The Most Worn Summer Must-Haves of 2024

Summer style hasn’t appealed to me as much as transitional season and winter style. Mainly because there’s nothing exciting about wearing tank tops and denim shorts on very hot and sticky days. So, in reviewing my most worn outfits for summer (23/224 years), I was pleasantly surprised by the shift away from those core basics to more interesting pieces (despite how subtle).

Again, it would be interesting to know if the timing of this post worked, or if you prefer to end your seasonal wear count in “real time”.

In any case, these are my most worn pieces for summer 23/24.

Most Worn Tops
St Agni Green Ribbed Tank Top |Worn 8 times

One of the key additions I’m looking to make to my summer closet is “not so basic” tops. While I tend to gravitate towards those simple neutrals, I’m keen to add some softer, less saturated tones to broaden my closet palette. This top from St Agni ticks all the boxes. strappy, but not so “barely there” that it doesn’t work on a daily basis. For this reason, when I’m in the mood for something other than a t-shirt, I find myself deliberately reaching for it (often with the kids backing away). Maybe the reason for opening what I’m wearing is because we’ve had a milder than usual start to summer. I feel more encouraged to wear longer shirts or blouses, which makes me rotate edits at the rental house. Overall, very happy with this top. Despite being thrown in the wash multiple times, it helped well, although I do wish I could have sized down for a more flattering fit. I have a size S and the silhouette was a little easier than I expected.

Most Worn Dresses
Everlane Black Linen Mini Dress |Worn 6 times

Another staple piece I added to my closet prior to this season. Purchased from Everlane for a very good sale and I haven’t regretted it once. I crave simplicity; something I can throw on and it’s basically a complete outfit. It can be paired with off-the-shoulder knits or casual cardigans. That doesn’t feel too relaxed. Being linen, it’s a brand fabric I’m familiar with so knew what I’d be getting. The style is great and perfect for our climate. I wore it until he early fall and I plan to get back into the bike rotation in the spring. Wears and washes well.

Most Worn Knitwear
Jenni Kayne Black Cashmere Short Cocoon Cocoon Cardigan |Worn 4 times

Knitwear isn’t usually a huge focus of my summer closet. But for those of you who tend to include them, it’s worth mentioning. I’m starting to develop a preference for how I mix tactile qualities. So thicker knits, cashmere or wool yarns, I’ll save for the cooler months. Lighter knits in cotton or linen feel more appropriate for spring and summer. So that’s surprising. But it’s a welcome one because it’s an item I cherish in my closet. I think if you’re going to buy one thing from Jenni Kayne, it should be knitwear. Their cashmere knits reign supreme in my book. Yes, you will pill due to friction with the yarn, but that’s pretty normal no matter the price. It feels plush to the touch and washes up well. This is a great option for petite girls who want a slouchy fitted sweater. Try code JamieLee15 for 15% off.

Most worn shorts
Ganni Black Shorts |Worn 13 times

For the life of me, I can’t figure out where I put these shorts, but I put them in high rotation for the summer. More because I realized what was missing from my everyday style choices. Tailored shorts. Something that says “you’ve put in the effort” even if you haven’t. In terms of quality, they were lacking. Given that Ganni does hit the middle of the price range, I was disappointed. The fabric is worn and pilled, most notably around the seat area. But they were easy to pair and made the t-shirt and shorts combo feel high for lack of trying.

Honorable mention goes to the Everlane A-line denim shorts. I have them in four washes and they are the best denim shorts ever. I wore them a total of 21 times (in three colors) throughout the summer.

Most worn pants
Facade Pattern Black Linen Trousers |Worn 5 times

Again, I don’t usually look at this category too much during the summer in Sydney. So when I looked at the data, I was surprised to find that I’ve worn several pairs of pants. Without a doubt, the Facade Pattern is some of my favorite tailored pieces, and these pants reflect my shift to a longer pant style. In terms of quality, they are built to last, especially when thrown into a wash, and I love how easily they pair with all of my essentials. I believe black pants (in any style) go with everything, and at this point, I’ve definitely covered all my bases.

Most Worn Skirts
ONTE Black Cotton Mini Halter Skirt |Worn 4 times

Worn ridiculously infrequently compared to my shorts, but when looking back at my summer closet, it occurs to me that I crave ease. Shorts make more sense because I’m constantly crawling around with the kids. Utility always wins out for me, even if I just want to “get dressed”. That said, I continued to wear this dress throughout the fall and can vouch for how great it was (and washed well). The key detail I love is the woven cotton yarn. It’s subtle and can only be seen upon inspection. Things like this make an item feel special because you know a little secret that no one else knows. It will be fun to find that quality in your clothes.

Most worn pants
Facade Pattern Black Linen Trousers |Worn 5 times

Again, I don’t usually look at this category too much during the summer in Sydney. So when I looked at the data, I was surprised to find that I’ve worn several pairs of pants. Without a doubt, the Facade Pattern is some of my favorite tailored pieces, and these pants reflect my shift to a longer pant style. In terms of quality, they are built to last, especially when thrown into a wash, and I love how easily they pair with all of my essentials. I believe black pants (in any style) go with everything, and at this point, I’ve definitely covered all my bases.

Most worn jackets
Berschka Gray Large Silhouette Blazer |Worn 3 times

My most worn jacket totally blows me away. Maybe considering the season, it should be the one I omit. But, it highlighted a couple things for me. First, I’m still a huge fan of the oversized blazer (despite what Generation Z says). It’s become a big part of my style DNA; something I reach for and feel comfortable in. We love seeing these commonalities because it shows that you’re adding the right types of items to your closet. But I think more importantly, it’s strange how little this blazer affected me. So little that I don’t even remember wearing it. What it represents is value for money. If memory serves, this blazer retails for less than $100 AUD and the quality is fantastic.

Most Worn Bag
Saben Tilly’s Big Sis Crossbody Bag | Worn 29 times

When I picked out Tilly’s Big Sis in the seasonal “berry” hue, my intention was that it would be a high-rotation A/W piece. But with the prominence of caramel and earth tones, it’s become a color that blends in as well as my spring/summer closet. Easily my favorite style from the brand, it’s incredibly practical. Most similar to my Celine trio in its practicality, but if I were ranking them, I’d pop it up a notch. Love the two separate exterior compartments, but there’s also a zippered interior compartment with two side pockets with card slots. If you’re tempted, it’s time to finally add it to the cart on your end. The quality is outstanding and it looks like new except for some softening of the leather (review coming soon.) Use code JAMIELOVESSABEN for 15% off as well!

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