I Get Told I Look Like a “Bougie Auntie” When I Wear This Anti-Trend Outfit

I’ll admit it—I hate getting dressed in the summer. The weather always confuses me, especially with the sporadic temperature changes we’ve been having as of late. It can be 90° outside, but then the office or your apartment will be freezing cold, so I’m always spending a little too much time staring at my closet in the morning and wondering what on Earth I’m supposed to wear. Lately, I’ve been resorting to an easy outfit formula—wide-leg pants, a basic top, and a sweater thrown over my shoulders. I didn’t think much of it, but when compliments kept getting thrown my way and I got told I looked like a “bougie auntie,” I realized the simple outfit was chicer than I had thought. It also makes sense for the weather, as I can throw on and take off the sweater as need be.

I own only a few variations of this outfit, but I’ve been gravitating toward these pieces more than anything else in my summer wardrobe. Even as a fashion editor, I’ve come to the realization that it’s okay to just stick with a more pared-back approach sometimes, and that doesn’t negate or take away from what’s deemed stylish. If you’re also struggling with what to wear this summer and want to take note of my go-to formula, I’ve found inspiration from others in the fashion set who have put their own spin on the look as well as where to shop the pieces. Keep scrolling for roomy trousers, linen pants, classic button-downs, easy tanks, and more.