The Up Next Edit, Vol. 7

I always love seeing Carly’s picks. She’s typically a step ahead of me, so it generally means that in a few months, I’ll want it too. You can read the last one here if you want more.

The Up Next Edit, Vol. 7

Admittedly, I’ve reached that point in the Charleston summer where I’ve all but given up on getting dressed. It somehow feels hotter with each passing day, and all I can think about is the return of layering. While this month’s edit includes plenty of pieces that could carry me through the remainder of the season, I couldn’t resist letting my anticipation for cooler weather get the best of me (hence the suede jackets in the middle of August.)

Lately, I’ve felt incredibly inspired by Grace to embrace a little more texture, color, and pattern in the way I get dressed. It’s the easiest way to make an outfit feel considered without overthinking it. We often laugh about the trends from our childhood that have found their way back into the conversation—jelly sandals, track shorts, and the like—and it’s fascinating to see how differently we interpret them now. The pieces may be familiar, but the styling feels entirely new.

A few things in particular . . .

• Grace and I both immediately fell victim to yet another pair of board shorts, and honestly, can you blame us? This pair from Nu Swim checks every box of what I want from a trend-driven piece. As Grace so perfectly put it, “They’re cool and, dare I say, a basic!” Whenever I’m considering a purchase like this, I try to let it sit for a bit before committing, giving myself time to think about how it’ll work with the rest of my wardrobe rather than how I’d style it in a single outfit. That’s the real test for me these days. The beauty of a pair like this is its versatility. I have no doubt they’ll earn their keep through the remainder of summer and transition seamlessly into fall with an oversized knit or a simple button-down.
• Crushed velvet is making its way back through the trend cycle, and I’m hoping we keep the revival confined to accessories. (I’m having near war-level flashbacks to the crushed velvet mini dresses that dominated my freshman year of college.) This newly released tote from Valesque also comes in an exceptionally vibrant yellow and feels destined to become one of those pieces you’ll see everywhere this fall. What I love most is how naturally it bridges the seasons. Rather than diving headfirst into autumn dressing, it gently signals the shift. I can picture it paired with a simple slip dress and an oversized button-down tied around the waist—an effortless combination that allows the texture and richness of the tote to take center stage.
• As someone with an enduring love for interiors, this graphic tee from Fruity Booty feels tailor-made for me. It’s a playful take on the classic V-neck I linked a few edits back, with just enough graphic detail to create visual interest without overwhelming the rest of an outfit. It’s the kind of piece that quietly earns its place rather than demanding all of the attention. Light blue isn’t a color I naturally gravitate toward, which is perhaps why I’m so drawn to it here. I’m already imagining it grounded by rich chocolates, muted greens, and other earthy tones once the weather begins to cool.

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