Nothing hustles you along in your seasonal shopping like an unexpected trip! My husband has been hopping back and forth to Florida for business and I had enough of being jealous so we booked a little jaunt for the two of us. And then I realized 1) I wasn’t feeling particularly excited about my carry over Spring and Summer wardrobe as I once was and 2) definitely wasn’t feeling confident in it. It is true what they say that you never appreciate your body in the moment, but once it’s changed you certainly do.

I meant to do some really meaningful shopping prior to the trip, but since we only had about ten days between when we booked and left paired with a hectic work schedule, it just didn’t happen. I was stuck with trusty old Amazon, Target and Old Navy. I have to say, I was NOT disappointed. When all was said and done I was packed with some items that were within budget and more importantly, made me feel fabulous. Oh, and did I mention they are all under $50? Did you expect anything less?

Tie-Shoulder Shirred Crop Top From Amazon

I first bought this top (Amazon – $12) in royal blue for a Snow White inspired ensemble for a Disney World trip. I have been looking for the right white crop top that I could go braless with and the texture is perfect for that. Not feeling the white? That’s ok, it comes in 19 other colors and patterns. The bows are functional so you could make it more cropped or as long as it gets (shown here). I’m wearing a size small.

Sleeveless Swing Dress from Old Navy

This dress is SO light and airy. It’s no surprise it’s selling out quickly, but they have it in multiple colors in patterns so act fast and you may be able to grab one for yourself. I’m wearing a size XS and I find it does run big (I wear a 2-4 and in most brands that would be a standard small). It’s listed here for $45 at Old Navy, but as we all know, they always are running coupons and specials to bring the price down. I mean it – NEVER pay full price at Old Navy!

Cropped Short Sleeve Tee from Target and Wide Leg Linen Pants from Old Navy

By my second full-day in Florida I was really starting to sink in to vacation. I woke up ready to be relaxed and comfy. Without thinking I grabbed these separates which paired together for the perfect look which I dressed down, but with the right accessories could be a great look out and about.

The cropped tee from Target is only $5. It comes in both standard and plus sizes and is available in six colors. I’m wearing the small and have already ordered three more colors!

The linen pants are outrageously comfortable. The drawstring is functional so it cinches at the perfect spot in your waist. These graze the floor on me so they are perfect with flat sandals. REAL pockets in the front and back. You can grab these in any of five colors at Old Navy for $32.

Levi’s White Skinny Jeans from Target

I haven’t found the right white jeans for about 2 seasons. I was on the hunt for a real “adult” pair this year and feel great about these 721s from Levi’s. What does an adult pair of white jeans look like? 1) Not a TON of stretch. I find that a high spandex percentage would mean a thinner fabric which showed texture on my legs – a nice way to say cellulite. 2) A thicker material so it wasn’t completely see-through. It’s one thing to wear nude undies under white jeans, it’s another when you can SEE those nude undies. No one wants that. Finally, 3) high-waisted. Since I have a long torso, short legs and a defined waist this really is the best silhouette for me.

I sized up in these to a 27 and it was the right choice. Just the right amount of fit without being tight. Plus, I had a nice big meal without feeling like I was a stuffed sausage. I still can’t believe you can get these at Target for $49!

Tiered Ruffle Mini Skirt from Amazon

Raise your hand if you are a paired-shaped lady! My hips and thighs are the first place that gains weight, so it’s hard to keep items through the seasons if they are fitted in those areas. Not to mention, it’s nice to have a breeze in the summer months if you know what I mean.

This flowy, ruffle skirt is SO (omg, SO) flattering for all shapes and beyond comfortable. It is a little on the long side, I have the waistband folded over once here and it feels much more “mini”. This style comes in 5 colors on Amazon for $18 and I’m wearing the size small (runs big).

High Waisted Faux-Leather Shorts from Amazon

How I’ve lived 32 summers without these shorts I will NEVER know! They are definitely a thick material, so many not for your 90-degree days, but I can see these being a three season item. Some tights and boots would be AMAZING with these, too. Another piece with a functioning drawstring and real pockets.

The other key thing I love about these shorts is the inseam. I didn’t need to worry about bending over in these and felt comfortable moving around without feeling bare. I sized up for a medium and it was the right choice. Could I have gotten away with the small, sure, but the structure of these makes it work. $27 and worth every penny here.

Ponytail Scarf at Target

I love a summer pony. This is a trend that whenever I see someone else do it I think it looks darling, but when I do it I feel silly. I finally just said “no” to the doubt in my head and went for it. I bought this red one plus a snakeprint hair scarf and have worn both SEVERAL times since. It looks great with a high pony, a low bun or even the tail of a braid.

These retail for $8 at Target, but I got both on sale. Here’s a link to the snake print version, but there is just about any color you can imagine!

Colorblock One-Piece Swimsuit from Target

As mentioned, I definitely didn’t feel ready for a swimsuit on this trip so I went in search of fairly modest suit that covered up some insecurities, without looking like I was doing it on purpose. The bright colors of this suit are SO much fun. I love a colorblocked style since trends in patterns comes and goes so quickly between seasons and solid can get old after a while. Consider this the best of both worlds.

It does come in junior’s sizing so I sized up to a medium and it fit great. It also is very high cut on the sides which I love for my short legs, but does mean that it is cheeky in the rear. Target had a TON of great bikinis and monokinis like this that will help you conceal areas that you’re not comfortable showing without sacrificing style. This $30 steal is out of stock online, but may be picked up at your local store.

Nippies Ultimate Nipple Covers from Amazon

I have been on the hunt for the best nipple covers for YEARS! Trust me, I have tried every option on the market and some solutions I thought up at home – band aids, medical tape, swimsuit inserts with double-sided tape. I mean it, I’ve done it all.

This is graphic, but the last time I wore this bodysuit braless I overheard someone call me “nippers”. Cringe…. and cringe again. However, when I wore a strapless bra with it, the sides would show and I would be hiking it up all night. Some of the most popular nipple cover brands draw MORE attention to your situation.

I did a TON of research on the best product on the market. These are a matte finish, so they don’t shine through fabric in photos and have a skin-like texture. Additionally, the edges are tapered so it’s a seamless transition. Oh yeah, did I mention there are two sizes and THREE shades for all skin tones? We stan an inclusive brand.

The biggest change I notice is the size. They are notably larger than most covers I’ve used before and I actually think this is the trick. Most tops are their most clingy on your breasts, so by expanding the surface area, the edges are in places that aren’t as critical so it doesn’t look like a nipple on top of a nipple.

These are reusable and washable to keep the adhesive fresh. It is a more significant investment ($25 for a single pair – I went with the A-C size), they come in great packaging to preserve the quality and shape and already I’ve worn them with my most challenging tops and dresses. I’ve always wanted to attempt a “braless” summer and with these bad boys, this just may be the year.

As we close in on the unofficial end of summer and gearing up for Labor Day festivities, I always think of one of those antiquated fashion rules. Can you wear white after Labor Day?

I have always been a believer that white is a true neutral and can be used all year round with appropriate styling. However, if you fall into a different school of thinking, first of all, you’re wrong. This is 2020, wear what you want, when you want. Here are three outfit ideas for taking your little white dress and making it all-season approved. 

My white dress is an oldie but a goodie from express. It is double layered to combat sheerness that you can often get with white dresses, and the ruching adds even more coverage.

This one is long gone on the website, but here are a few others at a steal:
Venus $20 MY PICK!, Windsor $35, Wal-Mart $9

I Put A Spell On You

This first option is moody as heck and guaranteed to get you into the fall spirit. It is not for the faint of heart as it takes boatloads of confidence to pull off this floor-length sheer duster. (Ooooooo witchy woman)

I got this particular piece from Amazon in preparation for our family trip to Italy as a light layer in the mild temperatures. Click here for this $22 beauty!

In order to keep this look casual and not completely over the top, I went with simple patterns slip on sandals. If you really wanted to turn heads you could pair some beehive boots with this book at some point too. Yowza!

Fall Flower Child

You already know how I feel about a good kimono. This is a great last ditch effort to work through my summer colors before the season passes us by. I love pairing slouchy items with something fitted because it keeps things both sexy and romantic.

FYI – this is ANOTHER Amazon find – only $17 and you can get it in two days!

Since we are getting into cooler temperatures, I shied away from fun, bright colored shoes as hard as it was and went with neutral nude heels instead. Trust me, I already miss color blocking and bold combinations! 

Ready For Anything

I’ve decided that this will be my fall uniform. Everyone has or should have a great plaid flannel in their closet. Any color and any length will do. I could have let the shirt hang open as well, but tying it up emphasized my waist line and made me feel more put together with structure.

I’m always looking for new ways to wear the flannel shirts in my closet that help them feel less seasonal or theme-y. As I mentioned in the culotte jumpsuit article, always be thinking about untraditional ways to layer versus your standard cardigan or blazer.

You’ve already been introduced to my favorite slip on black sneakers – perfect for everyone’s favorite fall activities. I have been wearing my sandals non-stop because I know the window of opportunity is closing quickly. However, low profile sneakers are a must as we transition into fall.

I finished this fall ensemble with a grey wool wide brim fedora by New Era Cap. I did’t love the sides rolled up as it came so I just flipped them over for this chic final look.

All in all – don’t be so quick to pack up your summer apparel. Stretch your seasons with layers, playing with color contrast and mixing and matching your favorite cross-seasonal basics.

Name a more iconic wardrobe piece than the white tee shirt…. Ok, maybe a little dramatic. Name a more basic wardrobe piece… That one might actually be right. I think about what could possibly trump a white tee shirt. MAYBE jeans? Otherwise, I don’t think much comes close.

What’s not to love? It’s comfy and you can bleach the heck out of it to look newer, longer. Especially for my cozy pieces, I’m always looking for more ways to wear them. Especially since quarantine I have a whole new appreciation for the casual. #pajamasarelife, am I right?

I always have one washed and at the ready in my closet so it’s a really easy item when I have no idea what else to wear. The possibilities are genuinely endless. Think of it as a closet’s chameleon.

Important to note – in reality, you COULD grab a mens or boys Hanes tee for all of these. However, a women’s cut is preferred. That doesn’t mean it’s tight, it just means it is tapered to flatter in a strategic way. You’ll still get the effortless look. Trust me.

Undercover Classy

Ummmm… Can I live in this? Destroyed denim paired with heels and a blazer is a MOOD. It’s classy, but not really since you can wear your favorite lived in pieces.

I tucked in the tee shirt and threw on a belt that matches the heels so they have a coordinated feel. You could absolutely go with a solid colored blazer, this polka dot just felt right to add some extra style to this otherwise simple look.

Fun fact, I couldn’t find a bobbi pin to pull back the side of my hair, so instead, I grabbed a large paper clip. You’d never know, would you 😉

A Threw This Together Standard

This is basically my uniform for if I need to run out and don’t want to put myself together, but want to look put together. Basically, it’s my step above baggy, leopard pajama pants.

This look works well with plaid and flannel shirts also, and your top of choice can be wrapped around the waist for coverage or if it’s a sweltering day like it has been (record month of heat in New York this month!). It is CRITICAL to roll up your sleeves on this. Since the tee isn’t fitted, nor is it tucked in, you need to eliminate at least one level of drapiness. The cuffs will take care of this for you.

It’s amazing how much more “ready” for the day I feel when I swap sandals for real shoes. Doesn’t need to be sneakers, just something with more of a purpose than a slide. But, trust me, I LOVE a slide.

These leggings are my all-time favorite. They are Spanx brand and the price will make you clutch your pearls, but as a self-proclaimed budget fashionista, they are WORTH IT. I have three different styles. They hold me in and form to fit perfectly. It’s also an instant butt-lift. They have sales often, so check back!

Just Rolled Out Of Bed

So you slept through your alarm… again. You scramble to do your favorite five-minute face routine and realize you don’t have time to iron or steam the outfit you had planned. YIKES!

A tee-shirt is a shockingly great pairing with all your favorite structured skirts – for work or for play.

I love a statement necklace to dress up the top half. If you wore a crew neck tee shirt, they look especially great. I tossed on a cardigan, too, to hide the casual nature of the sleeves so it really just feels like a crisp top.

I added some slip on mule loafers for a “just enough” finishing touch.

Get Yours

This shirt is one of my all time favorites and you can get it from Old Navy for just $8 by clicking here.

A t-shirt dress is a must for the warmer months of the year. It’s often made in a loose fit without a seam at the waist. A t-shirt dress can be made in a variety of colors and fabrics and because of the unstructured nature, it is flattering on most body types and there are a ton of ways you can make this your own. 

My t-shirt dress is on the fancier side in a blue and cream snakeskin print. The fabric is a really thin polyester blend and hangs beautifully. It’s one of those easy items where when I don’t know what to wear, I reach for this. I bought it secondhand (seeing a trend?) And it has paid for itself one hundred times over. Length in a t-shirt dress is important to me. I want to be able to “belt and fluff” for the max amount of ways so it can’t be too short by itself. So consider buying one about two inches longer than you would like it to be at its shortest.

Side note: When I came downstairs ready to take photos in this outfit, Kevin (my fiancé) said, “oh, is it snakeskin edition this week?”. Which not only was a great idea, but he is clearly enjoying life as a blogger spouse. Hi dear! 

Dressed Up

The first way I wore this dress was in all its unstructured glory. I reached for a long necklace with a heavy bauble. The way it falls against my chest helps create SOME shape on the top part without actively creating a waistline. Because of the unstructured nature of the t-shirt dress, it can be a challenge to really dress it up so I went with a metallic gold theme for the accessories. 

That said, textures go a LONG way in helping to elevate this simple piece since it often comes in basic fabrics. The purse was the perfect choice because of the natural woven texture and gold tassel which went perfectly with my necklace. 

Accidental miracles like the purse and necklaces happening to match is the KEY to throwing it together. Did I think about this in advance, not quite, but does it look like I did…. Heck yes. As you get more confident in your outfits, as it’s been said, fortune favors the bold and you’ll find a lot of coincidences just fall in your lap.

Last of the group are these gold Michael Kors wedges (bought secondhand, again). These keep it casual, but still as dressed up as it gets.

Dressed For Business

If you want to look professional or give the impression of organization and control, a strong structured outfit will definitely do that for you. Each item picked for this looked was specifically chosen to give that impression.

A blazer and t-shirt dress is a winning combination for a summer event. The dress is light and airy, but the blazer adds class, sophistication and much-needed shape for this occasion. You’ll want to make sure yours is VERY fitted. Otherwise, boxy and boxy just don’t mix and will do nothing but swallow you up.

A round quilted purse feels intentional and the pointed mules are a strong statement. An outfit like this should look thought-out even if it was a last minute decision.

Dressed Down

My personal favorite way to wear a T-shirt dress! It’s classic, feminine and you can’t go wrong. A skinny belt at the natural waste totally changes the whole game without taking up too much real estate. A larger belt may take away from the ease of the look.

The rest is simple, coordinated natural purse and shoes. They don’t have to be match-y match-y, but it keeps it looking really clean. Because of the pattern, this felt like the most organic choice.

Other Ways to Play

This is where you could have a lot of fun with a t-shirt dress. It is essentially a blank canvas to play with. Want to do a neon accessory set? Fabulous. Want to play up an animal print palette? Meow. Want to jazz it up with metallics? Glam it up. 

If you REALLY wanted to kick up your t-shirt dress a notch… leave it completely unstructured (no belt or cinching allowed), toss your hair in a ponytail or top knot and toss on some stilettos. This will level up this piece in a new way.

Do you have a t-shirt dress? What’s your favorite way to wear? 

When I was talking about this week’s post with my friends, I mentioned that one of the swim cover up styles was a sarong. Every. Single. Time. I said this, it was met with, “Oh I have one of those, but I have no idea how to tie it”. (Light Bulb)

I live for multi-way ANYTHING – it’s basically a challenge and I ALWAYS want to win. Back in the day I wore the LeSac dress by American Apparel to death. One day I wore it three different occasions, in three different ways, all while changing it around in the car.

Have a sarong hanging in your closet? Here is a step by step video to walk you through 7 ways to tie a sarong. Feeling impatient? The speedy version can be found right below.

Best of luck and be sure to send us your photos @threwthistogether on Instagram and hashtag #threwthistogether

Speedy Version Here: