Written by Amy Scalia

After being cooped up for a long, heavy year, making this summer free of cares and full of comfort sounds pretty perfect.

“A lot of people are itching to get back out and about,” says Lindy Deal, UpWest's Curator of Comfort. “But we’ve been working from our cozy homes and wearing all the comfy clothes. So, now that we’re tiptoeing back into the world, we want to take a little bit of home with us. We want to bring along some of those creature comforts we got so used to.”

It’s About Breathability
Deal says when keeping it comfy, super soft fabrics are always a must. But in the summertime, fabrics have to be breathable, too. Like the airiness of the Plisse Short, the brushed back lightweight fleece of the Unwind Wide Leg Pant, or breathability of the Hemp High Waisted Wide Leg Pant.

Fresh patterns are another way to welcome in the warmer weather. Deal says the Tank Dress and striped Button-Front Tank Dress are some of her favorite patterned pieces for women, or the Hemp Blend Button Down and Striped Weekend Short for men.

And Carefree Versatility
“We’re also finding a lot of comfort in versatility. There’s less thinking and less worry when something’s super versatile,” says Deal. “Like a Convertible Skirt Dress you can wear three ways. You can just throw it in for a quick trip and have three days of outfits figured out. I also love the Cozy Ribbed Lounge Tank and Shorts, which looks great anywhere. Rompers, too. Just anything that can be out for the day or in for the night with a quick change from shoes to slippers.”

This summer, Deal says, it’s all about versatility and simplicity with a touch of style. “The Plisse Tie-Up Cardigan easily changes up your outfit and gives a little warmth when you need it. Change up how you have it tied, or if you have it tied at all,” she adds. “I also love the Tie Shoulder Dress when it comes to stylish simplicity. It’s a really simple, super soft dress, and then it has this sweet little style detail at the shoulder. It can be dressed up or down, however you want to see it.”

Sustainability, More Than a Trend
Of any current trend, Deal says sustainability is the one that’s growing more than any other. “It’s more than a trend, actually. It’s a real shift in mindset. I think people are realizing the impact they can have just by making more sustainable choices a little at a time. It doesn’t have to be this big lifestyle change all at once.

Progress not perfection,” says Deal. “About half of our new arrivals are sustainable, actually. From sustainably made sunglasses and swimwear to organic cottons and recycled polyesters and nylons, there are so many great choices now, which makes it a lot easier to take more steps in the right direction.”

She adds that programs like the Give Back Box + UpWest are a way to be eco-friendly — bringing new life to pieces you no longer want — while also giving comfort to those in need. “I think we’re all emerging this summer a new version of ourselves. Living life with a little more simplicity and care for others,” says Deal. “It’s a beautiful way to be.”