Memorial Day Weekend has always been my signal to officially switch into summer mode. It’s the first real chance to lean into warm-weather dressing without second-guessing it. The layers come off, breezy whites come out, and I start mentally planning every outfit around rooftop drinks, park hangs, and anywhere else that involves being in the sun.
This year, I’m staying local, and honestly, I’m excited about it. No flight delays, no packing stress—just me, my closet, and a weekend to play dress-up all in the name of summer.
Lately, I’ve been gravitating toward playful textures, statement jewelry, and pops of red (because fashion people everywhere have declared it the color of the season). If you’re also ready to retire your spring layers and lean into the ease of summer dressing, I put together five outfit formulas that require minimal effort but look like you really tried. I’ll be living in these all weekend—and probably all season.
Beachy Pants + a White Tank
When you’re beach-bound but still want to look put-together, start with a pair of flowy pants that feel like pajamas but read resort. Add the perfect white ribbed tank (a forever summer staple), and I’ll usually let a peek of my bikini top show for that effortless, I-just-threw-this-on vibe. Top it all off with some chunky jewelry that looks like it came from a beach boutique, even if it actually arrived via overnight shipping.
J.Crew
Beach Pant With Pom-Poms
Re/Done x Hanes
Ribbed Tank
Lack of Color
The Inca Bucket Hat
Loeffler Randall
Landon Red Mesh Ballet Flat
Juillet Swimwear
Lee Broderie Anglaise Bandeau Bikini Top
Casa Clara
Terada Necklace
LBD: Summer Edition
No matter the season, I always come back to a little black dress. This Memorial Day, I’ll be layering mine over a printed one-piece for a subtle peek of pattern and will ground the look with my Toga Pulla buckle sandals (the cool girl’s Birkenstock). Between the bamboo-handle bag, turquoise necklace, and the striped raffia bucket hat, it’s giving beach picnic meets downtown cool—exactly the energy I want this weekend.
Dôen
Almadia Crochet-Trimmed Ramie Mini Dress
Toga Pulla
Black Buckle Sandals
Baben
Antoinette Printed One-Piece Swimsuit
Clare V
Black Pot De Miel Bag With Bamboo Handle
Chan Luu
Magnolia Beaded Turquoise Necklace
Hat Attack
Chic Crochet Bucket
Butter Yellow
Yellow, especially butter yellow, is basically everywhere on Instagram right now. It’s locked in a friendly rivalry with red for the season’s top spot, and honestly, I’m here for both. It’s right on trend and easy to style with both neutrals and other bold hues.
Dôen
Anisa Alpaca-Blend Cardigan
Slvrlake
Mica Frayed Denim Shorts
Frame
The Eyelet Tank in White
Loewe
Anagram Striped Raffia Phone Pouch
Asos Design
Hammock Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals in Buttermilk
Poppy Lissiman
Mattie in Gold
Flowy Maxi + Paracord Sandals
If your Memorial Day plans are anything like mine and involve bottomless rosé and breezy patios, you’ll want something that feels just as effortless. Enter the crisp white maxi. It’s instantly polished but still breathable enough to survive a sweltering sidewalk brunch. I’m styling mine with red paracord sandals (very S/S 24 Miu Miu coded) and a bandana bag that gives just the right nod to Americana without feeling too on the nose.
Veronica Beard
Carmina Cord Sandal
Khaite x Oliver Peoples
Sleek Black Steel Butterfly Sunglasses
Julietta
Agnes Carnelian Earrings
Mini Shorts + a Cozy Sweater
Mini shorts and a cozy sweater may sound like a seasonal clash, but that’s exactly why it works. For sweltering days with breezy nights, it’s the perfect pairing. I’ll be coming back to my silk shorts all summer long. They’re the perfect flirty yet easy throw-on-and-go statement piece.
Jenni Kayne
Cashmere Amelia Crewneck Sweater
Dôen
Iona Short in Sea Salt
A.Emery
Jalen Slim Sandal
Mayamar
Bold Stone Beaded Necklace
Everlane
The Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton
Ray-Ban
54mm Wayfarer Sunglasses
