How I Build a Summer Wardrobe
Around Jewelry

Every summer, I find myself thinking about how little I actually need in my closet. I’ve never been particularly interested in chasing trends or buying an entirely new wardrobe for a season. I’d much rather have a smaller collection of clothes that feel unmistakably like me, are made well, and can be worn a hundred different ways.

I gravitate toward sustainably made clothing, natural and high-quality materials, pieces I've had forever, and really good vintage. Of course, I also need a wild print or two in there. My personal style has always been about mixing things that aren't necessarily supposed to go together and finding the combination that somehow works.

I'm also a big believer in getting creative with what I already own. When one of my favorite white pieces starts to discolor, I'll dye or tie-dye it rather than give up on it. I originally picked up that idea from Merle Works, where I've taken classes, and it's become one of my favorite ways to extend the life of something I already love. A stain or a little wear doesn't necessarily mean something has reached the end of its life. Sometimes it just needs its next iteration.

Let the Jewelry Do Some of the Work

One of the reasons I can keep my summer wardrobe fairly concise is that jewelry changes everything.

A simple tank, a favorite pair of jeans, a linen dress or something I've owned for ten years can feel completely different depending on what I put with it. I can pile on rings and bangles one day, wear a delicate necklace and a pair of big hoops the next, or mix silver and gold until an otherwise simple outfit feels completely different.

That has always been part of the philosophy behind CMD. I design jewelry to be mixed, stacked, rearranged and actually lived in. I don't want you to feel like there's one "correct" way to wear a piece. Your rings can move between fingers, your bangles can change depending on your mood, and silver and gold are always invited to the same party.

Especially in summer, I like getting dressed to be easy. I want to throw on clothes that feel good, add jewelry that makes the whole thing feel like me, and get out the door. Whether I'm heading to the beach, hopping on my bike, going to dinner or spending the day at the Shop & Studio, the same handful of pieces can take me through most of it.

Buy Less, Wear It More

I've spent more than two decades making jewelry, so naturally I think a lot about objects and why we choose to bring certain ones into our lives. I don't believe something needs to stay pristine to remain beautiful. In fact, I usually prefer it once it has some evidence of a life well lived.

I feel the same way about clothing. I want to wear the good stuff, repair what can be repaired, reinvent something when I'm tired of it, and choose pieces I'll still want years from now. A smaller wardrobe also makes room for more creativity because I'm actually wearing and experimenting with what I own rather than constantly replacing it.

And yes, I'm always going to pack more jewelry than clothes. Jewelry takes up practically no room, and a handful of rings, necklaces, earrings and bangles can give the same little summer wardrobe an almost ridiculous number of personalities. That's my kind of packing math.

What are the pieces you find yourself wearing over and over every summer? Tell me in the comments. I'm always curious about the things other people refuse to let go of.


Happy Summer!
Colleen

© Colleen Mauer Designs. All rights reserved.
Published: June 27, 2024
Updated: August 24, 2026