UPDATED JUNE 2022
As part of my End-of-Season Closet Audit I took a full inventory of the summer wardrobe I’ve been wearing all summer.
To clarify, these are not all just summer items. Most of them span several seasons in my closet. Also worth noting, I’m a style blogger by profession, so I’ve been in a unique position to add to my closet via collaborations and brand partnerships over the years. Clothes don’t keep the lights on, but it’s a great job perk for sure.
You also don’t need this many pieces, so try not to focus on the numbers. On the other hand, if you have more in your closet that’s okay too! We’re all coming to the intentional style table from different perspectives and none are right or wrong.
Most of all, I hope this inventory serves as a helpful reference point to build from. You might consider the categories below for your own lifestyle and discover some great options should you be in the market for anything.
Here are the summer closet categories included:
- T-SHIRTS + STAPLES
- DENIM
- DRESSES
- SWIMWEAR
- COVERUPS
- SHORTS
- SANDALS + SHOES
- KNITS
- LOUNGEWEAR
- LINEN SEPARATES
- TOPS
- JUMPSUITS
- ACCESSORIES
Let’s take a look!
{ Items in this image may not be the exact ones in my closet but they’re very similar. }
DENIM SHORTS AGOLDE* | SUNGLASSES MADEWELL* (similar here) | STRIPED TEE EVERLANE | RILEY BLACK FLIP FLOPS TKEES* | WHITE LINEN PANTS POSSE (similar here for less) | SMOCKED BODICE GREEN DRESS (This is the one I have) | STRIPED LOUNGE SET SOFT FOCUS* (sold out similar linked) | BLACK ONE PIECE ERES (Similar for much less here and this is the one I have) | WHITE EVA BIRKENSTOCK* | *Exact item from my closet.
T-SHIRTS + STAPLES
PIMA COTTON MICRO RIB – LONG SLEEVE / SCOOP NECK / SHORT SLEEVE – EVERLANE – True to size. These are my favourite all around staples and ideal for layering. I have each style in almost every colour.
COTTON SLIM TEE & VINTAGE POCKET TEE – JENNI KAYNE (Use LEE15 for 15% OFF any time!) – gifted – True to size. These are so soft and have a beautiful worn-in vintage feel.
FITTED CREW & BOXY SEMI CROP – MOTT & BOW (Use LEE10 for 10% Off your first order.) – gifted – True to size. These are the perfect boxy fit for front tucking and wash up really well.
MAE DRAPEY TEE (BLACK AND WHITE) – ABLE (Use LEE15 for 15% OFF any time!) – gifted – True to size for a relaxed fit, size down for less room. This one is the perfect dressy t-shirt.
RIBBED LONG SLEEVE & 3/4 SLEEVE (sold out, waitlist open) – KOTN (Canadian Brand, Save 10% on first orders through this link) – True to size. These are a great elevated basic and the texture adds a bit of interest.
Check out my spotlight on White T-Shirts.
DENIM
PERFECT VINTAGE JEANS (IN FITZGERALD) BY MADEWELL – TTS but size down if in between. – I go between 26/27 in denim and have the 26 in these. – I’ve had these in my closet for many many summers now, see my review from 2015 here (note: in the review I’m wearing a 25 but now I wear a 26).
90’S CHEEKY JEANS (IN VINTAGE MID BLUE) BY EVERLANE – TTS but size down if in between. – I go between 26/27 in denim and have the 26 in these. – I love these for a vintage feel with a slightly more streamlined cut.
90’S ORIGINAL CHEEKY JEANS (LINKED TO ECRU) BY EVERLANE – TTS but size down if in between. – I go between 26/27 in denim and have the 26 in these. – The only white jeans you’ll need. Entirely opaque and super comfortable.
LE BRUT SEXY BY SÉZANE – TTS – I go between 26/27 in denim and have the 27 in these. – I have these in two washes and love them for all-year use. They’re a rigid denim but they have just enough stretch to keep them comfy.
THE WHITNEY BOYFRIEND (IN LIGHT BLUE WASH) gifted ABLE – TTS but size down if in between. – I go between 26/27 in denim and have the 27 in these and the fit is quite relaxed. (Use LEE15 for 15% Off any order, anytime.)
DENIM JACKET BY EVERLANE (The one I have is a few years old but this one is very similar – Use LEE15 for 15% Off)
DRESSES
SMOCKED TIERED DRESS gifted VETTA. True to size.
MILOS DRESS (IN BLACK & TAUPE) BY HARLY JAE – True to size. (Canadian brand)
COTTON BABYDOLL T-SHIRT DRESS BY KOTN (old, linked to similar, Canadian Brand, Save 10% on first orders through this link)
STRIPED T-SHIRT MAXI DRESS BY NORDSTROM (linked to US store, sold out in Canada. Size down recommended.)
FLORAL MINI DRESS BY FAITHFULL THE BRAND (old, linked to a similar one I love.)
BASIL DRESS (sold out) & AUGUSTA DRESS IN NIGHT BOTH BY CHRISTY DAWN (First time customers save 15% Off with DAWN15)
DRIFT DRESS (I have both colours) BY JENNI KAYNE – gifted – Sizing is generous, if unsure, size down.- Use LEE15 for 15% Off
Want more ideas? See my spotlight on Where to Shop for Summer Dresses.
SWIMWEAR
EVA ONE PIECE (BLACK) BY YOU.SWIM (if sold out join waitlist or shop a similar option here)
MINIMAL TWO-PIECE BY NU SWIM (old, similar TOP and BOTTOM)
BROOKLYN TOP & SUNSET BOTTOM BY FENTESSA (Canadian Brand, I just ordered another set in black.)
MUTED RED ONE-PIECE old ESBY APPAREL (Linked to an option I love.)
More spots to shop for swimwear: HDH SWIM / EVERLANE / ESBY APPAREL / AERIE / SSENSE* / LONDRE* / NETTLE’S TALE* / SELFISH SWIMWEAR* / KNIX* / SALTWATER COLLECTIVE* / MINNOW BATHERS* / BETH RICHARDS* / LEFT ON FRIDAY* / *Canadian Brands
COVER UPS
THE EMERSON CAFTAN is my go-to. Perfect for hot days on the dock, boat or a beach vacation.
MESH COVER UP PANTS & TANK SET BY NA NIN is another great option.
This ORGANIC LINEN GAUZE CAFTAN by EILEEN FISHER gifted is new in my closet and so beautiful.
SHORTS
DEE HIGH RISE DENIM SHORTS IN CHIMES BY AGOLDE
MINIMAL BLACK SHORTS old FRANK AND OAK (Similar here, here and here)
LINEN PAPAYA SHORTS old SOTELA (Similar, here and here)
OLIVER SHORTS BY NA NIN
Need more ideas? See my full Spotlight on Shorts.
SANDALS + SHOES
EVA ARIZONA (BLACK & WHITE) BY BIRKENSTOCK
RILEY & FLIP FLOP (SABLE AND SUNKISSED) BY TKEES (Canadian Brand)
LEATHER STRAP SANDAL gifted JENNI KAYNE – Use LEE15 for 15% Off anytime.
ORIGINAL UNIVERSAL (BLACK) TEVA
SHEARLING MOC CLOG gifted JENNI KAYNE – Use LEE15 for 15% Off anytime.
ALL STAR 70’S HIGH TOP (BLACK) CONVERSE
SUEDE MULES gifted JENNI KAYNE – Use LEE15 for 15% Off anytime.
KNITS
COCOON CARDIGAN (OATMEAL, CHARCOAL & ALPACA) gifted JENNI KAYNE – (Use LEE15 for 15% OFF any time!) – See the full review of this personal favourite here.
ANNA COTTON CARDIGAN gifted L’ENVERS – See the full review of this artisan-made piece here.
LOUNGEWEAR
RAGLAN SWEATSHIRT & HIGH WAISTED JOGGERS gifted VETTA – I absolutely LOVE this set.
STRIPED SET gifted SOFT FOCUS (Canadian Brand)
ORGANIC COTTON CROP TANK & HIGH RISE UNDIES BY ARQ
THE COMFY WIDE LEG PANT gifted ENCIRCLED (Use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off anytime) – Canadian Brand!
COTTON/CASHMERE JOGGERS IN OATMEAL old colour Jenni Kayne (Use LEE15 for 15% OFF any time!)
THE HOODIE (IN NATURAL) old FRANC (On sale, Canadian Brand)
RIBBED COTTON LOUNGE LONG SLEEVE & PANT SET BY KOTN (Canadian Brand, 10% OFF on first orders through this link)
LINEN ROBE gifted LAST LIGHT (Canadian Brand)
LINEN SEPARATES
Most of my linen pieces are many years old from Elizabeth Suzann (waitlists are available). But if you’re looking for more readily available alternatives I’d recommend, Linen Fox, NotPerfectLinen, Eileen Fisher, Sotela, Lauren Winter, Gillian Stevens (Canadian) and Seek Shelter (Canadian).
TOPS
I love a puffy sleeved top with easy-going jeans and sandals in the summer.
THE FRIEND SHIRT & THE PHILOSOPHER SHIRT BY POWER OF MY PEOPLE – See my full review here. – (Use STYLEBEE10 for 10% OFF anytime. Canadian brand!)
IVORY WRAP TOP BY HACKWITH DESIGN HOUSE (old)
JANE BLOUSE BY DÔEN (Print is old, linked to more options)
JUMPSUITS
SKYE JUMPSUIT old ACE & JIG
DUFFY JUMPER BY ESBY | gifted years ago | This colour is sold out but I linked to the black version. | Very similar for less linked above.
FLAX LINEN JUMPSUIT old Elizabeth Suzann (Linked to similar in lots of colour options.)
SLEEVELESS LINEN JUMPSUIT BY ESBY (old, similar option here and here.)
WIDE LEG JUMPER BY HDH Basics (Similar for less here.)
DENIM COVERALLS gifted TRADLANDS (sold out. Similar option here and here.)
ACCESSORIES
INDIO SUNGLASSES BY MADEWELL (These are so old and have remained in great condition well beyond some of the MUCH more expensive ones I’ve had).
KLINT BOATER HAT BY JANESSA LEONÉ
BLACK CANVAS BASEBALL CAP BY HAT ATTACK (I love this classic cap for busy outdoor days.)
CIRCULO TOTE gifted years ago ARTISAN & FOX (a great summer tote that goes with everything.)
BEADED BAG BY ANCÁN (Old, Linked to a similar option on sale & try your favourite vintage shop.)
GOLD CHAIN LINK ANKLET BY WOLF CIRCUS (Canadian Brand!)
{ Items in this image may not be the exact ones in my closet but they’re very similar. }
GREEN TWO-PIECE AERIE | BLACK BASEBALL CAP HAT ATTACK* | WHITE T-SHIRT FRANK AND OAK* | WOVEN CIRCLE TOTE CLARE V. | PREFECT VINTAGE JEANS MADEWELL* | BLACK CROP TANK ARQ* | PETITE FLORAL DRESS FAITHFULL THE BRAND | GOLD ANKLET WOLF CIRCUS* | LEATHER STRAP SANDAL JENNI KAYNE* (Use LEE15 for 15% Off) | KLINT HAT JANESSA LEONÉ* | *Exact item from my closet.
Thanks for reading, I hope this inventory post is a helpful reference for you!
If you’d like to conduct your own seasonal closet audit and prepare for next year, head on over to my Quick End-of-Season Closet Audit post, and get it done in under an hour!
Leave me a comment here!