Mixing and Matching Casual Summer Basics

Happy Thursday ladies. Today I’m mixing and matching casual summer basics in some of my favorite fabrics and shapes. Dual purposing your clothes saves room in your closet, makes it easier to put a nice outfit together, and ultimately saves you money.

I’m delighted to once again have this post sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective and I thank you for supporting the brands that support AWSL.

Cotton gauze fabrics are everywhere this summer and with good reason. It’s very soft and breathable, and when layered as double gauze, it has a squishy puffiness, that just adds to its comfort.

This Splendid gauze shirt is just such a double gauze with a crinkled texture that’s perfect for summer. Since I wear a lot of white in the summer, I chose the darker of the two neutrals it comes in so it would have more pop against my white things. It comes in sizes XS-XL, I am wearing a small which is nice and roomy.

I’m wearing it over my new NYDJ denim shorts. They have a classic 5 pocket styling and with a high rise and plenty of spandex so they’re comfy and don’t bind when you move around. White denim can be pretty unforgiving no matter what size you wear so having a shirttail that looks nice untucked is a bonus. These shorts come in petite and regular, 0-14 or 18P, I am wearing the regular size 4.

I finished this off with my first pair of Jack Rogers sandals. I know, I know…where have I been? There are two versions of these sandals that look the same. The classic version here and these Jacks II, which have a cushioned footbed which my aging feet appreciate. The sandals come in 5 colors, sizes 5-11, I am wearing my regular 9.

Here’s the same gauze shirt, with an easy pair of Vince pull-on pants. When I bought them, I assumed they were a substantial weight linen but it turns out they’re made from hemp which is a stronger fiber and more breathable than linen. I love their on-seam pockets and wider leg. These have a drawstring in front and a smooth-fitted waistband in the back. They come in white or black in sizes XXS-XXL, I am wearing a small.

I paired these with my new linen Toni Pons espadrilles which happen to be the same taupe as my shirt. I’m not going to deny it…I love a little matchy-matchy 🙂 These shoes have a comfy elastic slingback and a low enough wedge to be super comfy plus the linen upper will keep my feet cool. They come in 4 colors in sizes 7-11, I’m wearing a 9-9.5.

shop gauze shirts

Now let’s move on to stripes…

I never met a stripe I didn’t love so I couldn’t resist this lightweight cotton shirt.

It’s 100% breathable cotton and long enough to work its magic over my Lysee Scalloped Edge Denim leggings….concealing what it needs to while keeping me cool. The scalloped edge on these leggings really makes them work for me, especially with the shape of the sandal.

See also- The Modern Way To Wear Leggings After 50

I added a simple cotton tank, (because why not add a column of color whenever you can), and my Jack Rogers sandals for a comfy look that’ll take me most places for my casual lifestyle.

As it happens, the shirt has a matching striped skirt that I could not resist.

This skirt has side pockets and a front slit with slight A-line styling. It’s super lightweight and easy to wear. Just pull it on, add a slip and you’re good to go. You could even add a dressier shoe and take this look to a whole other level.

The striped shirt is so lightweight it’s easy to scrunch and tie at your waist without tons of extra bulk.

Nordstrom is my favorite department store for so many reasons, not the least of which is their incredible great selection, and customer service with free shipping and returns, always. Joining the Nordy club here is free and allows you to earn points towards notes you can use to shop plus you get free basic alterations. They also offer BOPUS, ROTUS (reserve online, try on in-store), and curbside pickup.

Is your summer wardrobe ready?

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.