair of loafers is the ideal flat shoe. You do you.

But a sold pair of neutral colored flat shoes are as versatile as they are classic.

The Summer Twist – Anything Goes!

Yeah, the summer twist here is pretty much a free for all! Like I said, depending on your style, your silhouette will vary, but for a summer twist, think outside the box.

I’m obsessed with these neon green loafer slides — imagine them with some light-wash, distressed jeans and on of the graphic T’s mentioned above! Fabulous!

You could also swap out your classic black leather for a tropical embroidered pattern, your athleisure slides for something with pearl accents, or something plain but vibrant in color!

The Boring Basic – Denim Jacket

A denim jacket, one without fraying, holes, or acid-washed rinse, is something you’ll never see my closet lacking. I love wearing my jean jacket to work with a skirt and heeled sandals or casually with black skinnies and a white T.

It’s one of those pieces that will never let you down.

The Summer Twist – It’s All About the Details

But for summer? I want fringe and patchwork and acid wash! A denim jacket with some sort of interesting feature could be the pop your otherwise basic outfit needs.

I’m obsessed with this light-wash jacket with pops of pink on the shoulders or the zippers on the sleeves of this jacket from Asos. The great thing about adding a summer twist to a jean jacket is that it’s totally dictated by your style and easy to DIY.

Head to your local Goodwill, and I’d be shocked if you didn’t find at least one jacket. Then head to your local craft store and stock up on patches and studs. You can make a completely customized jean jacket just in time for summer nights.

The Boring Basic – Professional Skirt

Every women needs a skirt that flatters their body type. Whether it’s a pencil skirt or A-line, knee length or beyond, it’s a good piece to have. Skirts can be worn at the office or casually.

The Summer Twist – Basic but Not Boring

I’m still all about a good basic skirt for summer, but that doesn’t mean it has to be basic. The piece that sparked this whole post is this leather, midi skirt from H&M. I fell in love with the warm color of the leather, and I thought the buttons and high waist would be perfect to tuck a loose blouse or tropical print T into for the summer months.

Depending on your style, you could opt for a tropical or animal print skirt, or something solid but bright in color.

Curating basics for any season is necessary but doesn’t have to be boring. While it’s nice to have neutral, solid, and timeless options, there are plenty of ways to spice up your wardrobe a bit. Simply swapping out a white T for a bright red one or opting for a silk button down instead of a cotton one can change the vibe of your whole outfit in a very simple way.

How do you feel about these summer basics? I’m loving all of them!