Dressing well in the summer poses a unique challenge when you’re petite, perpetually cold indoors, and always on the move.
For context, I’m a whopping 5-foot, 1-inches tall. I walk an average of 11,000 steps a day, and I travel often. I care deeply about sustainability so I buy secondhand whenever I can, and I almost exclusively wear natural fibers. Still, I want my clothes to make me feel creative and expressive.
This post outlines my real summer wardrobe. Nothing is sponsored (lol, I wish). These are the actual categories that I rely on to build cute yet capable summer outfits.
Read on for summer outfit inspo, regardless of your height, and insights on how these specific pieces work for my body, lifestyle, and values.
Let’s get into it.
1: Structured Shorts & Minis
I’ve always loved a mini skirt because they hit me mid-thigh, which elongates my legs. (And we’ve established that I need all the length I can get.)
However, structure matters just as much as where the hem hits.
I am quite curvy so a limp, shapeless garment doesn’t work for me. I prioritize features like a slight A-line, a pleated front, or a thick hem that will hold its shape over time. Structure gives my outfits intention while also giving me coverage to move around without stress.
I prefer mid- or high-rise options in durable, yet washable fibers like linen, cotton twill, and denim. My shorts and mini-skirts also need to be loose enough to walk around in, while also fitted enough through the waist to look intentional.
My summer repeats include denim mini skirts, one in a light wash and one in a dark wash, as well as pleated linen shorts with a slight A-line that are long enough to prevent thigh chafing.
Pictured: Tailored Linen Shorts || Black Denim Mini Skirt || Light-Wash Denim Mini Skirt
2: Flowy Maxis
I love long, flowy skirts and pants because they protect my legs from the sun while also being breathable enough for all-day comfort. Midi skirts and cropped pants read as full-length on my frame, so I tend to buy those. I’ve also gotten really good at hemming bottoms to hit me right at my ankle bone.
For petites like me, the key is to balance out the volume and visual weight with solids or smaller prints. I also opt for vertical stripes over horizontal ones so I’m adding length instead of width to my frame.
I can transition the same maxi dress or linen trousers from a morning beach walk to a nice brunch and then a cross-country flight. My current wardrobe favorites include the Madewell Harlow Pant and the Free People Lilah Cotton Pleated Midi Dress, which can be worn with or without the straps.
Pictured: Floral Dress With Puffed Sleeves || Madewell Harlow Pant || Striped Midi Dress || Black Linen Flowy Pants
3: Comfortable & Capable Footwear
I refuse to average 11,000 steps with blisters and bunions.
I’ve been rewearing the same pair of leather Birkenstock Arizonas for the past five summers. They’re not glamorous but they have never failed me.
When I want the same level of comfort, but more visual interest, I opt for my Chacos ZX/1 Eco Treads. Mine are the big kids’ size (don’t laugh), but they also sell an adult version for those of you blessed with verticality.
I prefer slim sneakers that don’t overwhelm my frame, but I also prioritize comfort so I opt for wide toe boxes. My Lems Trailhead sneakers have all the benefits of barefoot shoes with a minimal silhouette that prevents the clown shoe effect. I can walk miles in these, whether exploring a new city or hiking in the woods.
For nicer occasions, I usually opt for my blue suede oxfords (secondhand but originally from Aldo). For rainy days or long hours on a cold airplane, I usually wear my Doc Martens Chelsea boots with a cute crew sock.
Pictured: Birkenstock Arizona || Chacos Z/1 || Lems Trailhead Sneaker || Blue Oxford Shoes || Doc Martens Chelsea Boots
Section 4: Dark Sleeves
Black and navy are the unsung heroes for clumsy creatives.
I have made peace with my destiny: If I want to wear a sleeve, it has to be in a darker color. I’ve ruined too many cream and white shirts during flights, long sweaty walks, and meals.
Beyond stain protection, dark sleeves serve me well as versatile basics. I can pair them with my more colorful bottoms and jackets without looking too busy.
My thrifting pride and joy is a 100% silk navy button down that I wear open over a basic tank, buttoned low for date night, or thrown over my shoulders on a sunny day. I also steadily rotate through black and navy blouses and t-shirts. I like either solid basics for versatility or tops with little details like a subtle ruffle or interesting buttons.
Ventilation is key with wearing dark colors in the heat. I’ll size up for maximum flow or opt for breathable fabrics like linen, silk, hemp, or lyocell.
Pictured: Short Sleeve Navy Top || Polka Dot Button Down || Black Long Sleeve Top
Section 5: Peplum & Cowl Neck Tanks
These two silhouettes are flattering shapes with effortless style. As such, they have earned permanent spots in my summer wardrobe.
Peplum tops add visual interest without additional bulk. They also accentuate my curves and pair beautifully with my structured shorts and flowy pants.
Cowl neck tanks create beautiful movement and feel inherently elegant without any additional effort. On warm days, I love wearing my black modal cowl neck tank with cream-colored linen shorts.
Pictured: Black Cowl Neck || Floral Peplum || Navy Cowl Neck || Checkered Peplum || Brown Cotton Peplum
Section 6: Breathable Sweaters
Because A/C is relentless.
If a building has air-conditioning, I will be shivering within fifteen minutes.
As such, I have curated a beautiful collection of summer sweaters lightweight enough to fit in my backpack.
My most recent acquisition was a 100% merino wool v-neck sweater. I know wool sounds counterintuitive for summer, but fine merino is genuinely temperature-regulating. Wool is also naturally odor-resistant, which is crucial when you’re traveling and outfit repeating as much as I am.
If you don’t want to wear wool, opt for either an open-knit/crochet cardigan or a 100% cotton pullover. I find endless options for both on the second-hand market.
I also recommend a silk/linen blend, which is lightweight enough to pack down into my purse. I own a hooded cardigan in this composition, and it is my ideal transition piece for indoor/outdoor living.
I avoid acrylic, polyester, or synthetic-blend sweaters for Spring and summer because they don’t breathe. They also hold odor and simply feel horrible against my skin.
Pictured: White Merino Wool V-Neck || Vintage 100% Cotton Liz Claiborne Crewneck || Crochet Cardigan || Floral Cardigan
This Wardrobe Goes Everywhere With Me
My summer wardrobe works hard. These clothes protect my skin, survive my fast-paced lifestyle, and still feel creative and authentically me.
Plus, each piece can pack down and look great straight out of my suitcase.
Since I’m petite, there are some additional constraints, but I don’t feel like my style is limited. Plus, by prioritizing natural fibers, my clothes feel better and last longer than a lot of what I see in the mass-market chains.
With this clear framework of tried-and-true clothing categories, I always have pieces that are capable of rising to whatever my day requires.
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