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As a fashion editor, I never really identified as a fashion minimalist. Sure, I know what I like to wear, and many of these outfits consist of basics that I style over and over again; But overall, it’s the pieces that make my heart sing and that leave a big impression.
When quiet luxury took over the fashion world last year, I understood it; Subtle, minimalist pieces will never go out of style. So if you invest in them, make sure you get a price per wear that just about justifies their price. But a year after Gwyneth Paltrow made headlines about “quiet luxury” during her courtroom drama in cream and beige hues, my color-loving heart is ready to turn to boldness again.
As we welcome the first days of spring and the sun shines over Chicago again, I’m ready to put away my black wool coat and embrace spring and summer with bold, colorful pieces that put fun above all else. These are the 15 bold pieces that are currently on my wish list.
Especially in the warmer months, there’s nothing I appreciate more in my wardrobe than a graphic tee. On super hot days when I’m working at a coffee shop, I like to throw on a pair of denim shorts and call it a day. I’ve had a Ganni graphic t-shirt on my wanted list for a while now, but this Martini and Oysters t-shirt might finally make me bite the bullet.
I believe clothing should spark joy, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a piece that sparks as much joy as this button-down dress. Sardines, baguettes, wine, tomatoes – it’s summer on a shirt. The only downside is that I have to fend off compliments all day every time I wear it.
I’m always looking for tops that are special enough to make jeans or my linen pants look a little more exciting, and this top fits the bill. I can’t imagine wearing a bralette underneath while drinking an Aperol Spritz on the patio this summer.
After seeing @mademoisellesoph’s recent look du jour (IYKYK), which included striped cotton pants paired with a more structured, preppy jacket, I dreamed of recreating it. I’ve been looking for similar pants for a while now, but have had trouble because many of them are so baggy (and perhaps too much of a pajama fit). However, these are absolutely perfect and I will be wearing them all summer long.
Spring and summer clothing is all about simplicity, and some days jeans and a tank top are the only outfit I want to wear. The key to making it exciting? An unusual pair of jeans like these folding jeans from Madewell.
I first saw this dress in January and it has lived in my memory rent-free ever since. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful dress and I know I would wear it again and again on my upcoming trips and evenings in Chicago. It feels like one of those *special* pieces that I appreciate every time I put it on (which will be a lot).
I can’t lie and I have to confess: since putting this wish list together, I actually got this dress, and it’s even more beautiful than it looks online. Not only does the top make the fit extra flattering, but the cotton material means I can dress it up with strappy sandals and finish the day for events this summer.
OK I know! It seems like every season I have a new Staud Beaded Tommy that I say I can’t live without, but actually I can’t live without this one. I have never seen anything so bold and utterly irresistible in my 27 years on this planet. It’s sold out everywhere, but I found it here and I’m afraid I need to order it before it’s too late and I regret missing out for the rest of my life.
I’m a fan of sunglasses and generally treat myself to a new pair every year. I like to ponder this decision for a while and have known for about six months that it will be this year. The oval shape combined with the yellow-orange lenses make them different enough to feel special, but they are still wearable enoughto wear them every day.
If there’s one thing I wish I owned sooner, it’s more colorful jewelry. Amidst my sea of gold and silver chains, I just recently started adding colorful pieces to my stacks and that was a big mistake for me. This pearl necklace will add a little *spice* to my spring and summer jewelry situation, and the baroque pearl in the center sets it apart from all the competition.
Unfortunately, there is simply no limit to how many sneakers I own. I’m a sneaker girl through and through and the more fun and colorful they are, the better. I want these pastel new balances to live on my feet full time from now until September.
I have a lot of weddings this year and was looking for the perfect pair of heels to match my dresses – and these are them. I’m obsessed with silver shoes (I love their ability to make any outfit seem a little cooler while remaining neutral), and this pair’s sculptural heel makes them the statement shoes I’ve been missing my entire life.
In case you haven’t heard, butter yellow will be the new neutral color this spring, and I can’t think of a better way to incorporate it into my wardrobe than with these cute, versatile Mary Janes.
I love a pair of slide sandals that I can leave at my door, slip on, and walk in, and I’m committed to adding a colorful pair to my collection of neutral sandals this year. I’ve loved the style of these sandals for years, but this gorgeous ice blue shade finally convinced me that I had to have them.
When a new season comes around, I just can’t help but refresh my wardrobe with a few new key pieces. However, especially this spring, I’m even more excited than usual about refreshing my wardrobe for the season and am really excited about all of the current spring fashion trends. Although I’m trying to shop more consciously this year and focus a little more on investment pieces that will last a little longer, I’m still a budget-conscious shopper at heart.
