With summer just around the corner, you might be looking to refresh or update your closet. Here are 5 elevated casual pieces for your summer wardrobe.

Summer in the Pacific Northwest always has a slow start. But that doesn’t mean I’m already reevaluating my summer staples, donating pieces, and adding elevated items that can be dressed up or down. When looking at new pieces to add to my summer wardrobe, I always look for items that can be layered as well as statement and casual pieces that can be styled repeatedly.
If you’re looking to you freshen up your summer wardrobe with a handful of items, this blog post is for you.
Here are 5 elevated casual pieces for your summer wardrobe:
Item 1: Cashmere Tee
One elevated but a casual piece that’s recently entered my spring and summer wardrobe is the cashmere top. I used to think of cashmere only for fall and winter. But since cashmere is both comfortable and practical (it keeps you warm without letting you overheat), I recommend adding this to your summer wardrobe.

One of my favorite places to find cashmere tops for spring and summer is J. Crew. Here are some of my favorites:
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Item 2: The Athletic Dress

One of my favorite items I picked up in Europe was this athletic dress from & Other Stories. Athletic dresses are comfortable and an easy way to look cute this summer. You can style it with your favorite sneakers and layer it with a sweater or jacket.
If you’re looking for athletic dresses this season, check out some of my athletic dresses favorites:
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Item 3: Wide Leg or Flared Jeans

If you’re petite like me and aren’t sure how to style wide-leg jeans, I recommend pairing them with a pair of wedges and wearing a more fitted top (like this cashmere tee) to highlight your shape.
Shop my wide-leg and flared jean picks for this month:
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Item 4: Puff Sleeve Dress

It’s no surprise that I wear puff sleeve dresses year-round! If you’re looking for a summer staple, I recommend investing either in a black or white puff sleeve dress. They’re easy to dress up or down – just switch out your sneakers for heels and add accessories.
Shop my summer selections of black and white puff sleeve dresses:
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Item 5: Matching Sets

If you’re looking for an easy way to look cute with minimal styling, I highly recommend adding a matching set to your summer wardrobe. You can style them together and then style them separately with other pieces.
My matching blue tie-dye set is from Shop Allison! I’m wearing a size small in both the blouse and the skirt. I thought it would be cute to style this matching set with a pair of white western boots.
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What other pieces would you recommend adding to refresh your summer wardrobe?
For more spring and summer outfit ideas, you can also check out:
Me on Instagram – @emmasedition
5 Paris Outfit Ideas for Your Spring Vacation
2022 Spring Outfit Ideas for Women
Thank you for reading!
Love,
Emma
Photography: Holly Phan & Karya Schanilec