Instagram Recap: 4 Summer Tops Under $25

Happy Sunday, everyone!

We are finally having the most gorgeous weather in Chicago and it’s making summer the only thing on my mind. This is my first year post undergrad, and I must admit, it’s kind of weird transitioning into the season without a finals week, without packing up my world and moving it from Boston to Chicago for a few months, without getting any kind of “vacation.” You have no idea how jealous I was getting overhearing my sister and her boyfriend (both just home from college) decide on a random Tuesday, oh hey why don’t we go up to your lakehouse tomorrow for the rest of the week? Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for the rest of us… Hopefully I’ll become used to this whole you-still-need-to-rise-and-grind-even-if-it’s-85-and-gorgeous-outside thing. My newly open rooftop pool is not making things any easier for me, gah.

Top // Jeans // Mules // Sunglasses // Bag

I may have to pack all of my summer adventures into the weekends over the next couple months, but at least I can still dress like I’m on vaycay during the workweek. Right now, I have been super obsessed with all things embroidery, off the shoulder, and floral print; I love getting versatile pieces that I can wear in a ton of different ways, and for the hotter temps, I like getting clothing that is lightweight and practical. I also find myself having a really hard time spending over $40 for a top sometimes, especially if I’m looking to get more bang for my buck. I wanted to share these four recent looks I’ve posted on Insta, all featuring tops under $20-25.

This first one is the prettiest shade of pink and covered with little flowers. It has 3/4 length sleeves and a v-neckline, as well as the softest and silkiest fabric. It’s super flattering and just hangs really well; I love the little babydoll cut and the bell shaped sleeves— I styled it with these stretchy, raw hem blue jeans, and my go to mules (on sale for $90, go with everything, SO comfortable), but I think it would also look adorable with cut off shorts and slip on sandals.

Top // Shorts (similar)  // Mules // Bag // Sunglasses // Hat 

This navy embroidered, boho inspired blouse has become one of my faves. I love the little lace trim, the fun bell shaped sleeved (noticing a pattern here?) and the different shades of blue stitched in. This is another lightweight, super easy to wear top that just goes with everything.

My straw boater hat is somewhat of a recent purchase and I have been getting a toooon of wear from it. Last fall I hopped on board the hat train and kind of went into full obsession mode… So of course I needed a summer appropriate one 🙂 This one is definitely on the bigger side, features a nice simple black band around it, and from what I’ve seen/heard, is flattering on pretty much everyone. I love wearing it with a cute one piece for a beach or poolside look, as well as wearing it with everything from sundresses to rompers. It’s been a popular blogger favorite and I’ve noticed retailers have been having a hard time keeping in stocked— It’s currently available at Nordstrom’s, so if you’re a fan I highly recommend taking the plunge asap!! It’s under $50 too!

 

Top // Shorts (similar) // Bag // Sunglasses

Okay, this little black embroidered top is definitely my other new fave. I have to first start off by commenting on how GOOD the quality is; it has little pearl buttons on the back, a dotted eyelet detail all over the fabric, the prettiest ruffle sleeves, and the embroidery itself is just lovely. Definitely looks way pricier than $20. The floral stitching has these beautiful shades of red, pink, yellow, and green, so there’s a lot you can do with it style wise. You can rock it with a bright cherry red or a soft baby pink lipstick; you can throw on a sunny yellow crossbody bag for a super summery look. It would also look adorable with army green skinny jeans and chestnut colored wedges

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed I recently upgraded my sunnies collection to include these classic, round shaped Ray Bans. I have been wanting them for so god damn long, but have been making due with a $10 pair from H&M. They definitely did the trick, and I like that they’re a great option for bringing to a music festival or somewhere else they could easily get misplaced or broken. They were lightly too big for my face, and obviously Ray Ban shades are going to better quality.

 

Top // Jeans // Wedges 

My sister and boyfriend were giving me such a hard time when I asked/forced them to take this shot for me, ha. In Francis’ defense at least, I think this was like my 5th outfit of the day or something ridiculous, and he was rightfully ready to take his photographer hat off for the night. Worth it though, I mean look how cute this rooftop is! We got a whole bunch of small plates to share and a pitcher or watermelon sangria; it was so fun hanging by the fire pits and kicking off Kate’s summer break. (Side note, keep your eyes peeled for a Chicago rooftop bar post featuring cool places just like this one!).

I’ve been wanting an off the shoulder top in a pretty light blue color for quite some time, and was thrilled when I found this one for such a steal. It is definitely long in the front and back, so I recommend tucking it into your pants/shorts for a more stylized and flattering look. I paired it with my go to distressed blue jeans and these comfy Marc Fisher wedges.