Dressing for the Seasons: Why Your Closet Should Work Like a Well-Stocked Pantry
By Maren — Home cook energy. Not chef energy. Let's make something good with what you've got. ·
The 'Seasonal Fashion' Myth
If there is one thing I’ve learned from teaching seventh graders for the last few years, it’s that trends move faster than a sourdough starter in the middle of a Minneapolis July. One week it’s all about oversized silhouettes, and the next, everyone is dressing like a character from a movie I haven’t seen.
I’ll be honest: I don’t have the bandwidth for that. Between grading essays, keeping Gary (my sourdough starter) alive, and trying to get a decent sheet-pan dinner on the table, the idea of a 'seasonal wardrobe refresh' sounds like a chore I just don’t want to do. But here’s the thing—like cooking, getting dressed is just about using what you’ve got in a way that feels good. You don’t need a professional chef’s equipment to make a great meal, and you don’t need a stylist to get dressed for summer.
Treat Your Closet Like Your Fridge
Think about how you cook when you’re tired. You look at what’s in the fridge, you find a base, and you build around it. That’s exactly how I approach my closet. In June, when the Minnesota air finally stops being grumpy and turns into that perfect, golden summer breeze, I look for my 'staple proteins'—the pieces that work hard so I don’t have to.
For me, that’s a pair of linen trousers that have seen better days (but are incredibly comfortable) and a couple of cotton tanks that breathe. That’s your base. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe for June; you just need to shift your mental framework. Instead of asking 'What is trending?' ask, 'What makes me feel like I can actually move, breathe, and get through a Tuesday?'
The Art of 'Layering' (But Not Like Winter)
We talk about layering in the winter, but it’s just as important in the summer. The transition from a muggy outdoor walk to a blast-chilled school hallway or a grocery store is a real test of character. My secret weapon? A lightweight, slightly oversized button-down shirt.
I treat it like a kitchen towel—it’s always within reach. I keep one tied around my waist on a hike, throw it over my shoulders in the evening when the humidity drops, or tuck it in when I need to look like I know what I’m doing at a parent-teacher conference. It’s the sartorial equivalent of a good cast iron skillet: it only gets better with time, it’s reliable, and it works for every single 'meal' I have to serve during the day.
The 'Batch Cooking' Approach to Accessories
When I’m meal prepping, I make a big batch of something versatile—like a roasted vegetable medley—that can go into tacos, salads, or just straight off the pan. Accessories are your batch-prepped items.
Stop buying trendy, single-use items that sit in your closet like that one jar of fancy truffle oil you bought once and never opened. Instead, invest in three accessories that play well with everything you already own. For me, it’s a straw tote that holds my laptop and a loaf of bread, a pair of sandals that don’t pinch, and a simple gold necklace that I never take off. When you have a 'batch' of accessories that work, you don’t have to stress about matching your outfit every morning. You just grab and go.
Stop Trying to Be 'Chef-Level' Stylish
There is so much pressure to curate a 'look,' especially on social media. But just like my kitchen, my closet is a 'home cook' space. It’s a little chaotic, it’s functional, and it’s meant to be lived in. If you’re wearing something that makes you feel like you’re in a costume, you’re not going to be comfortable enough to actually enjoy your summer.
Wear the dress that lets you sit cross-legged on the grass with a book. Wear the shoes that let you walk to the farmers market without needing a rescue mission. If you feel good, you look good. It’s the same principle as feeding a friend—if the food is made with a bit of care and a lot of heart, nobody is going to care if your plating isn’t Michelin-star quality.
Your 'What’s In The Closet' Checklist
Before you go out and buy anything new this month, I want you to do a quick audit. It’s just like clearing out the pantry before a grocery run:
1. The 'Workhorse' Piece: Identify the one item you reach for every single time it’s clean. What makes it work? Is it the fabric? The fit? Use that as your filter for anything you buy in the future. 2. The 'Spice' Item: Find one piece that adds a little personality without breaking the bank. A vibrant scarf, a fun pair of socks (even in summer!), or a hat. Just one thing to keep it from feeling like a uniform. 3. The Purge: If you have something in your closet that makes you feel like you're 'waiting' for a version of yourself that doesn't exist yet—toss it. Donate it. Let it go. We only have space for items that serve our current, messy, wonderful selves.
Summer is short, especially up here. Don't spend it agonizing over whether your outfit is 'on trend.' Spend it picking berries, eating outside, and wearing the things that help you get to the good stuff.
How are you feeling about your wardrobe this month? Are you in a 'clean out the pantry' mood or are you adding a few new ingredients to the mix? I’d love to hear what your go-to summer staple is—drop a comment below and let’s chat!