Having a Backup Plan
Writing a list of things you enjoy to fill empty days is a lot like having a backup outfit in your wardrobe...
After telling my therapist about Summer Solitude and how I didn’t want this to be a summer of twiddling my thumbs, she suggested I create a list of things I enjoy doing alone.
I felt like a little kid trying to figure out what to do now that school is out. But it was a good exercise because it made me think about what I genuinely enjoy. Secondly, it will give me some security on days when I have no plans.
The Summer Solitude List is also useful when I need a little help feeling like my best self. And that’s where the Wardrobe Backup Plan comes in.
The Wardrobe Backup Plan
I use this technique when my closet feels both too full and empty: I have lots of options to choose from, but nothing makes sense. Feeling this drained creativity happens most frequently to me in the summer when it’s too hot for many clothes, meaning our outfit options are more limited.
The Backup Plan consists of three to five outfits—not just pieces—made when you have the energy and time to get creative and play around. That way, when you feel lost in your wardrobe, you have full outfits you love that are adjustable with minor tweaks (swap of shoes here, a necklace change there, etc.).
When building your Backup Plan, I suggest you find outfits that align with your Silhouette Type. Doing so will ensure you’re comfortable in the outfit, even on your worst days, and make you feel more like yourself. Depending on if you’re a Palm, Evergreen, or Cypress, you can come up with little “formulas” using some of your favorite items.
Here are some ideas, broken down by Silhouette type:
The Palm
A short set + unbuttoned shirt + necklace
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9afbff0f-b7b1-40c3-862f-7685e131fb99_2654x2437.jpeg)
A mini dress (+ optional bike shorts peeking), cotton neckscarf, bracelets
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8bbe3e9c-ee19-40f7-b47f-a9fab7a62c4f_2654x2437.jpeg)
Mini skirt or shorts + scarf as top + flats or sneakers + fun bag.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3aefbc5c-b776-47c3-a9bc-9815f8e10e73_2654x2437.jpeg)
You can use any scarf! But reminder: natural materials are better in the hot weather. You should be able to tie it around your body by folding it in a diamond like I did on the left (I recommend scarves that are 25” or larger, depending on your bust!). This is a really easy look to replicate multiple ways with different scarves! And if you’re not yet a scarf collector, they can be very inexpensive!
The Evergreen
Full skirt + ribbed tank or vest! (the point is that it has a casual or masculine element to contrast the skirt) + lace-up or strappy sandals + a statement accessory
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7de1cfc4-8e3d-4e54-bc0a-ed3935e3e7c9_2654x2437.jpeg)
Full skirted tank dress + lightweight shirt tied or left open, worn over (or worn under!)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F399f006b-712f-484f-9a24-2269c956d360_2654x2437.jpeg)
The Cypress
Breezy loose pants + fitted top (like a tube top or halter) + lightweight shoes + sunglasses or hair accessories
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe81ea84d-acc0-42aa-961d-7f9599e22793_2654x2437.jpeg)
Slim bottoms + mini tank dress or long shirt (a tunic works great here too!) + lightweight shoes (+ optional accessories but why not!)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6dcee8db-41bd-4f47-b46b-7ac478e864bb_2654x2437.jpeg)
Have a great, fulfilling rest of your week. Even if there are moments when you don't feel inspired, you can always turn to your Backup Plan now!
And feel free to share your Summer Solitude List! I’d love some inspiration for what to add to mine.
xo
Eliz
Loved this post. I feel like I'm reaching for the same outfit formula 50% of the time. So this really speaks to me in terms of expanding what that formula looks like, especially since I usually can't be arsed with accessories. And as usual, love the examples broken down by silhouette. We can always count on you to up level the content into practical advice.
Celebrate that summer solitude! I love a good cross-borough urban hike.