Now that Summer has officially begun, and the temperatures have remained consistently high, getting dressed is becoming a more challenging task. Because the days are so much longer and we’re spending the majority of our time outside, comfort is always key! From functional footwear, to breathable fabrics that can carry you from day to night, it can be a tricky balance formulating a look that you can go the distance in while also maintaining a sense of style. For me, this is where “elevated essentials” come into play! If you were to ask a group of people to come up with the most “basic” outfit they can think of, I’m willing to bet a high percentage would say “a t-shirt and jeans.” These are the types of wardrobe staples that almost everyone owns, and can be your saving grace when the thought of getting dressed seems simply unbearable. When it comes to trends that peak my interest, I definitely prefer to test them out conservatively before fully investing. Since my May blog post, I have gotten fully onboard with the “jort” trend and being that I only had one distressed pair in my closet, I figured I had room for another option. To be honest, when I saw these I was immediately sold! They were slightly longer than my first pair, a darker wash, and had a finished hem which I thought would be perfect for more formal occasions as well as with boots in the Fall. The buckle detail on the back pocket also provided an unexpected yet subtle design element that made the piece feel a bit more special. I wanted to keep the vibe casual for the most part, so I paired the shorts with one of my favorite tops during the warmer months! It’s such a fun take on the classic tee, and it effortlessly brings intrigue to any ensemble I pair it with. Another new addition were these heeled sandals. As we know, the color red is still having a moment and I wanted to find a fairly minimal sandal that could bring the bold pop I was looking to add to future outfits this season. At this point all there was left to do was accessorize! Silver jewelry and frameless sunnies were an easy match for the hardware on my heels, and an oversized zebra-print clutch brought in a touch of playfulness to the look overall. I definitely look forward to rotating these pieces throughout my Summer wardrobe, and sharing more ways to get the most out of your closet essentials. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!