What to Buy & Wear This Summer
...and what to look for when you're shopping vintage
It is already so unbearably hot in Florida that I have been pretty much living in tank tops and my trusty Tibi nylon shorts — but sometimes you just want a little more style in your life. It’s a delicate balance, though, as some of my favorite things to wear (cargo pants, for one) are simply out the window once temps are above 80.
Fortunately, the mood this summer seems to be all about flowy silks, open lace, and lots of materials that feel very vintage (in case you haven’t heard, jelly shoes are back, baby). With that in mind, it feels like the perfect time to pair old stuff with new stuff before you head out the door.
Below, I’ve rounded up what I think you should be looking for when you go thrifting, surf eBay, or hit up an estate sale this summer — plus, a few outfits that feel perfect for summer and pair vintage and modern pieces.
What to Buy at Thrifts & Estate Sales for the Summer Season
Anything mesh or netted: Anything with an open-weave helps cool down your body and feels seductive — even if it’s just a ballet flat.
Mesh bags have been having a moment, too. I spotted this little mesh tote with a gold handle at an estate sale for $2 yesterday:
This would feel so chic to wear with a silk dress and sandals out at night with girlfriends. It also feels very Courtney Grow to me (seen here with a mesh Khaite tote, if you’d rather splash out on the designer version of the above tote):
Lace: Long lace and cotton lawn dresses are SO chic for the summer. Search “lawn dresses,” “Edwardian cotton dress,” or “Victorian cotton dress” on eBay to find pieces like this:
Styling-wise, cotton dresses like this look excellent when worn simply: air-dried hair, a cute tote, an espadrille or sandal and some chunky sunglasses. See Ghia founder Mélanie Masarin as an example:
Slips: Silk slips are a classic but cotton is great, too. Case in point, this guy (now available on eBay for $65):
Under-$200 perforated flats that look so much more expensive // Antique Victorian cotton lawn dress // A pouch that’s built to fit credit cards, your phones, a lip balm, and little else // oval sunglasses // sterling silver and pearl earrings // Cream blush (this stuff is my new obsession and it wears so, so well)
1990s Dries Van Noten mesh dress that’s under $75!!! // black cotton boy shorts // black bralette // ankle-wrapped mesh ballet flats // 1990s gold sun pendant (under $35) // Green leather and raffia pouch // Ghia non-alcoholic lime and salt spritz cocktail
Floral appliqué raffia bag // 1990s silk pajama shorts // Amore Baci Pasta shirt // chunky stone bracelet // Glass Skin foundation (another recent beauty obsession that I actually prefer to more expensive products. The ultimate summer foundation: lasts all day, doesn’t settle into your pores, makes your skin look truly glowy) // Rope gladiator sandals
Rapid Fire
Some things I’m eyeing: Anna October’s J. Crew collab is so, so special. I’m eyeing this dress, which is classic in white but with fun colorful straps; this sheer cover-up, which is ideal for the pool or beach; and this pink slip dress, which is perfect for a wedding.
Something Worth Reading: I was so thrilled to chat with international marketing research firm IPSOS recently, about how shopping has evolved, and continues to. When I released my book, Big Thrift Energy, I never imagined it would lead to me giving interviews, sitting on panels, and speaking to people about the “business” of shopping.
Something I’m watching: Presumed Innocent on Apple TV+, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and revolving around a Chicago district attorney who gets caught up in a crime. Without giving too much away, this is excellent if you love crime/law procedurals. It’s also a David E. Kelly production so if you loved Big Little Lies or The Undoing, you will enjoy this.
and I’ll leave you with this…