Summer wardrobe: narrowing it down
Three weeks ago I wrote about my search for the perfect summer wardrobe. I ended up with three things on my list that I wish to acquire; a black camisole, a white linen blouse and a pair of high-waisted white trousers. I’ve been scouring the internet for hours and finally managed to narrow my choices down. Let’s start with the black camisole. I immediately leaned towards Everlane as they offered international shipping for two weeks. Unfortunately the reviews on their camisole (right) were less enthusiastic than I expected (lots of excess fabric under the arms) so I decided to pass on it. I don’t want to end up with an item that can’t be returned. My other options currently are a crepe Samsoe & Samsoe top (left), the silk Camille camisole (top) or crepe Coco camisole, both from Reformation.
Finding the perfect linen blouse also turned out to be more difficult than I had anticipated. I tried the shirt from Uniqlo which wasn’t all that flattering. I also found a linen blouse at Massimo Dutti but the fabric felt a bit thin and I’m definitely looking for something with a more substantial feel. So again, Everlane was the first brand that came to mind. But I much prefer the blouse from Reformation (left) which has a pocket on the chest and looked really nice on Sara when I met up with her last week. She also offered to measure her shirt so I can compare it with some of my own blouses to make sure I order the right size.
And last but not least, the white pair of high-waisted trousers. Contrary to the other items, I had no intention of spending a lot of money on a pair of white pants. Because let’s face it, life gets messy sometimes and I don’t want to pour a lot of money down the drain. My boyfriend needed some new clothes so I decided to do some research before we went shopping because I hate ordering pants online. I came up with a selection of trousers at Mango and the pair on the right looked really nice on me (honestly though, anything looked better than bare legs in that dressingroom lighting). I paid full price and it went on sale a week later. Don’t you hate it when that happens? So I’m going to return it and order the same pair online for only €25. Now I only need to figure out what kind of underwear to wear. I’m looking at boxers but can’t decide on the colour. Some people recommend red underwear while others claim that skin tone is the way to go. I have no clue whatsoever, so any help is appreciated!
So there you have it, several options I’m currently considering. I really want to buy that linen blouse and one of the camisoles from Reformation but the duties and taxes are holding me back. Maybe I’ll stick with just the linen blouse as the others really aren’t what I’m looking for and I’ll settle for the Samsoe & Samsoe top which is rather affordable and I can just get in store. What do you think?
The Reformation linen top does look really nice, very good for summer! Are the duties and taxes for ordering apparel from the US very expensive? (I haven’t been able to try the Reformation brand before, but their clothes already seem a little on the pricey side.)
I’m one of the people for whom the Everlane silk camisole doesn’t work, though mainly just because its too snug at the chest for me.
Yes, pretty expensive. Taxes alone are 21% of the total price. And like you said, the brand is already quite pricey. So I’m still a bit on the fence about that blouse. I’m afraid the camisole wouldn’t work for me either because of my hips :s
high-waisted trousers are wondrous! it never goes out of class.
For sure! It’s nice that they make a comeback every once in a while.
I was also going to order from Everlane when they were offering worldwide shipping but wasn’t able to decide so ended up ordering nothing. Too overwhelmed I guess :p I never knew that red underwear goes with white pants?! :0 Do you know how good quality Samsoe & Samsoe clothes are? I tried on their linen and cotton mix t-shirt and fell in love but I want to know if they wash well.
Oh man, I went to the Bijenkorf today and they had a lot of good stuff on sale, including Samsoe & Samsoe. Luckily my break is only 30 minutes so I didn’t get the chance to try a lot of things. I was a bit bummed that the Isabel Marant t-shirts were all sold out in my size 🙁 Yes, apparently you can’t see red underwear under white pants. But I’ve never tried it and don’t want to look like an idiot, haha. Sorry, so far no experiences with S&S.
Ah I hate it when something I’ve bought goes on sale, lucky you still had the tags on! I had no idea red underwear worked with white pants – I would’ve thought a nude matching your skin tone, which is what I do for my bra under white shirts, would’ve been the way to go (I’ve never tried white pants though).
Hmm I totally get the struggle with wanting something online but have shipping + the cost of a possible return in the way. If the Samsoe & Samsoe one fits exactly what you’re looking for that’s the way I’d go in your situation!
Yeah, I bought it and the weather almost immediately turned to shit. It looks lovely hanging in my closet though, haha. So much for living in the Netherlands. I was thinking skin tone as well but I keep reading about red underwear which sounds unlikely, but who knows! I guess I’ll stick to skin tone anyway.
I recently picked up this black camisole from Ba&sh, and I totally recommend it:
https://ba-sh.com/fr/fr/tops-chemises/top-figue-bash-noir.html#/couleur-noir/taille-0
It’s a slightly different style, but I like the fact that it shows quite some skin, but you can still wear a bra underneath (I don’t feel very comfortable going to the office sans bra). The material is slightly heavier, and unfortunately needs some ironing after washing, but I like this top that much that I don’t mind the ironing 🙂
I love the back on that top! I guess I really like the idea of baggy white pants with a delicate camisole but something like this would work as well. I don’t mind wearing a strapless bra but your suggestion is definitely more comfortable 🙂
I am really impressed with your patience when it comes to shopping. I don’t have that yet and I’m pretty sure that’s why I sometimes end up getting the wrong things. If you’re still considering the Samsøe Samsøe cami, they have just started the summer sale 🙂
I still get the wrong things every once in a while but I’m getting much better at it. I don’t know, I find it very relaxing to make collages and scroll through Pinterest for inspiration. More fun than actual shopping haha.
Ik heb die zwarte top van S&S. Ben er erg blij mee. Kwaliteit is prima voor de prijs en vind de pasvorm ook mooi.
Witte high waist staat ook nog op mijn lijstje!
Oh, dit is goed om te weten! Thanks 🙂 Ik denk dat ik daar inderdaad voor ga. Die broek van Mango is een aanrader trouwens.
Voor ondergoed misschien van die naadloze huidskleurige? Ik draag dat altijd onder een wit shortje!
Ja, dat ga ik inderdaad proberen. Rood lijkt me toch iets te link, haha.
Curious to know if you’ve already picked a camisole, and which one! 🙂 I’d probably avoid polyester, though, for the summer (and in general).
Also wondering where you buy Uniqlo in Amsterdam/the Netherlands. Didn’t know we could!
Yes, I ended up buying the Samsoe & Samsoe top. Unfortunately it is polyester but it’s the best I could do right now without spending a whole lot of money.
We can’t 🙁 I usually travel to Antwerp twice a year and buy my Uniqlo stuff there.
It is a lovely one, though! 🙂
Ah, got it. Thanks for replying. Didn’t know there was a store in Antwerp, so this helps!