​“I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
— 1 Timothy 2:9–10

How to Build a Modest, Breathable Summer Wardrobe with Cotton and Linen Essentials—on a Budget

Summer is here again, bringing the familiar challenge of staying cool while dressing modestly. When the heat rises, it can be tempting to sacrifice your values for comfort—but don’t! Last year, I made an intentional shift in my wardrobe: out with synthetic fabrics and in with breathable, natural materials like linen and cotton. I focused on timeless, high-quality pieces—the kind that outlast trends and stand up to daily wear.

If you missed it, be sure to check out my article, Guide to a Modest Wardrobe: Spring + Hot Summer Edition, where I shared the foundation of my modest wardrobe strategy, including three key tips:

1. The Hanger Test
2. Check the Labels
3. Assess Condition

Now that I’ve worn these pieces throughout a full year, I’m excited to share what’s truly lasted, what I’ve retired, and what I’m this summer with a mindset focused on modesty, simplicity, and stewardship.

Color Choices That Complement

This year, I used a bit of tech to refine my wardrobe even further. An AI color analysis confirmed that I’m cool-toned, with my fair skin, blue eyes, and dark-blonde (graying) hair. I leaned into that palette with cool blues, greens, and lavenders. I can’t recall the exact app I used—my last phone is now a brick!—but you can search for something similar by looking up “AI clothing color analysis” in your app store and uploading a photo of yourself.

Wearing colors that flatter has made me feel more confident, and these shades blend beautifully with the rest of my wardrobe, making mixing and matching easier than ever.

What I Let Go Of

After years of sweating through synthetic fabrics, I finally made the switch to (mostly) natural fibers—and it’s been great! Linen and cotton don’t just breathe better, they also drape beautifully and hold up with care. No more clingy, heat-trapping blouses or stiff polyester tops. Instead, I’ve found that natural fabrics allow me to stay cool while maintaining a classic, modest look.

That said, I didn’t toss everything out at once. I kept a few mixed-material pieces that are still in good shape, out of stewardship. But I did donate nearly all of my polyester blouses and synthetic clothing. They didn’t wear well, they didn’t breathe, and don’t fit my values. I’ve learned that fewer, better pieces bring more peace than a packed closet full of “meh” items.

Wardrobe Staples That Have Stood the Test of Time

Many of the pieces I added last summer have earned their place. These wardrobe staples are still going strong and remain in regular rotation:

• Linen pants and skirts in neutral tones – From Amazon, Inherit Co., and Main Street Exchange; still crisp and holding their shape
• Essential layering tanks – Ideal for modest coverage without bulk
• Linen-blend dresses – Getting softer and lovelier with each wash

Caring for these pieces is easy: gentle cycle, low tumble dry, and hang to finish. Choosing quality over quantity has paid off in comfort and longevity.

Thoughtful, Budget-Friendly Additions for This Summer

This year, I’ve been more intentional about wise stewardship—of both my resources and my wardrobe. Rather than a full wardrobe refresh, I made a few curated additions to fill gaps and complement what I already own. Here’s a quick preview of what’s new (with more details below):

• Structured linen and cotton tees in soft, cool shades—white, pale blue, lavender, and mint—for effortless mixing and matching
• Linen pants in denim blue – Lightweight, breezy, and versatile
• Olive green linen skirt from Main Street Exchange – A follow-up to last year’s tan version that I wore constantly
• Scarves and headbands – A new favorite! I found affordable options on Amazon and a few beautiful, vintage-inspired cotton styles from Main Street Exchange.

These small updates have breathed new life into my capsule wardrobe—while staying true to my values of modesty, simplicity, and intentional living. Watch the short video below for a quick glimpse at some of the classic staples and new summer additions in action.

Amazon Finds

Amazon can be hit or miss, but with the right filters, it’s a great place to find modest and affordable wardrobe staples. I narrowed my search by selecting “Women’s Modest Clothing 2025”, filtered for cotton and linen fabrics, and only looked at items with 4-star ratings and above.

Here’s what I added this season:

• Vintage-inspired headbands as a subtle accessory and practical head covering
• A few affordable cotton tops in soft white and cool-toned color to mix and match

And here’s what’s still going strong from last year’s Amazon haul:

• Straw hat – lightweight and stylish sun protection
• Linen pants – still crisp, breathable, and holding their shape
• Lightweight summer cardigan – perfect for layering on breezy evenings or adding coverage when needed

ThredUP Thrifted Treasures

ThredUp, the world’s largest online thrift store, is one of my favorite places to score high-quality clothing at a fraction of retail prices. They offer frequent discount codes, rewards, and even a program where you can sell your own gently used items.

To make the most of my search, I filter for Women’s Clothing, selecting “New with Tags” or “Excellent Condition”, and narrow it down to 100% natural fabrics—like cotton, linen, wool, silk, and cashmere. Even with those filters and my size selected, there were still over 15,000 results!

I typically shop by favorite brands to ensure a good fit and consistent quality. This time, I looked for pieces from Madewell, Anthropologie, and Pact (all known for their natural fabrics), and also checked brands I’ve had great success with like Draper James, Land’s End, and Ann Taylor for their timeless, classic styles.

Every item I purchased was made from 100% natural fabric, and I used discount code THRIVE to get an extra 25–40% off already reduced prices. For $115, I brought home:

• 1 dress
• 2 blouses
• 1 lightweight cardigan
• 2 pairs of linen pants
  Plus, I scored free shipping!

I focused on cool-toned colors to complement the rest of my wardrobe and maintain a cohesive capsule.

Want to give ThredUp a try? Use this link to get 45% off + free shipping on your first order!

Main Street Exchange Clearance Finds

Main Street Exchange offers modest, on-trend clothing at competitive prices. With inclusive sizing from XS to 3X and free shipping on orders over $150, it’s a great place to find beautiful, quality pieces designed for everyday women. They even have a dedicated Natural Fibers Collection, making it easier to shop breathable, long-lasting styles. Use this link and code VINTAGEVIRTUES for 10% off your order!

Here’s what I added this year:

• Cotton tops in a soft floral print and a raw-hem white style—both versatile and lightweight.
• A breezy cotton gauze midi dress in burgundy—a great staple that works for summer and transitions beautifully into fall when paired with leggings and boots.
• A second Winslet linen skirt, this time in olive green. I loved the flattering, tummy-smoothing fit of the natural-colored one I purchased last year, which is still going strong!

I also added a few beautiful headscarves, perfect for accessorizing or wearing as a functional and modest head covering.

What’s still holding up:

• Last year’s Winslet long linen skirt and the shorter Lauren knit skirts in neutral shades are still in great condition and pair effortlessly with just about any top in my wardrobe.

Stitch Fix Markdowns For the Win

I started using Stitch Fix back when it was solely a surprise box curated by a personal stylist. Since then, they’ve added a ton of new features—including box previews (so you can review and swap items before your box ships), a personalized Freestyle Shop based on your preferences, and even a Sale Shop for great markdowns.

These days, I only order a surprise box about once a year. Most of the time, I shop directly from the Freestyle and Sale sections. One of the things I love most? Free shipping and free returns/exchanges, even on sale items. That gives me the confidence to try new pieces without the risk.

Use this link to save $25 on your Stitch Fix purchase!

My latest addition is a pair of split-leg linen pants with a tie waist from the Freestyle Shop. They’re breathable, flattering, and versatile—definitely a new summer staple that complements the rest of my wardrobe.

Here’s what’s still going strong from last year:

• Blue Zoe button-down top
• Green flutter-sleeve blouse
• Floral blue dress

While these items aren’t made from natural fibers, they’ve held up well and still coordinate beautifully with my current wardrobe—especially the cool-toned blues and greens I tend to gravitate toward.

That floral dress has become a favorite! I usually style it with a knotted top just above the waist. In the photos, it’s paired with a co-shirt, but when I’m out and about, I’ll often wear it with a plain white tee, tied at the waist. It also looks adorable with my new vintage-inspired headbands from Amazon!

This dress was even featured in my 30 Days, 30 Dresses article—be sure to check it out here!

Inherit Co. Essential Pieces That Last

Founded in 2010, Inherit Co. Clothing Company has built a trusted reputation for offering modest, stylish fashion with a modern yet timeless feel. Known for their clean designs and sustainable practices, Inherit Co. empowers women to dress with confidence through collections that are both elegant and versatile.

They offer a beautiful Natural Fabrics Collection, featuring options made from 100% cotton, linen, wool, or silk—perfect for those who prioritize breathable, high-quality materials.

Inherit also has a generous Insider Rewards Program where you earn points for purchases that can be redeemed for coupons, plus access to occasional surprise offers. New shoppers can get 15% off by signing up for their email list on the website. Or you can use my exclusive code VINTAGEVIRTUES anytime for 5% off your order!

Everything I purchased last summer from Inherit is still holding up beautifully. One of my favorite basics is the Essential Pleated Neck Layering Tank—a simple, elevated piece that comes in a variety of colors and works well across seasons.

I also have the:

• Distressed Light Wash Midi Skirt – a casual yet polished staple
• Embroidered Detail V-Neck Maxi Dress – feminine, detailed, and perfect for dressier occasions

Stewardship, Simplicity, and Style

At the heart of this wardrobe refresh is stewardship—being mindful of the resources God has entrusted to me. That means choosing quality fabrics, shopping sales, supporting secondhand options like ThredUp, and being intentional about color and fit. Every decision, big or small, can reflect a life lived with purpose.

No, I haven’t learned to sew yet (maybe one day!), but I’ve come to truly value each garment I own. This slower, more intentional approach feels deeply aligned with the old-fashioned, biblical values I strive to live out.

Are you rethinking your summer wardrobe?
I’d love to hear what you’re loving—or letting go of—this year. Let’s encourage one another to pursue modesty with joy, simplicity, and purpose.

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