This past spring, I slowly managed to break free of wearing only black. Well, several attempts and closet clean outs later. And it’s still a work in progress. Why would I do that to myself? Echoed in my mind, each time my hand outstretched only for the hangers carrying my favourite black pieces, because black apparel is the thing.
black ยท [blak] ยท noun: Effortlessly cool. Goes with everything. Adores all shapes and sizes. Appropriate for many (all) occasions. Conceals most spills and sweat stains – bonus points during a heatwave. A force to be reckoned with, needless to say.
That said, there are far too many colours to stick to only one shade. Now that summer is in full swing, it is the perfect season to indulge in brighter tones. I have since vowed to flirt with all opportunities to spice up my wardrobe this season.
Happy Hour plans with coworkers? Counting down to brunch with friends this Sunday? Hot date in the city? Picnic at Riverdale Park? Invited to a day party … or celebrating a friend’s job promotion? Regardless of the occasion, putting together an outfit you feel confident in is a must.
Ballet flats! Button downs! Summer dresses! Graphic tees! Gold jewelry! Poplin! Strips! Bright colours! Cotton! Linen! Pleat! Silk! Denim! ‘Tis the season to wear it all.
Alas, letโs look back at some of my favourite looks so far this spring and summer. You’ll notice a few items make an appearance across several outfits. I’ll always be an advocate of mix and matching with what you already own. If Hilary Duff approves of outfit repeating, that’s enough validation for me!
Look #1: Canadian Tux
Pictured above is an outfit I’ll surely be repeating. In fact, I already have!
This all-denim ensemble makes a great staple in any closet. Explore all the forms of denim in your wardrobe, whether you’re rocking a denim jacket + pant combo, dress, romper, overalls, or top + shorts/skirt number.
There are multiple ways to pull off a Canadian tux. Don’t forget to compliment the look with a cute bag and shoes!
Jacket: H&M
Jeans: Zara
Flats: Zara
Bag: Vale Leather Shop – Florence, Italy.
Look #2: Stripes at the Office!
Forever a champion of horizontal stripes!
Sweater: Winners
Heels: Zara
Pants: Thrifted – Value Village
Tote: Mango
Look #3: Orange Crushed It
There’s nothing more beautiful than a pop of colour during the summer, and this orange dress was that and more.
Dress: You guessed it… thrifted!
Heels: Zara
Look #4: Vamos a la Ciudad de Mehico!
The theme of the day was berry, so I threw on this mauve vest. Initially wearing a high-waisted denim short, I ultimately reached for white linen shorts, which made all the difference after walking 20,000+ steps in a hot city. Beware of chafing this summer!
Vest: Dynamite
Shorts: Winners
Sandals: Toms
Straw Bucket Hat: Mango
Bag: Vale Leather Shop
Look #5: Birthday Dinner
Summer is also the season for neutrals. A week after taking these photos, I travelled to Mexico City, where I was inspired by a contemporary clothing store called Rufina, neutrals-galore.
I was awestruck by it’s elegance, earthy & pastel tones, beautifully crafted pieces, stylish employees, and a refreshing aura that captured the heritage and essence of Mexico. It was a reminder that there is beauty in simplicity and subtlety.
Dress: Winners
Heels: Zara
Look #6: Out on the Town
A spontaneous night on the town calls for denim, mesh, shiny black kitten heels, and lip gloss!
Top: Princess Polly
Jeans: Zara
Heels: Zara
Bag: Thrifted Guess
Look #7: The Cooler Days
For cooler days, a trench coat is always necessary.
Trench Coat: H&M
Cross Body: Uniqlo
Sweaters: H&M
Jeans: Zara
Sneakers: New Balance
Clogs: Birkenstock
Look #8: Black & White
A long, white skirt is essential for the summer!
Top & Sweater: Zara
Skirt: H&M
Shoe Staples
My trusted brands for shoes this season include Matisse Footwear, Toms, and Zara. Kitten heels, chunky sandals, and ballet flats are my go to. When I need extra comfort, I reach for my New Balance 990 sneakers and Birkenstocks slip ons.
Accessories
My accessories are a mix of lucky thrifts, local market vendors, retail finds, and little trinkets discovered on my travels overseas.
As you can see, I wear mostly gold, while dabbling into silver from time to time. Day-to-day, you’ll find me wearing a small gold hoop or a pearl, coupled with a dainty silver stud from my second ear piercing.
For purses, I typically rotate between three – my sleek, golden, Italian souvenir, thrifted Guess shoulder bag, and Anthropologie crossbody gifted from my ๐ค.
Day to day, I reach for the nearest tote in my roster!
I hope this post sparked some inspiration and gave you ideas on what to wear as we fall deeper into the season.
Happy summer and thank you for reading!
Xoxo,
Kundi
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