I hate to sound like a broken record, but the pandemic has truly made me rethink all aspects of my closet. While I'm excited to wear all of the fancier items that have been collecting dust, I've also realized that I own far too many things that aren't practical for everyday wear. This summer, I have exactly three things in mind for the trends I want to wear: comfort, ease, and versatility.
Obviously, comfort is the name of the game because I've spent the last year working from home in casual clothes, and I'm not ready to give up my stretchy pants. I'm also looking for easy-to-care-for items that don't require dry cleaning or handwashing because I have become extremely lazy during the pandemic and don't intend on changing that. Lastly, versatility is important because I don't want to spend my hard-earned money on things that can only be worn in very specific circumstances. Scroll down to see the four summer trends I'm not in the mood for and what I'm replacing them with.
Skipping: Dry-Clean-Only Materials
Replacing With: Machine-Washable Fabrics Like Linen and Cotton
Although I firmly stand behind trends like crochet, cutouts, sheer dresses, and chain embellishments, I won't be buying them for myself if the items aren't machine washable. These pieces tend to be made with dry-clean-only materials like silk or with delicate details that call for handwashing. Post-pandemic, I want to wear things that are easy to style and simple to care for. No muss, no fuss. Below, I rounded up some pieces that are all machine washable.
Skipping: Rompers
Replacing With: Midi Dresses
Although rompers can be comfortable, they're not practical when it comes to using public restrooms, changing on a road trip, or flying on a plane. Plus, they don't have as much ventilation as breezy dresses, so I end up getting too sweaty in the heat. This summer, I only want to wear things that are extremely versatile and that I can wear literally anywhere.
I could easily wear this sweet floral dress 7 days a week.
Skipping: Costume Jewelry
Replacing With: Carefully Considered Investment Jewelry
The pandemic has made me realize how many fanciful pieces of jewelry I own that are not suited to everyday wear. Now, I am all about quality over quantity, and I want to save up for pieces that are heirloom quality and that I will treasure forever.
Skipping: String Bikinis
Replacing With: One-Piece Swimsuits
In the words of Will Smith, "I'm gonna be real wit y'all—I'm in the worst shape of my life." Same. I fully support anyone who wants to wear a bikini at any point in their life, but this just isn't my time. Plus, there are so many fantastic, stylish one-pieces on the market that I truly don't even miss bikinis anyway.
Next, 33 Breezy Summer Pants That Are Just as Pretty as Dresses
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