Happy Wednesday!
We’re back with another Real Women Approved post today! This time, it’s all about summer 2020 wardrobe staples! I heard from many of you that you could DEFINITELY use some inspiration in the “getting dressed” department–so here we are.
Last week, GG readers weighed in on what they are living in this season, because let’s face it, we’re not wearing cute espadrilles, jean skirts and straw hats in our backyards every day. As usual, you all really delivered with amazing feedback!
Turns out, we are all reaching for elevated basics to keep cool and comfortable this summer. Think loose, one-piece-wonders (and lots of linen!) in lieu of little dresses, and Birkenstocks over heels and strappy sandals! Comfort and versatility are key!
Before we jump in, I wanted to highlight the amazing jumpsuit (above) that I just purchased from Outerknown, which is a new-to-me brand I’ve been shopping a lot at lately! They’re a sustainable brand that makes high-quality basics and you’ll see quite a few favorites on this list today! I am calling this my “house suit” because it feels like pajamas and is very pandemic WFH-friendly. ???? (More on it below!) I also did a try on of it yesterday, saved here!
Anyway, let’s jump into our little roundup of the most popular summer items and brands that GG readers (and me!) are living in lately! Thanks so much to everyone who weighed in!
Real Women Approved: Summer 2020 Wardrobe Staples
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Above: Wearing the Outerknown gauzy button-down (so good I ordered another color), and AGolde Parker jean shorts.
Breezy light Button-Up:
SHOCKER SHOCKER SHOCKER. By far the #1 submitted item for this post was the #1 item that I happen to wear every summer ???? (it’s like we have ESPN or something!) a breezy button-up!
As one GG reader said, “a button up is perfect for Zoom calls and cover-ups after work!” A light-weight button-down is incredibly versatile and there are so many good options out there, like this light as air gauzy one that I love so much I just got in a second color! There’s also this linen option that was a popular suggestion (which I don’t have but Neal has in men’s version and its wonderful) and this great linen henley version! Lastly, of course, there’s my beloved “chic Prince Eric shirt” that is still available in a couple of sizes! (Runs very big, size down one or even two sizes!)
Breezy Tanks:
GG readers are living in flowy, loose tanks this summer like this wrap-tie tank, this U-shaped tank that has rave reviews, this cotton v-neck, and this scoop-neck tank that is on super sale at just $6!
Comfy Tee:
Next up- comfy tees! My personal new favorite is Outerknown’s scoop tee! It’s so soft and I love the loose, boxy, slightly cropped fit! The drapey cut is also surprisingly flattering! You all also raved about Aerie’s boyfriend voop tee, Madewell’s v neck, and Gap’s shrunken tee. If you’re looking for the perfect fitting tee, take notes!
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Above: Wearing Alice & Wonder sweatshirt, Alo bike shorts
Biker Shorts:
It’s safe to say GG readers feel strongly about their biker shorts. So many of you are rocking the trend this summer and had great brands to share like these Alo shorts (that are fully stocked in white right now! My favorite pair!), I just ordered this seamless pair from Girlfriend Collective, and Beyond Yoga was another very popular suggestion!
Linen Pants:
You all love reaching for linen pants right now because they are lightweight but still great coverage against bugs/sun. This straight-leg option comes in a variety of colors, this wide-leg pair looks like such a comfortable dream, and this seaside pant can easily be dressed up or down! I also love Outerknown’s wide-leg linen pants if you’re looking to support a sustainable brand!
Denim Shorts:
There’s nothing like a pair of tried-and-true denim shorts! GG readers are loving these classics: Agolde Parkers (check out my full review here!), Agolde Dee shorts, and Levi 501s!
Pull-on Shorts:
There’s a time and place for buttons and zippers, but there don’t seem to be too many of them in Summer 2020, which is why so many of you are reaching for more comfortable options, like these linen-blend shorts (come in navy too!), these draw-string shorts that come in a bunch of colors, and this pull-on look.
Leggings:
Everyone knows there are many different categories of leggings one must own, and they all serve a special purpose. Here are my personal faves: for running or workouts, Lululemon, favorite for lounge being Lululemon Align, for outdoor activity, Zella (they’re more substantial and don’t snag as easily!) or a reader fave was this pair from Amazon! Another super popular reader favorite was Alo leggings which I haven’t tried yet, but I do love their shorts so I’m sure the leggings are just as great!
Sweatpants:
Loungewear isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and you all had great sweatpant recs, including Lou & Grey, Vuori, and this affordable Target line!
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Above: Wearing the critically acclaimed Amazon Mumu
T-Shirt Dresses:
Many of you said you’re reaching for dresses without waists, such as t-shirt dresses! Wear them on their own, under a linen shirt or wrap a denim jacket around the waist! This Madewell cotton dress comes in three pretty colors and the orange color is on sale for $39, this Lou & Grey option is extra plush, and this striped option and this midi look are fun longer options! I’ve also heard really great things about KOTN and they have the cutest tee dress under $50!
Mumus/House Dresses:
If there was ever a time to go full mumu/house dress it is now! So many of you are living in flowy house dresses like this one (AKA “THE MUMU!” Full review of that here!), the famous flowy daisy dress that got restocked in a few colors–and is majorly marked down!! (Find the full review here), and this tie-waist dress is a great option if you want something that ties at the waist while still being super breezy and flowy!
Rompers & jumpsuits
Many of you raved about these one-piece wonders Summer 2020!
For rompers, try crossover look, this chic option, and this smocked jumpsuit!
For jumpsuits, this amazing Outerknown linen one that I’m wearing above–it’s the BEST “house suit” as I like to say–runs TTS and oversized/slouchy. There’s also this one from Able! I also love this beautiful linen one from Etsy that comes in so many colors!
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Bralettes:
I had to throw a bralette section in here because so many of you said you’re exclusively wearing bralettes this summer! GG reader faves include Aerie’s selection (which are such a good deal & on sale right now), Bra30, a women-owned company with products designed for after hours, and True & Co!
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Tevas/Chacos:
I’m really glad to know I’m not the only one fully embracing Tevas this summer. (Or Chacos! Many of you said Chaco’s too!) ???? Not a trend I ever envisioned myself embracing, but in quarantine I’m gravitating to all the colorful, joyful, somewhat kitschy trends that I never thought were my jam before. Tevas perfect for outdoor excursions, camping, anything by the water (AKA the only 2020 approved vacays) and they can’t be beat when it comes to comfort. Get your nostalgia on! I have the Cactus Sunflower colorway and they bring me SO MUCH JOY. They run TTS!
Birkenstocks:
Is Summer 2020 the comeback of the Birkenstock? I’ve definitely seen a rise in popularity, and you all seem to agree too! Go with the classic material, the thong style, or a waterproof version if you’re looking for a water-friendly slip-on sandal! Check out Jess’ full review here! (The Eva run TTS, IMO)
Allbirds:
So many of you raved about Allbirds sneakers for Summer 2020. As one GG reader said “they’re the best casual, breathable shoe that isn’t a sandal.” They’re perfect when you need more coverage/support, because they’re still breathable and lightweight. They come in a wool version (that is not AS cool but I still wear mine all the time in the summer and year-round!) and the “tree runner” version that is more breathable and made for hot weather! (I don’t have these but Neal does and he raves about them!) Run TTS!
Leather Slides:
A beloved staple for years now, leather slides are holding strong this summer! So many of you said you’re living in my favorite affordable pair––Steve Madden’s Greece sandals this summer because they’re so comfortable and chic. Plus, they’re on sale! Run TTS!
