Right off the bat, I'll admit that I've never exactly felt that my style could be pinned down. In a given week, you'll find me experimenting with everything from bright color-blocking to the controversial bike shorts trend and literally everything in between. All it takes is one look at my Instagram feed to see how frequently I flip-flop between aesthetics. Trust me, some days I wish I could be one of those people whose outfits consistently subscribe to one style archetype. After all, it would at least make for a more consistent feed, right?
Despite all my little sartorial experiments, there's always a common thread with how I get dressed: Everything has to be balanced. If I wear a frilly skirt, let's say, I like to ground it with tougher, chunky-soled shoes. Likewise, when I'm wearing cargo pants and a chain belt, one of this summer's romantic puffy-sleeved tops is in order. For my own peace of mind, I'm defining it as "edgy" style, though my inner Sagittarian would despise the idea of being pinned down by one style (the fear of commitment is real).
Given my inclination toward "edgier" style, what you won't find me wearing this summer are loud prints and overly bright colors. That said, I've put together a capsule wardrobe of the pieces I am relying on right now—I like to think of these as the foundation for all my warm-weather outfits. And, shocker, there's a good deal of black up ahead.
If you're anything like me and prefer a tougher, no-nonsense aesthetic or you're just curious to see what's in my closet right now, I'm sharing my summer essentials up ahead.
Disclaimer: It took me a few days to break these in, something that anyone who owns a pair of Dr. Martens is well aware of. But ever since, they've easily assumed the role of the comfiest shoes I own. I particularly love wearing them to ground flowy dresses and skirts.Available in size 11.
A summer tank top is a must—this graphic striped one goes with everything else and nails the smocked top trend. Win-win.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Jeans are a tricky piece to pull off this time of year, but I'm a fan of this more relaxed pair that buttons up the front.Available in sizes 23 to 32.
I'd been eyeing this beautifully minimal bag for a while, and now I've finally made it mine. The size makes it perfect to carry from day to night.
All '90s kids will appreciate this tube-top moment.Available in sizes XXS to XL.
Shop more from my summer edit:
Some people prefer a desk sweater to combat the office AC. I prefer to keep wearing my leather biker jacket well through the summer because it instantly makes me feel invincible. Available in sizes P to XL.
Belted trousers are a mainstay in my wardrobe no matter the season.Available in sizes 2 to 6.
To make this dainty cotton dress feel more "me," I'm styling it with checkered Vans or my platform Dr. Martens sandals.Available in sizes 2 to 8.
I don't skateboard, but these sneakers give me some street cred.Available in sizes 5 to 10.
My going-out top looks something like this.Available in U.K. sizes 6 to 14.
These only look like trousers—they feel as comfy as leggings. Hello, dream travel pants.Available in sizes XS to L.
For daytime, I'm wearing this layered over a graphic band tee, while at night I'll layer it underneath my leather jacket.Available in sizes XS to L.
Literally, anything from Alyx makes it in my edgy style edit.
For when I want to channel my inner hypebae, this tank does the trick.Available in sizes XS to L.
…worn with these Insta-famous cargo pants.Available in sizes XS to L.
Because white jeans are a universal summer staple.Available in sizes 2 to 10.
The square toe on these heels gives off the right amount of retro vibes for my style.Available in sizes 5 to 12.
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