You know when you have something in your wardrobe that's just so good, you pray that nothing ever happens to it? That's how I feel about this shirtdress. It's a very special Dress in the realm of Cheryl Shops; you last saw it in Carmel, but it has the honor of being what I wore on the day I decided to bring the blog back (also, coincidentally, in Carmel!). Long story short, you don't have to spend a fortune on a white shirtdress—this one is from Gap—but when you find a keeper, wear the hell out of it. Here's how I'm wearing it this year.
This dress came with a belt that I've since (accidentally) lost, which is probably for the better, because I had to re-sew the belt loops at least once. While I wore it belted in the early days, I've come to prefer it without—it feels looser and more easygoing that way, which is exactly how you want a summery white shirtdress to feel. As I mentioned in the intro, this one is from Gap and is many years old, but it's only gotten better with age. (Pro tip: if you go with linen, a little stiffness in the fabric is actually good, because it will get softer with wear.) I've linked a similar style below; if you treat yourself to one new dress this season, I'd vote for this one.
Speaking of things I wear the hell out of, this Free People Blazer is one of them. You last saw it with white jeans and sneakers and while it spent the winter in the back of my closet, it's prime linen blazer time now. I love how unstructured and '80s it feels, kind of Miami Vice but cooler, and I especially like to wear it with dresses and skirts (although it's just as good with jeans). My only regret about this blazer is not having sized down; I'm wearing a small and, as you can tell, it's a wee bit big. So I'd say err on the smaller side.
Continuing with the theme of things I wear ad nauseam, my Staud Bissett Bag is back for the 2nd week in a row. I know I've written at length about how I love the size and shape, so this time I'll focus on the color, which is the perfect marriage between the pure white of my dress and the light beige of my jacket. I know a white or ivory leather bag sounds like a recipe for disaster, but this one has remained markably unscathed, and I carry it quite a bit in warmer months. (Hopefully I haven't jinxed myself by saying that.)
And rounding out my list of summer go-tos are these big-buckle Arizona sandals from Birkenstock, which you also last saw in Carmel. It goes without saying that they're super comfortable, but the big buckles and pink distressed leather make them look less dorky. I've found that the two-strap Arizona style usually makes my foot look super-wide, but the buckle on these balances things out in a much more flattering way. If you're between sizes, go up half a size--I'm in a 39 and these are the comfiest shoes ever. Expect to see a lot more of them this summer too.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Free People Simply Perfect blazer | Gap dress (very similar here) | Staud Bissett bag | Birkenstock Arizona big buckle sandals
