Fashion

7 of Our Favorite Warm-Weather Investment Pieces

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Here in the Midwest, dare I say that spring and summer fashion get the short end of the stick. We’re so preoccupied with fall and then bundling up in winter that once warm weather finally shows its face again, we’ve spent our clothing funds on too many parkas and snowboots.

It makes sense considering that here, warm weather lasts for a lot shorter of a period than winter does (or does it just feel 10 times as long? Who’s to say). Because of this, investing in timeless, classic warm-weather pieces is our way to a seamless spring and summer wardrobe. When we finally transition our closets from scarves and sweaters to sandals and shorts, we want them to be things we want to throw on immediately, year after year after year. 

Whether you’re plagued with the cold seasons or are in a warm climate that Chicagoans can hardly comprehend doesn’t matter—these pieces will carry you through any warm time of year that you have. 

 

1. A Rattan Bag

Rattan and straw bags were seen on the arm of what felt like every woman in the continental United States last summer, but the trend is less of a “trend” and more of a warm-weather wardrobe staple. It’s worth investing in your favorite one once, rather than buying a new one every year when your previous one falls apart.

Mali + Lili
Hazel Woven Rattan Bag
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Knotty
Rattan Top-Handle Bag
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Cult Gaia
Small Gaia's Ark Bag
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2. A Perfect White Dress

A white dress is mandatory for every spring and summer, and this year’s certainly didn’t disappoint. Any of these options are perfect to take you to all of your weekend events from April until September—this spring and in the ones to come.

1.State
Eyelet Minidress
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ASTR the Label
Pippa Midi Dress
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Rolla's
Milla Linen Dress
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Eloquii
Dropped Waist Flounce Dress
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3. White Sneakers

Sure, the recent sneaker craze has made us love ours a little bit more (don’t look in my closet at how many variations of white sneakers I have), but they’re the perfect spring and summer shoe option for days you don’t want to wear sandals. There isn’t an outfit that won’t look good paired with these.

Sam Edelman
Poppy Sneaker
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Sam Edelman
Ethyl Low-Top Sneaker
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Lucky Brand
Darleena Sneaker
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4. Denim Shorts

You can’t live in a climate that’s 60 degrees or over (for us Chicagoans, at least) without owning a flattering, staple pair of jean shorts. And since their style doesn’t change very often—unlike jeans—you don’t buy new pairs very often to stay up-to-date on them. Find the ones that fit your body best and rock them from year to year.

Levi's
Wedgie Update High-Waisted Shorts
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Agolde
Dee Ultra High-Waist Cutoff Shorts
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Levi's
501 Original Denim Shorts (Plus Size)
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Levi's
501 High-Waist Long Denim Shorts
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5. Statement Sandals

When you’re going out on a warm Saturday or heading on a spring trip, it’s nice to have a sandal option that aren’t your usual brown leather bi-strap ones that you wear every day. When you need a shoe to dress up your outfit, these babies will deliver:

Steve Madden
Issy Slide Sandal

6 colors available

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Marc Fisher
Nakita Sandal

5 colors available

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Dolce Vita
Noles City Slide Sandal

9 colors available

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Dolce Vita
Zayla Block Heel Sandal

5 colors available

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Steve Madden
Marcella Slide Sandal

2 colors available

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6. White Denim

Similar to the aforementioned denim shorts, you don’t need a million different pairs of white jeans—just one really good pair. While we love winter white, white jeans undoubtedly get the most wear in the spring and summer, so now is the perfect time to find your favorites.

Levi's
Wedgie High-Waist Raw Hem Jeans
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JEN7 by 7 For All Mankind
Cropped White Jeans
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Good American
Good Curve Jeans (Straight and Plus Size)
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7. Espadrilles

Another spring and summer staple shoe, espadrilles are versatile and easy to wear. From wedge options to sandals to classic closed-toe versions, you can pair them with dresses, jeans, and anything in between.

Soludos
Wedge Lace-Up Espadrille
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Sam Edelman
Khloe Espadrille Flat

14 colors available

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Tretorn
Espadrille Sneaker

2 colors available

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Sam Edelman
Krissy Espadrilles

3 colors available

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Sole Society
Verla Espadrille Platform Sandals

2 colors available

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