Social Distancing Has Helped Me Pare Down My Summer Wardrobe to Just 10 Pieces

You might be greeting this post with complete and utter disbelief, in which case, I concur: it really does sound like bullsh*t. In fact, when I started counting the articles of clothing [1] I've honestly been sticking to — "hmm, what have you been washing in the laundry lately, Sarah?" — I expected to come up with like, 30 different essentials my fashion-loving heart — even during quarantine - could not live without. Because I am the type of person who couldn't stand the sweatpant fatigue [2] after just a few weeks in isolation.

"If I wanted to, I really could choose just one house dress and abandon all the others. (Seriously, it's the loose, billowy white one with the pouf sleeves.)"

When I decided to start rekindling my relationship with my closet [3], I wasn't dressing for my housemates: my future husband and my cat (OK, maybe a little for my cat) — I was really dressing for me [4]. My daily "event" became my social distancing walk, and even though my outfit for the occasion was comfortable, it was colourful. It spoke to my personality.

Now that I'm forcing myself to study the pieces I've been reaching for, I realise that they all fall into certain buckets — 10! — that I've outlined below. If I wanted to, I really could choose just one house dress [5] and abandon all the others. (Seriously, it's the loose, billowy white one with the pouf sleeves.) I couldn't narrow down my footwear choice to just one style, because honesty is my policy for this post, and I do really rotate between my go-to sandals [6] and my sneakers + ribbed socks [7]. But I could narrow it down to just two pairs of shoes!

"I'm starting to realise that for me, shopping isn't about collecting, it's about curating.

So, what has this taught me? For one, I have a lot of clothing to donate [8], and what's more, I am changing my approach to shopping. Realising that everyone needs basics and it's OK to shop, I do imagine I'll begin adding to my virtual cart more regularly in a few months — but I'm going to be adding more mindfully.

Remember I told you that I'm reaching for very specific pieces over and over again, because these basics I've gathered are well-made and I truly love them. I'm not working my way through every dress hanging on the rack, I'm wondering why I have all of them in the first place. I'm starting to realise that for me, shopping isn't about collecting, it's about curating. I realise that this is a new method of shopping for me to adopt, but I'm OK with it . . . honestly.

A Dress

This piece can transition from the house [10] to a feel-good summer walk. While the details should speak to your personal style, it should be loose, breezy, and comfortable enough to nap in [11].

Eshe Cascade Dress

Personally, I'm all about a tiered silhouette like this. I know I'd want to wear this Eshe Cascade Dress [12] ($325) from Lemlem every day.

A White Button-Down

The sheer factor is up to you — you can choose one in linen or a gauzy material if you like to show a slip of lingerie [13] while you're lounging around the house. I absolutely recommend choosing one in white so it goes with everything.

The Frankie Shop Long Sleeve Wrap Blouse in White

I love that The Frankie Shop Long Sleeve Wrap Blouse in White [14] ($77) has a deep-v neckline, so I can show off some layered necklaces if I choose to.

Biker Shorts

I've been thinking of biker shorts as my second skin. I'll wear them with swim tops to soak up some rays outside, with proper skin protection, of course, or I'll wear them underneath an oversize graphic tee with my slippers as I glide into the kitchen.

Everlane The Perform Bike Short

I encourage you to pick up Everlane The Perform Bike Short [15] ($38) with its matching Weekend Tank Bra [16] ($22) for style moments just like this.

Trainers + Socks

This is pretty much my go-to footwear for every social distancing walk I take. I like to extend these up to 45 minutes, so socks and supportive trainers are necessary. I know that technically these are two separate items, but think of them as a reasonable combination that you might as well style to your liking.

Nike Socks + Sneakers

Your Nike game will certainly be strong with the Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneaker [17] ($90) + Nike Everyday Cushion Crew Sock 6-Pack [18] ($20).

A Muscle Tee

Lately, this is the style of tee I'm living in. I really like the '80s feel of a shirt with a strong shoulder, and it makes my most basic outfits look just a little more of-the-moment. My favourite way to wear this relaxed top is with boy shorts and a headband during an episode of Netflix-and-chill.

C Edition Eliza Body

I really like the idea of purchasing this silhouette in a bodysuit form (so I can pull a pair of jeans on quickly, if need-be), and C Edition's Eliza Body [19] ($90) has exactly the vibe I'm going for.

A Lounge Set

Perhaps the trendiest item on this list is the loungewear set [20], which makes me feel cute simply because it's an easy outfit that flows. Ribbed iterations are definitely all the rage, but I also like the idea of something fresh and colourful in a standard jersey cotton.

Zelie For She Vibrant Sundown Tunic + Pant

Colours like lime and lemon yellow make a day in the house feel a little more festive. I also like that you can re-work the Zelie For She Vibrant Sundown Tunic [21] ($42) and Zelie For She Vibrant Sundown Pant [22] ($49) as separates over a swimsuit later.

A Bucket Hat

While it's always hard for me to choose between a baseball cap and a bucket hat, nine times out of 10, I want to take a selfie in the bucket hat. These just feel more beachy — especially with sunglasses — and I pretty much always want to pretend that my toes are in the sand.

Intentionally Blank Saylor Denim Bucket Hat

After getting my white bucket hat dirty one too many times, I highly suggest investing in another friendly neutral: denim. Intentionally Blank's Hat [23] ($65) is perfect.

A Hands-Free Bag

I'm the first girl to keep all her bags in fair rotation (I love the $12 Amazon purchases [24] just as much as the designer investments [25] I've made and cherished for a long time). But lately, I've been wanting to keep my pouches close, especially as I navigate having to step out with a mask and gloves when running errands. That means a crossbody with a sturdy, functional strap or a waist bag I can sling over my shoulder.

AAKS Bika Rouge Bag

If you're looking for a bag that fits the bill and you're in the mood to keep your purchase summer-centric, the AAKS Bika Rouge Bag [26] ($146) is certainly a stylish option.

Easy Sandals

While I rotate between my chicer slides and my trusty Tevas with velcro, a strap around the heel is definitely more supportive for a longer walk. It all depends on where I'm going, but it pays to have a neutral pair that works with anything.

& Other Stories Diagonal Slingback Leather Sandals

The & Other Stories Diagonal Slingback Leather Sandals [27] ($79) are the perfect meet-in-the-middle combination of luxe and functional.

A Mood-Boosting Accessory

For me, this comes in the form of a silk bandana, hands down. Why? Because let's be honest, most of the time I'm working from the bedroom and my hair is unkempt. Having one of these on my bedside table at the ready solves that problem when I need to jump on a Zoom call [28]. But if I'm feeling myself, I just might turn it into a top [29] to rock with my biker shorts later on. Other recommendations include but aren't limited to: gold hoops, pretty rings you can stare at while typing on your computer, headbands, and scrunchies.

Deseda Loving Hands Silk Scarf

I recently discovered Deseda and fell in love with the vibrant patterns the site has to offer. The Loving Hands Silk Scarf [30] ($175) is specifically relevant to this moment in time, when I want to extend the message of world peace. Artist Michelle D'Urbano [31], who is based in Zambia, collaborated on this specific graphic.

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