Blue and white is one of my favorite summer color combinations. Blue and white stripes? That’s everything all-in-one. And simply perfect in this season’s must-have, one-shoulder ruffle top. Even better when paired with this summer’s other hottest silhouette, the high-waisted wide leg jean. In crisp, fresh white, of course. Best of all, while I was inspired (and tempted) by some beautiful designer pieces, both of these on-trend choices were totally affordable. 

I was pretty excited when I spotted these jeans and and this top on a recent stroll through H & M, especially since I was considering much more expensive options. Which is really one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from being a lifelong lover of fashion and, yes, a pretty committed shopper. When I was pulling in my agency Creative Director salary, I’ll admit most of the time I bought what I wanted without too much concern for the price tag. Now that I’m freelancing and blogging, I’m a lot more conscious of the bottom line. And while not going full Marie Kondo on my closet, I’m trying to weed out what doesn’t bring me “joy” and be very judicious about new wardrobe additions. Since trends come and go, I make a list of seasonal must-haves and then try to find the “steal” pieces that will give me that of-the-moment look and feel. Sure splurging is fun, but now I try to save that for timeless things I can wear (and still love!) year after year.

So enough philosophizing…let’s talk fashion! Last summer, the off-the-shoulder top ruled. This summer, it’s the one-shoulder. And honestly it’s a look that’s a lot easier to wear. I don’t know about you, but with anything off-the-shoulder I’m constantly readjusting — a tug here, a shimmy there. Not so with a one-shoulder. So hey, yay for that. And in blue and white stripes, this top feels even fresher and more fun. As for the jeans, I have become a total convert to the high waist. (What were we thinking with all those low rider jeans? They gave new meaning to adjustment issues!) Now there’s a nice range of mid-rise to super high-waisted styles in just about every brand, every store. I especially like this silhouette of a more nipped in waist with wide legs. And while these jeans are cropped, they also have enough length (even for me at 5′ 8″). As much as I love this one-shoulder top and cropped jeans together, they are both going to look great when paired with other separates. My fashion wheels are already spinning with the possibilities. So steal meets smart. And that’s something we can all feel good about.

To finish off my look, I reached for new additions like these statement fringed loop earrings which were a fun surprise in one of my subscription boxes, and this pom pom topped straw bag (as seen in this post), as well as these favorites from last summer — a pair of enamel bracelets (from this post) and comfy-chic flat sandals (from this post).

I think blue and white is a summer color combo that looks good on everyone, so I hope you’ll be inspired to put your own spin on stripes, a one-shoulder top and wide leg jeans. Let me know if you do!

Top: (H&M) other cute and affordable options here, here and here.

Jeans: (H&M, in-store only) like these and these, too.

Earrings: (For Love & Lemons x Rachel Zoe) (Summer 2018 Box of Style, over $400 worth of amazing stuff for just $99.99!) But if you just want earrings, check out these (40% off!) and these.

Bag: (Goodnight Macaroon) also loving this and this.

Bracelets: (old) similar here and here (also in blue!).

Sandals: (old, Soludos) but how fun are these and these.