Like most people, I've been more mindful than ever about my shopping habits and what items I really want to add to my wardrobe. After buying almost no fashion-related items in early spring (and wearing sweat outfits every single day), I decided to give myself an under-$100-an-item budget for May shopping. Things like basics, easy summer dresses, and sandals that I'll wear over and over (and over!) again made the cut in addition to a few other fun pieces. See the full list of items I purchased last month and how I'm styling them all below. Did I mention these outfits all require less than five minutes to put together? Because that's true, too.
Puff-Sleeve Dress + Structured Bag
Technically, this dress is on sale for $109, but I used a 10% off deal, so it makes the cut fair and square. This is my ideal summer dress with its puff sleeves and micro-print, and it’s only made better when paired with my little JW Pei bag (an editor favorite I finally caved on).
White Jeans + Ribbed Tank + Sandals
I'm a big fan of the ribbed-tank trend because it's so easy to pull off. I've stocked up on several lately, especially ones like this one-shoulder option, and not just because they're only $29. Here, I paired the tank with my new white Levi's—which aren't too rigid (read: work-from-home friendly)—and light gray sandals. Unfortunately, the gray color sold out fast, but I'm equally as in love with the blue pair below.
LBD + Oval Sunnies + Strappy Sandals
All black looks are not just for fall and winter. In fact in the summertime, I love pairing a lightweight LBD with strappy sandals and, of course, my new favorite sunnies. (The tortoise color keeps selling out, but the black ones are still available.
Leopard Dress + Mock-Croc Sandals
Alright, so this is the part when I tell you I regularly buy items I love in multiple colorways. This particular decision was not hard because of the dress's $35 price tag and because of my general fondness for animal print. I love how effortless it looks paired with these white mock-croc toe-strap sandals I just purchased (and plan to wear every day until the end of summer) and simple gold chain necklace. I think I spent five minutes putting this outfit together but received lots of compliments from my quarantine partners (aka mom, dad, and sister).
Sports Bra + Biker Shorts + High Socks
I somehow snagged this pink workout set before it sold out, but don’t worry: There are still some pieces from Year of Ours’s summer collection available (below!). As for my actual at-home workout routine? I’m hooked on mat pilates so no sneakers required—just these cute high-socks the Instagram world is currently obsessing over.
Tank + Overalls + Sneakers
This is what I call my lazy girl outfit. It almost looks like I put in some effort, when in fact I’m not even wearing a bra and my sneakers don’t even have laces. I’ve already worn this Reformation tank at least five times since I bought it a few weeks ago (I have the black one, too!) because it looks great with nearly every bottom I own. By the way, these linen overalls and velcro sneakers are not new purchases (hence their over-$100 price tags), but I’m sharing them with you below anyway.
Up next, discover 15 more easy outfit ideas for summer.