4 outfits (and a bikini) that made me feel good this summer
even though I really have just wanted to live in leggings
I really haven’t wanted to get dressed recently. To be honest, I’m exhausted. I shared a little bit of what’s going on here, but that’s just one of many, many layers. My friend described the past few months as “emotional acrobatics,” and she pretty much nailed it.
This acrobat has mostly wanted to live in leggings and a sports bra. And honestly, I have been. But I’ve still gotten dressed in real clothes. Not to create content, but to live real life. Luckily I filmed quick Lets Get Dressed reels along the way, which means I have screengrabs to share with you.
Whether or not you’re going through something (or a lot of things) in your personal life, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the news right now. So I hope these outfit ideas give you a little inspo to put together something next week that helps you feel good, too.
Ok, this is starting to feel like one massive run-on, so let’s just get to the outfits...
There’s a reason yellow is my favorite color: it’s pure happiness. But surprisingly, I don’t have much of it in my closet. I’ve been trying to change that this year, which has been pretty easy thanks to the butter trend. Bright head-to-toe yellow still feels like a lot, but mixing softer shades, like lemon, butter, and banana, has been my version of dopamine dressing.
Neutrals are just so calming. That’s why I decorated my San Diego home in warm neutrals. I needed peace in my space! And it works in outfits, too. Monday sucked. But something about the mix of beiges and whites helped me feel a little more grounded.
If you need a confidence boost, I highly recommend these pants. I have them in multiple colors, and they’re so flattering (even in white). Maybe it sounds vain, but knowing my butt looked good made me hold my head a little higher.
Also: have you heard of a worry stone?
shared how she rubs one to ease anxiety, and I loved her idea about wearing it as a pendant. I have this aura pendant. It’s not exactly a worry stone, but close enough. It’s supposed to give off creative, relaxed, and friendly vibes. Bonus? It’s my fave color. I rubbed it before two appointments I was dreading, and weirdly, it really helped.
Now that my son’s cast is off, we’ve been hitting the beach as much as possible. I threw a classic outfit over my bikini yesterday and used my fave straw hat and new sunnies to make up for zero makeup and a messy bun. When I showed up for a beach playdate, my friend said, “You look like a chic Del Mar mom.” Maybe vain again… but compliments are nice. And I felt good.
I live in the coastal suburbs now, but I still miss city life… both LA and NYC (I used to go almost every month pre-Covid). This combo of a tube top, poplin maxi, and silver sneakers made me feel like I was back there for a minute. And that felt really good.
I’m obsessed with Left on Friday. The suits are so soft, they somehow suck you in while still being comfy, and they even give the girls a little lift without any padding or underwire. Literal swim magic. (Side note: I find the suits to run a little small so I size up to a S on top and M on bottom).
I chose this color after doing my DIY color analysis. I don’t usually usually wear aqua, but the color felt cheerful. And it turned out to be such a happy late afternoon at the beach with my boys.
Goals for the rest of the weekend? A 24-hour reset.
As soon as I hit send, I’m shutting down my computer and putting it in a drawer. My phone’s already been in sleep mode for days, but I’m taking it one step further. Once my friend texts me what time she and the kids are coming for dinner, I’m tucking my phone away in my nightstand drawer.
One full day without noise.
One full day focusing on what matters most.
Want more reset ideas? Here are a few Substacks I read this week that spoke me:
- on starting over at 59
- on anxiety and how she slows down
- on what she does when feeling anxious
- very helpful explanation of reparenting
- ’s list of non-shoppable things that invoke happiness
- ’s reflection on early motherhood
💛,
Sydne