Wake up… it’s the thirteenth of the month (it’s also my birthday).
This month I bring you a hybrid edit: part reflection on how (online) window shopping has helped strengthen my personal style, and part spring-to-early-summer style notes / miscellaneous moods for the season.
And yes, it has technically been spring for a little over a month now, but the weather in New York hasn’t been particularly compliant and I am writing this on a warm-weather vacation — so the spring vibes are just now hitting.
One of the most popular questions I get *from my 400-something followers* is “how do you not buy everything you post?” First of all, I can’t afford to… But it's also not the point. The best part about @wardrobethirteen is the amount of (online) window shopping it requires. I know the polyvore-esque flat lay isn’t everyone’s favorite style of content, but it’s been a game changer for observing my shopping habits, and thus, my approach to style and styling.
It also addresses a challenge hand’t fully realized was a challenge until this week. Maria Del Russo (a self proclaimed “non-fashion girlie”) said it best in last week’s installment of
:so much of the discourse on fashion comes from two ends — well-established fashion types who are gifted A LOT of clothing whose approach to style doesn’t feel accessible, and the “haul” obsessed influencers who buy a shit-ton of fast fashion that aligns with whatever current “trend” is snaking through the Tiktok algorithm. But what about those of us who really love clothes, have a little money to spend, and want to go about building out a wardrobe that makes them feel good, that is functional, and that doesn’t contribute to the excessive waste and exploitation the fashion industry is complicit in?
Spending time shopping for flat lays lets me essentially cosplay as the well-established, gift-getting type by playing with pieces I don’t own (though I’d like to), sidestep the haul (and inevitable post-haul regret/waste) because I buy a fraction of what I post, and try before I buy when it comes to algorithm-assisted trends and seasonal predictions... All without spending any of money! And yes, I know nothing compares to physical clothes on your actual body, but personal style is a muscle and this is a workout that works for me right now.
So, after some time looking for patterns across my recent outfits (IRL and on my feed), a scroll through my saves on locker1, light reading of 2024 trend predictions, and a week of consecutive 76° days on vacation, I bring you my spring-to-early-summer vibe list.
*** Notice how I have referred to the below as “style notes,” “moods,” and a “vibe list.” There is no consistency in form and I do not plan on buying everything below (or even one piece per category) — nor am I encouraging you to. This is merely a collection of things to inspire… browse at your discretion ***
01 PRINTS THAT AREN’T FLORALS
To Miranda Prietsly’s satisfaction, we may be sidestepping florals this spring and summer. I don’t think we should entirely write off the flower (3D appliqués and floral embellishments are still popping up on the runways and in the shops), but I think your traditional repeating floral pattern will be less popular than its been in seasons past. And in its place, I will happily usher in stripes and polka dots.
02 CHIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
I truly cannot think of any other collection of words that captures this vibe. It’s a balance of a subtle peppiness, a mild eclecticism, and an air of nearly childlike simplicity. She could be a Beth Jones character or Carrie Bradshaw era, but she is also practical and legitimately wearable. Colors & prints & textures are essential and layering is encouraged.
03 BASKETBALL SHORTS
I thrifted two pairs of basketball shorts last season and wore them non-stop, so I think I am ready to commit to considering them a spring/summer staple. I am also very much so anti-denim shorts and will happily uplift a replacement anytime.
04 BIG, BIG GLASSES
This one is pretty self explanatory. Glasses are by far my favorite accessory and I come from the “the bigger, the better” school of thought (bonus points for frames that aren’t black).
05 CARRYING TWO BAGS AT ONCE
This is a recurrent runway trend and popular call out by a lot of magazines. Though it may sound silly, I threw a sparkly mini bag over the straps of a canvas tote last month (à la Carrie Bradshaw) and have been legitimately double bagging since.
I love how it looks, but I also love the practicality of it. I put my essentials in the mini bag and all the other random sh*t I carry around (ie. my computer, a little snack, makeup touchup needs [that I never end up using], my full wallet, etc.) in the tote.
This is especially spring appropriate as warm weather = avoidance of the sensory overload that is putting a shoulder bag on top of a coat and other bulky layers.
06 THE MAXI SKIRT
My spring/summer version of “jeans and a nice top” is “big skirt and a simple top”… doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily, but it works just as well. My preference is a cotton poplin, tea length, with a thick waistband. I also live in the Reformation ‘Lucy’ skirt — it’s longer and sans waistband but does the trick.
07 BUBBLE HEM
I understand that there are climate considerations to this, but I think its shame that we often save a lot of volume and drama for colder months (specifically holiday season). I think we need to spread the love across the entire year and remember that volume always have to mean weight and bulk.
Ideally, I’d love to see more exaggerated shoulders this spring BUT I understand this request for volume is probably best fulfilled via bubble hems as it gets warmer and jackets fully disappear — and I am 100% okay with that.
P.S. I have a full locker collection dedicated to interesting shape, volume, and/or texture that I add to regularly if that interests you.
I hope you enjoyed this list. In many ways, it feels like an extension of my September issue (that included peplum, mixed metals, sequins, structured cardigans, interesting heel shapes, thick cuffs on pants and jackets, and more) — but continuity is the goal and the start of a new season doesn’t need to disrupt that.
I want to know what is on your spring/summer vibe list? Where do you find inspo? What are you shopping for?
Till next time,
W13 <3
literally double bagged last weekend but felt self-conscious. thank you, keep preaching
Love it and love you !!!! happy birthday 💜🍓🩷🦋