My Favorite Basics for Summer + Every Season

Weather in Michigan can be fickle. One day it’s hot and humid and the next it’s chilly enough to need a puffer vest.

I wore this look last week on a day I spent near Lake Michigan where it’s a little cooler and a lot more windy, which got me thinking about key pieces I have in my closet that I wear on repeat and rework to wear each season, but especially work well during summer.

Key Basics: Denim Jacket

One of my favorite closet pieces is a denim jacket. I usually can’t get away with something as heavy as my leather moto jacket in July and August, but I can toss a light denim jacket on in the evenings and find the perfect balance of warmth and comfort. I personally prefer an oversized jacket. I usually buy that style or order up two sizes to achieve that slouchy denim jacket look like I did with this Unpublished denim jacket. I also like this oversized jean jacket from Madewell, already designed slouchy!

Key Basics: The Perfect Striped Tee

I love a striped tee and I stock up on varying silhouettes from cropped to oversized to boxy tees. And most of my favorite striped tees are from Madewell. Shop a few of my favorites like the ex-boyfriend tee, cropped black and white tee (own this one and it’s on sale) and this striped v-neck tee that screams summer. I also love this relaxed stripe tee by Reformation and it comes in a ton of colors.

Key Basics: Sneakers

If you’re like me, you began evolving from tall platform heels to practical, but cool platform sneakers in the last ten years. No heels for me anymore! A few of my favorite slip on sneakers by Halogen are on major sale–60% off like these Blake sneakers that I wear on repeat and own in two colors, the lace up version and the Baylee sneakers (love the grey ones!) For a more investment level sneaker, nothing beats the comfort and style of Golden Goose sneakers. Lots on sale during the SSENSE sale too.

Denim jacket c/o Unpublished (on sale) | tee and jeans by Madewell | shoes by Halogen | backpack by Louis Vuitton (secondhand from Fashionphile) | sneakers by Golden Goose

Photography by Susan Hamilton