This Outfit Sounds Like...
Summer Outfits with a Side of Soundtrack
I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! As we do most of our summer, we spent our time at the lake with family. There’s nothing I love more than BBQ-ing, hanging out in the lake in a tube, just relaxing, and rocking out to my favorite tunes.
Every time we go to the lake, I bring my tiny little JBL speaker to play some music. About every five minutes, I notice my music shuts off. Typically, I check the battery, the Bluetooth connection, my phone battery percentage, etc. And guess what? It’s usually never any of those.
My sister and I have very different musical taste. I love classic rock, 70s/80s, indie, country, etc. She loves hardcore rap. So, she will just slyly turn off the tunes and go back about her business. Cold blooded.
My mom has her own taste….literally Yacht Rock or bust. I have despised her Yacht Rock Pandora station for many years as the song Brandy blasts through the speakers.
There are a million reasons why I struggled with an Instagram presence. Part of it was when I made reels, I hated using the trending audio! If it wasn’t a GOOD song by my standards or it didn’t speak to the look or feeling I was trying to evoke, it was worthless to me. The result? Me stubbornly picking my own songs and getting a whopping 200 views.
I had so much fun writing the last post The Anatomy of an Outfit and realized I love a good theme moment. I decided to do some more pairings. Matching my look with the song I think it evokes or sounds like.
I didn’t really have a method to my madness other than: I like this outfit, and these are the songs this outfit makes me think of. My sister will be quite unamused reading this and will most likely disapprove of all of my choices, but dare to be different.
I hope you enjoy my recent summer looks with a side of some music storytelling.
The Playlist: Cruise Control Off
I titled the playlist Cruise Control Off. It’s a nod to the erratic unpredictability of the songs. Those are literally my favorite types of playlists. It reminds me of when I used to burn CDs and not label the playlist on the top with a Sharpie. Each song on a blank, randomly found CD was a mystery.
It’s also a bit of a nod to my style. I always struggle with the idea of personal style because I don’t really know if I have one. My style is constantly changing. I love trying new looks and playing with different vibes. One day I feel preppy and ready for Cape Cod, and the next day I might feel a bit edgier with a slicked-back bun and all my piercings in. LOL.
I think that’s what makes fashion fun. Being a chameleon, shapeshifting what you wear based on how you feel and what you like. Sometimes feeling like I need to define my personal style feels a little too much like trying to stuff me in a box. And as my husband will tell you, the worst thing you can try to do is put me in a box. I will claw through and rip it apart within minutes.
I like my fashion choices to feel expressive and fluid not fixed to a set of rules.
Alright, here’s the track list for the next 9 looks! You can listen to the entire playlist on Spotify by clicking the button below!
Track 01
I wore this adorable J.Crew dress to a family BBQ. My husband saw the look and asked, “Why are you getting dressed up?” My response: 1. I don’t want to wear pants…….it’s hot. 2. Because, why not? Do I need a reason? He sensed the sass and immediately retreated.
Song Choices:
Bad Moon Rising – I’m a HUGE Creedence Clearwater Revival fan. In college, my dad gave me his old CCR CD from his dresser, and my teammates and I would just blast it while enjoying ourselves on a nice spring day. Whenever there’s a question of what do we listen to? CCR is always the answer. I honestly haven’t met a person (other than my sister, eye roll) who doesn’t appreciate it.
Beast of Burden – It gives chill BBQ summer vibes. Felt appropriate with this look.
Track 02
I wore this look for the ride up to the lake! I am trying to push myself to not just wear bike shorts and an XL tank all summer. These linen shorts were super comfortable while looking more polished. Also— this hat? I wore it ALL WEEKEND.
Song Choices:
Still Out There Running – This look was giving coastal summer road trip vibes, so I went with this easy, breezy song.
Go Your Own Way – I drove the crew to the lake while singing this song at the top of my lungs. Great summer track.
Track 03
I wore this to a friend’s 40th birthday party! It was comfortable, elevated, and made me great.
Song Choices:
Flower Child – I love Kasey Musgraves. Her newest album Deeper Well spoke to me during a time I needed her carefree and spiritual vibe in my life. Flower Child is the ultimate boho fun free spirited song.
Almost (Sweet Music) – I freaking love Hozier. Always have, always will. The song has a groovy vibe just like the look.
Track 04
Wore this on the 4th of July at the lake! As you can see, my subtle hints of red, white, and blue.
I wore this hat on absolute repeat. I told my mom it’s superior to all other hats I own because when I lean back on the lounge chair, the back of the hat flops down comfortably. Elite lounge performance.
Song Choices:
Santa Monica – The song is about starting over somewhere new. I always feel like summer break as a teacher is an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and prepare to start “new” to some extent. Perfect lakeside chill song.
3 Nights – I love Indie Pop. This song has a catchy, beachy vibe that felt perfect for a beach day at the lake.
Track 05
Same outfit idea as Track 04, just switched up the details a bit! I’m loving boxer shorts this summer, not just as beach coverups, but as actual outfits (see Track 06 next).
Song Choices:
Nothing from Nothing – I love this funky, upbeat song. I was literally bopping to it on my walk to the lake.
Pink Houses – It’s a laid-back track that just felt super fitting.
Track 06
Boxers can be worn out!!!!! It’s true. I loved wearing this look out. I had fun dressing up a more casual lounge-wear item like boxer shorts to create this preppy look.
Song Choices:
Real Love Baby – I felt like I could be driving with the top down blasting this song while wearing this look and people would just get it.
Come And Get Your Love – It’s giving yacht rock, I know. My mom is celebrating somewhere, but this is one of my favorite blast-and-sing-on-the-top-of-your-lungs songs ever.
Track 07
Loved this relaxed summer look. I’m really into feminine details this summer, peplum tops, frilly sleeves, tie details, and all that. These denim shorts from Madewell are the perfect high waist with a length that doesn’t ride up all day.
I’ve been getting tons of use out of these beaded earrings from J.Crew. They add a pop of interest to any look.
Song Choices:
New Slang – The look was giving “boho,” and so does this song. It was featured in the movie Garden State, which was weirdly one of my favorite movies in high school. A quote from the movie even became my high school yearbook quote.
Sally When The Wine Runs Out – This look also felt appropriate for a backyard party or fun event. The song is funky and carefree, just like this look.
Track 08
This look felt edgy and cool. So I had to pick songs that went with that vibe! This Madewell Shirt Jacket is SO Good (I sized up one). I wore it over a monochromatic white tank and white linen shorts.
Song Choices:
Get Him Back! - High-energy and punchy song just like this look. I could’ve picked so many Olivia Rodrigo songs - but this one is a goody.
Grapefruit - Tove-Lo is an electropop artist who uses honest, raw and edgy lyrics. Felt appropriate for this look.
Track 09
This yellow linen tank top evokes sunshine, dopamine, and fun. The songs I chose are ones that make me want to have a good time.
Up! This song is the ultimate energetic, feel-good anthem, just like this look.
All That She Wants Ace of Base was the first CD I ever owned as a kid. I listened to this song so many times, I can recite it while unconscious. A groovy, laid-back song, just like this look!
Hope you enjoyed this post! I had a blast creating it. I hope you discovered some fun music and cosigned some of my song choices. It was tough to narrow down some of these choices.
Lastly, here’s a picture of my dog, Penny Rose, looking super chic in her 4th of July bandana from the groomer. I think her outfit song would be A Dog’s Life by Elvis Presley. She’s quite the queen.
TAP THE BUTTON BELOW TO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST FROM THIS POST!!!
Let’s Chat!
Which outfit/song-pairing was your favorite?
What song would be the theme for your summer style right now?
Love you guys xo,
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This is so brilliant; “what this outfit sounds like” is perfect! Truly the number of times I’ve put on a banger of an outfit and felt like the main character in a movie with background music playing!! That’s what this felt like.
Such good looks and songs! Love your collages, and how many boxer shorts are too many boxer shorts??(asking for a friend…ok that friend is me) (also cracking up about your husband: he retreated…lol)