When I get dressed for a casual day filled with errands around town I like to make sure I still look put together! I have found that the true key to a casually pulled together look is to make sure it is in fact casual, and not sloppy! Repeat after me: “Yoga pants are not casual, they are yoga pants…to be worn when doing yoga. Period.”

One of my staples for this kind of look is a good pair of cut-off shorts. I am pretty picky when it comes to finding the right length and have often resorted to making my own out of old 501’s. Not saying I don’t dig a pair of short-shorts, but as I get older I like to err on the side of caution so I don’t look like I rummaged through my nieces closet.

Cut-offs are a true chameleon in fashion and can go from casual to dressy simply by adding a pair of wedges and some accessories. Another casual basic that gets some serious milage is my vintage striped T-shirt from Ella Moss. It goes great with everything from cutoffs, to white jeans, and even tucked into a pencil skirt, if you haven’t tried stripes this summer is a great time to start!

Speaking of summer, I love wearing silver accessories right now because they look so great with a tan! My Tracee Nichols Roman Pendant has been my go-to, I haven’t wanted to take it off since I got it! Its made of sterling silver and turquoise and is looks great layered, or on its own. Accessories can be a real time-saver when running from one coffee date or appointment to the next so sometimes I will throw some extra pieces in my bag in case I need to add some oomph to my look for an unexpected happy hour.

Another casual basic that I would highly recommend is a green utility jacket. I know I have said this before, but that is because it is true…it goes with everything, and offers the perfect amount of warmth on cool summer nights, or in frigidly air-conditioned coffee shops.

What are your go-to basics in the summer?

{Photos by Henry Young}