The Summer Collection

Jun 17, 2025

Summer has always been the season when I struggle the most to piece together an outfit I genuinely love. The unforgiving weather forces us all to create looks with as few clothing pieces as possible, a process that is easier said than done.

Over time, I’ve come up with several outfit formulas to fall back on every time June rolls around. Not only do these formulas make it significantly easier to get dressed each day, but they also ensure I’ll love my outfit, which often determines whether I have a good day or not.

The Bases

A basic, dependable button-down shirt is something I would consider a must-have during the summer. Ideal as a light layering piece, a pop of color, or even a cute cover-up for a swimsuit, there are so many options when styling this piece.
Lily’s Notes
- Consider sizing up for a looser and more comfortable fit.
- Stay away from polyester—cotton twill or linen are the ideal materials for this piece.

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A well-worn, classic tank top is a piece you can never go wrong with in the warmer months. While it may seem obvious, a tank top can serve as the base for quite literally any outfit, so having several is key. Perfect for layering with a knitted sweater, a button-down shirt, or wearing on its own, having a few variations of this top will ensure you always have the “base” of your outfit—or, in other words, a starting clothing piece to build around.
Lily’s Notes
- Lighter-colored tops are best in the summer not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because darker clothing retains heat more easily and can be uncomfortable.

You can find tank tops anywhere, so don’t shy away from experimenting with patterns and colors instead of sticking only to solids—though you can never go wrong with a classic white top!

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I love a good skirt in the summer—whether it’s denim, linen, knitted, or cotton, and whether it’s mini, midi, or maxi, it’s one of my go-to pieces. Skirts can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and they’re a personal favorite of mine to style. Plus, they’re perfect for hot and humid days.
Lily’s Notes
- For summer traveling/vacations, I would recommend linen skirts - they’re ideal for humidity and are comfortable to walk and sweat in.
- Denim on denim (denim skirt/denim top) looks are so underrated and can be a fun outfit to style.