Today’s post is one of my favorite posts each and every month! Today I’m going to highlight your Top 12 picks from May.
Not surprisingly, many of y’alls top picks are in my top picks for the month as well. All 12 items I’m featuring today are items that I added to my own closet or makeup drawer, and because of that, they are items that you will continue to see on the blog (as long as they are in stock). And three of this month’s picks have been on previous month’s lists as well (which means they’re realllllllllllly good). 🙂
The picks that made this month’s list are from Nordstrom, Aerie, Walmart, and Amazon. And everything is under $80! In fact, several things are under $50 and a couple are under $20! WOW!!!
So, what were our favorites for the month? Let’s look and see…
1) ruffle midi dress / 2) white denim shorts / 3) cross body bag/ 4) tiered t-shirt dress / 5) bracelet stack / 6) Supergoop Glow Screen / 7) denim shorts / 8) knit tank dress / 9) star tee / 10) dress / 11) white jeans / 12) smocked dress
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1) ruffle midi dress / LADIES. This ruffle midi dress isn’t just DARLING. It’s EXTRA DARLING. It comes in several solid colors as well as a couple of other florals, but I immediately fell in love with this bold orange with pink and white flowers. The straps and the top are both smocked (I love how smocking makes a fit so forgiving), which makes the dress so soft and comfy. The skirt is tiered, and it’s got pockets! And seriously, look at the smocked and ruffled straps!!! For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
I feel like this dress could be at least twice the price at Anthro. It’s also giving me a bit of Farm Rio vibes! It’s beautifully made and totally special.
ruffle midi dress / hoop earrings / similar coin necklace / bracelet stack / cognac sandals
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2) white denim shorts / These white denim shorts are a must for summer!
Bright-white stretch denim and Ab’solution powermesh shaping panels make these mid-length cutoffs a clean, polished look for warm weather.
- 5″ inseam; 22 1/2″ leg opening; 10″ front rise; 15″ back rise
- 52% cotton, 26% lyocell, 19% polyester, 3% spandex
They are stretchy, comfy, and flattering as all get out. I love the length and the raw and subtle frayed him. These are going to be my GO TO white denim this summer for sure! For size reference, I’m wearing my regular size 4. You can check out other Wit and Wisdom white denim short options HERE.
This colorful bracelet stack is ONLY $11.99, and it’s full of fun summer colors! I’m wearing the “sparkly mix – dark multi”, but there are 43 color combos to choose from.
smocked blouse / white denim shorts / colorful bracelet stack
smocked blouse / white denim shorts / straw bag / hoop earrings / heart necklace / colorful bracelet stack / cognac sandals
I’m telling you, the shorts are awesome.
denim shorts / black v-neck / heart necklace / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
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3) cross body bag / You’re going to see this cross body bag in several different outfits in today’s post. I went with this neutral option, but there’s also a pink bag option with a black and white graphic strap.
white tee / drawstring skirt / hoop earrings / similar coin necklace / bracelet stack / cognac sandals
It’s a great size and makes so many outfits cuter!
dress / cross body bag / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
This tiered maxi dress is a super soft ribbed knit and would make a great travel dress. It’s fitted up top (which is why I’m wearing a jacket), and the skirt is tiered. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
tiered maxi dress / denim jacket / cross body bag / heart necklace / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
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4) tiered t-shirt dress / This tiered t-shirt dress IS BACK! Do y’all remember it from last year? If I recall, I think it might have been in y’alls Top 10 from all of 2022. All of the colors sold out last year, but it’s back this year in all new colors! I’m wearing the papaya here, and it comes in 9 additional colors. Sooooooooooo many of y’all bought this dress in multiple colors. It’s a super soft cotton, launders great, and is quite flattering. AND GET THIS, it’s just under $15. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
dress / raffia hoop earrings / straw bag / TB sandals
And here it is in navy…
dress / raffia hoop earrings / TB sandals
If you were following along last year, maybe you remember this picture from a group of teacher friends that was sent to me.
LOOK! HOW! CUTE! THEY! ARE!
I’m telling you, this dress looks great on everybody! They’re all wearing last year’s colors, so you need to check out this year’s colors!
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5) bracelet stack / This bracelet stack was definitely my most worn piece of jewelry this month and last month as well. In fact, it was on April’s Top 12 list. Dress it up or dress it down, it looks great with all sorts of outfits.
dress / hot pink straw clutch /gold bracelet stack
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6) Supergoop Glow Screen / Although it didn’t make the list, I want to talk about the Unseen Sunscreen here too. The Unseen Sunscreen IS AMAZING (you can also find it on Amazon HERE). I used it for the very first time 2 summers ago, and I became an immediate fan. It’s weightless, invisible, scent free, and gives incredible coverage and protection for your face. My skin absorbs it very quickly (like IMMEDIATELY!) and there is NO TRACE of it. It’s not oily or greasy, it gives a matte finish, and it doesn’t leave any white residue behind either. I think it goes on like a primer! It’s velvety in texture and it totally just glides on your skin, both under and even over your makeup. Also, from reading reviews it seems it’s awesome for people with super sensitive skin. I’m telling you, the product is absolutely incredible. I’ve had Carter using it on his face all summer, and it’s perfect for him too.
I used to only use Supergoop Glow Screen as my “foundation” when I knew I was going to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. You can also find it on Amazon HERE. HOWEVER. I’ve come to love the product so much that I’m now wearing it every single day that I apply make-up in the spring and summer. I love the color, the glow, and the level of coverage it gives! And please don’t let the “GLOW” in the name scare you. It’s very subtle and just really pretty! And the SPF is just a huge bonus. Sometimes I wear it on its own, and sometimes I combine it with 1 or 2 other products.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ( on Amazon HERE ) / Supergoop Glow Screen ( on Amazon HERE )
See!!! The Glow Screen just makes my skin look healthy and glowy, with a bronzy finish! Found on Amazon HERE.
Find all Supergoop products on Amazon HERE.
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7) denim shorts / The cut offs are ON SALE, but I’m not sure when the sale ends, so hurry! They are my most worn denim shorts so far this year.
They are cute, soft, AND OH SO COMFY. They have a functional zipper and button….BUT GET THIS…..there’s elastic across the back of the waistband. Yep, they’re basically like toddler shorts. And they’re awesome. If you fully tuck in shirts, then these shorts aren’t going to be for you because the elastic waistband isn’t cute. But since I only 1/2 tuck shirts, nobody will ever see the waistband. I’ll just benefit from the comfort!
I think this is probably obvious when looking at them, but these babies are pretty dang short. There are certain occasions I won’t wear shorts this short to (like to volunteer at school), but I really like them, and you will see me in them often. They are soft and the denim is pretty thin, so they don’t have any structure to them at all. They are very comfy!
- 3″ inseam
- 88% Cotton, 12% Polyester
For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. These are the “light blue”, but they come in several washes/colors. I finally got around to ordering the orange ones, and sadly they were sold out! Maybe I grab the pink?
star tee / denim shorts / circle straw bag / red, white, and blue bracelet stack / TB sandals
This bubble sleeve tee is a bright white and it’s not see thru. It’s a great white tee that’s elevated with the softly pleated neckline and the subtle bubble sleeves. It’s very soft and comfy. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.
bubble sleeve tee / turquoise necklace / denim shorts / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
Here’s the same tee in pink! It comes in black too!
bubble sleeve tee / denim shorts / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
This chiffon blouse is adorable. It comes in 8 color options, but I went with this red because I wanted it to be festive and an option for patriotic holidays. This is the “wine red”, although I think it’s a very true red (and not burgundy like I would typically thing of as “wine red”). It’s flowy with a peplum hem and has a double ruffle sleeve. It will be great with white denim too. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.
chiffon blouse / denim shorts / hoop earrings / red, white, and blue bracelet stack / TB sandals
This relaxed fit tee has been in my closet for a couple of years now, and I still reach for it all the time. It’s super soft and perfectly slouchy, but it lays great so it’s not boxy. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
relaxed fit tee / denim shorts / hoop earrings / red, white, and blue bracelet stack / TB sandals
This sweatshirt comes in a set. However, if you don’t like a matching set, then wear the sweatshirt with your favorite cut-offs!
USA sweatshirt (from lounge set) / denim shorts
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8) knit tank dress / Maybe you remember this outfit from my outfit planning guide at the very beginning of May!
denim jacket / knit tank dress / American flag hat / sunglasses / stud earrings / bracelet stack / straw bag / sneakers
Here’s the outfit from above (minus the hat because it hadn’t arrived yet). Look how cute!
denim jacket / knit tank dress / hoop earrings / similar gold medallion necklace / multicolor tile bracelets / straw bag / sandals
This knit tank dress is FABULOUS. The fabric is thick (but not too thick) and wonderfully stretchy (but not too stretchy). And it’s sooooo soft. The little tie at the waist is so cute, and the elastic waistline allows you to show off your shape! For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.
knit tank dress / hoop earrings / similar gold medallion necklace / multicolor tile bracelets / sandals
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9) star tee / HOW CUTE IS THIS STAR TEE! The little pocket and the oversized ruffle on the sleeve on this tee are speaking my language, and I’m totally DYING over the stars! It’s soft and just plain cute. I’ll wear this all summer long, but I’ll for sure be sporting it on the 4th. #festive For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. And look at the cute red, white, and blue bracelet stack!
star tee / denim shorts / hoop earrings / red, white, and blue bracelet stack / TB sandals
star tee / denim shorts / circle straw bag / hoop earrings / red, white, and blue bracelet stack / TB sandals
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10) dress / I love this dress. In fact, I love it so much that I also kept the black and the green. Here’s how I’m rationalizing it: This style of dress is one that I know I’ll wear all the time, so 2 (maybe even 3) just makes sense for me. It’s science. Plus, I can get all 3 I want for under $100. So that’s just good math.
dress / earrings / sunglasses / bracelet / clutch / similar block heel sandals
The dress is 100% cotton and 200% DARLING.
It’s a crisp cotton poplin and absolutely looks like it costs at least 4x more than it actually does. It’s very well made, and I feel like a million bucks in it.
The vibrant floral pattern (called “Tigerlily”) I’m wearing here mixes pinks, oranges, and creams for a beautifully bold look.
And you’re not even going to believe the price. Seriously. It’s crazy. And I’m telling you, I would pay over $100 for this dress without batting an eye. IT’S THAT GOOD.
dress / earrings / sunglasses / bracelet / clutch
The shift fit is my absolutely favorite fit in a dress, and I’m in love with square neck and the subtle puff sleeves. You can see here that the sleeves have a banded cuff that’s fitted, and that band is what keeps the sleeves from being overwhelming.
It’s runs quite large, so please keep that in mind when ordering. I’m in the XS, and there’s still plenty of room for me in the XS, so I would actually suggest sizing down 2 full sizes. Sadly, that means that those of you that are normally an XS will be swimming in this dress. If you’re teeny tiny, this dress probably won’t work for you.
dress / earrings / sunglasses / bracelet / clutch
I’ve dressed it up here with some block heel sandals (a super affordable option HERE), a clutch, and a fancy necklace!
And it would be just as cute dressed down with flat sandals and a big straw tote.
dress / earrings / sunglasses / bracelet / clutch / similar block heel sandals
So after ordering the above dress and falling in love, I immediately hopped online to see what other colors were available.
dress / gold hoop earring option / sunglasses / similar coin necklace / bracelet / cognac sandal option
When I saw this classic black, I immediately added it to my cart. It was the only sensible thing to do. I might have ordered it in green too. #allegedly #okayidid
dress / gold hoop earring option / sunglasses / similar coin necklace / bracelet / cognac sandal option
I do want to give you a heads up that the banded cuffs on this black dress are more fitted than the cuffs on the floral one or the green one. (I’m not sure if all black dresses are going to have more fitted sleeves, or if mine is just a one off.)
dress / gold hoop earring option / sunglasses / similar coin necklace / bracelet / cognac sandal option
This is a really great dress, y’all. Remember, size down 2 full sizes! I’m in the x-small. #andiamnotandneverwillbeanextrasmall
dress / gold hoop earring option / sunglasses / similar coin necklace / bracelet / cognac sandal option
And some mirror selfies of the dress…
dress / earrings / necklace no longer available / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals
Here’s the same dress in a gorgeous Kelly green! Don’t you love it? This color is definitely a favorite. Remember to size down 2 sizes. I’m in an x-small.
dress / earrings / beaded necklace (multicolor) / bracelet / TB sandals
And the classic black here. Totally chic.
dress / chunky hoop earrings / bracelet / cognac sandals
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11) white jeans / My favorite white “jeans” are officially called “ankle skinny pants”. But even though they are called “pants”, I totally think of them as just super soft and awesome white jeans. Now that I see that they aren’t called jeans, I get it, because they are SO DANG SOFT and stretchy….but I really do think of them as jeans and will style them like they are jeans. They are 53% cotton, 29% polyester, 15% rayon, and 3% spandex. I think there must be at least 5% unicorn dust in them too because they’re just that good.
Now, full disclosure, you can see the pockets a bit in them. This is usually a deal breaker for me with white jeans, but for some reason it’s not for me with these jeans. I’ve decided that I actually prefer to see the pockets a bit over having white jeans with fake pockets. I really don’t like the fake pockets, so I’m definitely willing to accept seeing some of the pocket.
They are really stretchy, very slimming, and incredibly comfortable. I love the white button and the little side slits at the ankle. They aren’t see thru, but I of course still recommend wearing nude undies. They actually come in 8 colors, and I predict that some of you will like the fit and comfort so much that you will end up ordering them in at least 1 more color.
I’m wearing a regular size 4, but because of the stretch, I suggest sizing down if between sizes.
ruffle sleeve tee / heart earrings / similar cross necklace / tile bracelets / white jeans / TB Miller sandals (less expensive Amazon option HERE)
The color of this top is GORGEOUS, the eyelet is so pretty, the neckline is lovely, and the scalloped hem is absolutely charming. CHARMING!
This top can easily be styled with a half-tuck, but it’s perfect for you that like to not tuck things in. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.
eyelet top / white jeans / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
The code STMT 10 will get you 10% OFF this adorable top! It’s truly a perfect summer top! It’s 100% cotton, lightweight, and a relaxed fit. The sleeves are too cute, and I’m in love with the pattern. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.
flutter sleeve top / white jeans / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
This flutter sleeve top will be great all spring and summer long, but the red, white, and blue color combo makes it perfect for Memorial Day and July 4th. The neckline is actually higher than I typically like, but it doesn’t bother me in this top. The top 1/4 of the top is smocked, but it’s not tight at all (which I appreciate). And I’m dying over the red rick rack trim on the flutter sleeve. I’m wearing a medium, but a small would be fine for me in this top. Remember to use the STMT10 code!
flutter sleeve top / white jeans / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
This plaid popover is my kind of shirt, and I’m thinking it might be your kind of shirt too. It’s easy and breezy with a relaxed and flowy fit. It’s good with white jeans, but I think it’s going to be great with light wash denim shorts. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
plaid popover shirt / white jeans / raffia tote / sunglasses / raffia hoop earrings / tile bracelet stack / TB sandals
This striped tulip sleeve top is mixed media with a super soft and stretchy body and sleeves that are light, airy, and flouncy! I love the shape of the double sleeves and the subtle stripe. The site suggested to size down, so I’m wearing a small. I did think the body was pretty fitted, so I think I might prefer the fit of the medium. It’s a perfect pairing with white jeans.
striped tulip sleeve top / white jeans / hoop earrings / tile bracelet stack / TB sandals
I have to say, this top doesn’t look like anything special in the picture below, but I actually really love it. It’s lightweight, gauzy, has a tiny little flutter on the sleeve, and a deep v-neck (that isn’t too deep). It comes in several other colors and patterns. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.
v-neck blouse / white jeans / hoop earrings / tile bracelet stack / TB sandal
This sweater has over 2,000 5 star reviews and it’s ON SALE right now! It comes in tons of colors, including white and red!
It has a deep v neck (but not too deep), a subtle puff sleeve, and a banded hem. I like to wear it out, but I also like to wear it with a 1/2 tuck. It looks great both ways. You will definitely want to wear a nude bra under it because the tiny little holes do let the color of the bra peek through a bit. For size reference, I’m wearing a small, but I think a medium might be better on me.
sweater / heart earrings / similar cross necklace / tile bracelets / white jeans / TB Miller sandals (less expensive Amazon option HERE)
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12) smocked dress / I’ve gotta say, this smocked dress might be one of my favorite Amazon finds ever. I’m wearing the “greygreen” and think this colorway is absolutely stunning. It has flutter sleeves, a smocked body, and a flowy skirt. The “tangerine” option is my other favorite color. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
I’ve got a large chest and don’t always love how smocking highlights that, but I will definitely be wearing this styled with a great denim jacket.
smocked dress / denim jacket / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
smocked dress / denim jacket / hoop earrings / bracelet stack / TB sandals
And look how beautiful the tangerine option is!
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TWO OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITE ITEMS FROM MAY…
So the above 12 items in the collage were y’alls tip top favorites for May.
There are two more items that I want to share with y’all today. These next two items didn’t make it to y’alls Top 12, but they were both top items for me.
One…
This flouncy little skirt is what summer skirt dreams are made of. I’m wearing the “floral pink” and think it is so feminine and pretty. But listen, if you’re not a pink girl, NEVER FEAR. There are 30 options for you to choose from. It basically comes in every single color you can imagine. For size reference, I’m wearing a small in the skirt.
denim jacket / white tee / drawstring skirt / circle straw bag / hoop earrings / similar coin necklace / bracelet stack / cognac sandals
I love it with this plain white v-neck, but I can see a lot of you wearing it with a white body suit or fitted tank.
denim jacket / white tee / drawstring skirt / circle straw bag / hoop earrings / similar coin necklace / bracelet stack / cognac sandals
These sunglasses are what you will see me wearing in every single outfit in today’s post. I have them in this tortoise and in black, and they are my favorite sunglasses I’ve ever owned. I’ve had them for at least 3 years now, and I can’t recommend them enough. You can buy one pair for $13.99, or you can buy both the tortoise and the black for ONLY $19.99 for the pair! CRAZY! They are PERFECT travel sunglasses too, because if you lose them, no big deal!
The tee and the jacket are both staples in my wardrobe. I’m wearing a medium in both.
denim jacket / white tee / drawstring skirt / circle straw bag / hoop earrings / similar coin necklace / bracelet stack
denim jacket / white tee / drawstring skirt / hoop earrings / similar coin necklace / bracelet stack
Let’s talk about my bracelet stack. It is one of my favorite Amazon purchases EVER. It’s like a matte brushed gold (not a shiny gold), and this stack goes with EVERYTHING. I find myself wearing it constantly.
denim jacket / white tee / drawstring skirt / circle straw bag / bracelet stack
I’ve owned thix circle straw bag for a couple of years now. Sometimes I carry it with the tassel facing out, sometimes with the tassel facing in. It’s a really great bag.
denim jacket / white tee / drawstring skirt / circle straw bag / hoop earrings / similar coin necklace / bracelet stack / cognac sandals
Two…
This tee and these shorts have been on repeat for me. This tee is one I already owned in black. It’s a great tee and it launders perfectly. It’s super comfy and soft, and it has 4 way stretch and moisture wicking technology. It’s very roomy with a relaxed fit all over and drop shoulders. It also has UPF 30+ sun protection! I love this marsala color, but it also comes in white, black, and heathered grey. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.
vuori tee / dash shorts / sneakers
Let’s talk about the running shorts. I LOVE THEM. They are very comfy and really flattering, and I love how lightweight they are. But I’m going to be honest, they’re never going to get to live up to their full potential because the most activity they will ever see is a brisk walk. I wear a small in the MUST HAVE joggers, but I didn’t want these too tight or too short so I ordered a medium. I’m glad I did because I’m in love with the fit.
Also, I think the sneakers still hold the #1 spot for my favorite find so far of 2023! Because they have a bungee cord, you can slip them on and off without worrying about tying or untying laces, and this particular color combo is so fresh and cute. I wear them constantly, and I receive compliments from strangers just about every time I wear them. True to size for me!
vuori tee / dash shorts / sneakers
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That’s it for today, Ladies! I hope you enjoyed getting a look at May’s 12 picks. What are your personal favorites? Sound off in the comments!
Erika Slaughter says
That navy knit dress looks so cute with your denim jacket! Love that look!
Shay Shull says
Sheaffer, I’m not surprised at all by any of these 12 finds. They’re all so cute and perfect for summertime!