Uncomplicated Summer Style

Simple Pieces To Live In

After four weeks in Spain, it’s clear what pieces I rely on, what I need more of, and what I wish I had. It boils down to clothes I feel good in and don’t have to think about once I put them on. They also have to be washable and comfortable. While here, it’s been liberating to barely think about what I’m going to wear. Maybe it’s the limited choices inherent to a travel wardrobe that make dressing easier. On this point, I give myself a high score because most of the pieces I brought go with practically everything else. Of course, there are some duds that I haven’t worn yet, but it has been on the cooler side. My sweaters have been working overtime. When true summer kicks in, the hot weather pieces will have their moment.

Here’s my mid-trip assessment broken down by groups. My experience should easily translate to summer anywhere. The big lesson learned: keep it simple, the best summer style is blissfully uncomplicated.

What says summer more than a white dress? This is something I currently don’t have but know I need. I particularly love it in a midi-length in cotton or linen. You could wear it with flat sandals around town on the hottest days, or bring it for a weekend away for dinner or summer cocktails outside. It’s simple and uncomplicated, but still feels special and acts as a blank slate for your accessories. Róhe’s Summer ‘25 collection has the best selection of summer dresses I’ve seen out there. From left: I love the silhouette of this ladder embroidered cotton poplin dress, it’s flattering for every shape. This T-shirt dress is a total winner. Sizes are limited, but I have a feeling they will run it again. You can get notified if your size is sold out; it was just too good not to include. This sleeveless poplin dress has just enough detail, and I love the shape. The cut of this kaftan dress makes it wearable for many occasions, from beach to pool to lunch or dinner, it’s a kaftan without getting too costume-y.

A hit of color in simple shapes is the perfect exclamation point to all the white. Orange is looking mighty good to me now. I instantly fell in love with this orange T-shirt dress from COS. This will become an indispensable summer hero piece and a hell of a lot of fun to wear without looking like you’re trying too hard. It exemplifies the uncomplicated summer style I’m talking about. At 99 dollars, it’s a no-brainer. I’ve been living in my tees, but I wouldn’t mind elevating the look with this, fine-gauge, all-cotton knitted tee. The color is divine, and the shape is perfection.

This is an area I fell short on. I only brought one pair of velour track pants that I surprisingly wear a lot around the house. I underestimated the need for good-looking lounge clothes. Particularly in summer, the need for an interim outfit, between beach and dinner, for example, or hanging around at night. It’s nice to have something comfy that still has style. I love orange, and for summer love anything in cotton terry cloth. Kule nailed it with these track pants and shorts. I did not bring a sweatshirt and regret it. This orange terry sweatshirt I would wear all the time. I brought one Kule tee with me, and wish I had another. The quality and fit are perfect. This striped tee would go with all the terry pieces and everything else.

I could live in white pants all summer. I brought a pair of white jeans and a pair of slim white cotton pants. They are both by far the pants I’ve been wearing the most, to the point that I’m sure I need another pair of white pants to get me through the next half of this trip. Linen would be ideal when it gets warmer. Here are four options. From left: These Vince pants are similar to the Max Mara pants I’ve been living in. I have them in khaki; they’re a great workhorse piece and lighter than jeans for summer. For a more relaxed fit, I love these cotton cargo pants. I bought a pair of linen pants like these years ago in Italy and wish I had them here. Trust me, they’re a summer essential. I wore them with everything, including over swimsuits. Last, I liked the look of these easy linen trousers, with just enough details and relaxed proportions.

The other day, I bought a romantic white cotton voile shirt, which inspired this category. In the city, I’m all about my cotton button-down shirts in summer, but here that feels too, for lack of a better word, buttoned-up. A more relaxed, romantic shirt gives the summery vibes I’m after and looks great over the aforementioned white pants. From left: I love this poet's blouse from Róhe, I have something similar, and regret not packing it. The pintucks and styling of this shirt are similar to the one I just bought and wore right away, always a good sign of future use. This short-sleeved version is another good choice for that romantic feel. The asymmetry of this shirt caught my attention. It would also look great with the sleeves rolled up.

Of the nine pairs of shoes I brought with me, four are still in their shoe bags. Of the remaining five, it boils down to two heavy-duty walking sandals that I’ve been living in. My A. Emory brown leather sandals and my Dior, flower Trevas. What the two have in common is that they are sturdy sandals, great for walking, and both add style to whatever I’m wearing. Basically like a Birkenstock but with more class. I wouldn’t mind adding these to the mix. I am obsessed this summer with suede sandals. I love the style and color of these from Soeur. I can tell just by looking at them that they would be great for walking around the hilly, often rocky terrain of Jávea. They also look great with orange and white. If you don’t have this type of sandal, consider it! It gives whatever you’re wearing a more modern edge.

I hope this helps you to strategize your summer game plan. The key thing I’ve learned since I’m away is to keep it simple and chic. When you’ve boiled it down to the essentials, even the basics have to hold their own. If you get the pieces right, getting dressed is easy, and it doesn’t take a lot.

What are you looking for this summer, and what can you not live without? I would love to know. All the background photos were taken by me in and around Jávea. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Thanks for reading and commenting. I love hearing from you, it keeps me connected!

xxx Jolain