Broke But Bougie: My Summer Wardrobe Wishlist

As a born and bred Southerner, there’s quite a few things I miss from the other side of the Mason-Dixon line, including the familiar sight of that sorority-light, summer-y prep look that thrives this time of year. Thankfully, as Sonja here proves, you don’t have to come from old money to give rich auntie vibes–you can just swing by Target and Old Navy.

While Minnesota is known for its harsh, harsh winters, the mercury can rise surprisingly high this time of year. For that reason, something light and breezy, like this beautiful maxi from Amazon, will keep you cool in all senses of the word. And the colorways–’nuff said.

To know me, and love me for who I am, means that you have to take my love of vibrant, distinctive prints, such as this other gem of a dress that Alissa is rocking, which is also from Amazon.

Wherever you’re at in your life, you should never let your body’s shape and/or size keep you from living it. Don’t you dare wear a T-shirt and shorts to the pool!

Fortunately, in this day and age, you don’t have to shell out big for cute, size-inclusive swimwear with bold, fun patterns. As with everything, you can get everything in this look (including the hat and Sofia Vergara sunnies) at Walmart!

The older I get, the more I come to appreciate the “elevated business casual” tip, especially if it’s anything other than neutral. While this set from Joe Fresh is currently unavailable, my fellow thick girls can find a similarly snazzy suit at PrettyLittleThing.

Being the millennial that I am, I look back with fondness on the late ‘90s “urban” trend of girls wearing oversized, menswear-style pieces–and still looked feminine and fly. As Chrissy here demonstrates, even a basic shirt dress can be elevated by the right pair of straight-leg jeans, shoes, and accessories. 

In my mind, life’s too short not to shine like a highlighter. We’re in the age of a different big girl–one who refuses to stick with boring and basic. And I love to see it!

If you’re feeling skittish about rocking such bright colors, use a more subdued staple to break things up. As a music tee lover, I love how Peggy incorporated one in this look to keep things fun, funky, yet elevated.

Those who know me deeply know that I love styles from past decades, especially the early to mid 1940s. For clothes that are so old (or old-fashioned), there’s such a timeless elegance and flair that cannot be replicated.

A retro dress is a staple to be worn all year round (weather permitting), and if you’re having difficulty finding affordable, true vintage pieces in your size, check out vintage repro sites like Unique Vintage, which often has great sales.

Louange here proves that while black is basic, they don’t have to be blah. This Fashion Nova Curve set  or Fashion Nova Curve dress breaks one of the cardinal, arbitrary plus size fashion rules: “no horizontal stripes”. Suffice it to say, some rules are meant to be broken!

Whether it’s the “emo” anthems of my youth (#MCRmy4Lyfe) modern-day indie, alternative, or classic, in the immortal words of Joan Jett, I love rock and roll. While the ethos of the music isn’t dictated by fashion, there are staples so emblematic to its iconography that I can’t help but love, including a vintage tour tee, like the one Helen is rocking here (Doc Martens optional)