Summer 2026 Closet Cravings
Hello!
It is that time of the year again, when I share all my latest fashion cravings. This Summer, I want colors and bold prints, but when did I ever not crave that?
Tropical Print Shirts
Lately, I have realised that my wardrobe is dominated by basic, solid-coloured dress shirts and plenty of striped shirts. But what I am missing is fun. I want colour. I want drama. I want oversized leaf prints, tropical vibes, hibiscus flowers splashed across linen shirts like something straight out of Farm Rio.
I also want to add more African printed shirts to the mix. There is something so effortless about throwing on a vibrant printed shirt with denim or tailored trousers during the hot Dakar season. It instantly makes you look like someone who has vacation plans, even when you are simply going to brunch or running errands.
Fisherman Sandals
I have been obsessed with fisherman sandals for a while now. Maybe it is nostalgia, but they remind me so much of childhood summers, particularly the plastic ones. There is something practical and slightly chic about them that I absolutely love.
Of course, I first made the mistake of buying one of those cheap market versions. They will do the job for a moment, but honestly, I want the real thing. A proper leather pair that I can keep wearing long after fashion collectively decides the trend is “over.”
Fishermen sandals available at mamapraia.com
I actually ordered a custom pair from a local designer. Unfortunately, the craftsmanship was disappointing, and the sizing was completely off. He took them back and promised a replacement, but at this point. I am managing my expectations. Thankfully, I know other shoe cobblers who could probably do a much better job. Looking back, I really should have gone to them first.
Thong Sandals
Can we all agree that thong sandals will simply never go out of style? Trends come and go, but a good thong sandal always survives.
I already own a metallic gold kitten-heel pair that I wear with traditional outfits, especially on days when I want elegance without the suffering that comes with actual heels. But this year, I want an upgraded version: flat or low-heeled thong sandals with delicate straps.
Mango ankle strap thong sandals
Studio Wude Bag
Back in 2011, while living in Japan, I bought a replica of the iconic woven Bottega Veneta bag. I carried that bag everywhere and received endless compliments on it. It was one of those bags that somehow made every outfit look expensive. Now, while I still cannot justify the price of the real Bottega, I recently discovered Studio Wude, a local brand making similar woven bags for a fraction of the price.
Naturally, I now have a new problem: choosing a colour. The practical side of me says to go for the classic brown because it would work with absolutely everything in my wardrobe. But the cerulean blue? That shade keeps calling my name.
Double Hoop Earrings
When it comes to jewelry, I recently went through my jewelry boxes and realised something important: I already own more than enough. Between the chunky necklaces, random bangles, statement earrings I barely wear, and pieces I forgot even existed, I truly do not need to buy anything new.
And yet, there is one thing I cannot stop thinking about. Those knotted double hoop earrings. Ever since I saw my niece wearing a pair last Christmas, I have been slightly obsessed. They were bold without being flashy, trendy but still timeless.
I have been hunting for the perfect pair around Dakar ever since, but no luck so far. Either the hoops are too thin, too shiny, or the shape is completely off. You know how it is when you have a very specific vision in your head. Once you see the pair, everything else becomes disappointing.
Still, I have not given up. Fingers crossed that I stumble upon them at Sandaga market, at my random accessory shop downtown, or maybe in one of those mall boutiques that somehow always have hidden gems.
One-Tone Summer Dresses
One thing I noticed while reorganising my wardrobe is that I own plenty of dresses for work events… but almost all of them are printed. Florals, geometric prints, wax prints, stripes, polka dots.
And honestly? I think I need balance.
This year, I want to lean more into simple one-tone dresses: practical, elegant, easy-to-style pieces that can take me from a meeting to dinner without much effort. The kind of dress you throw on with sandals and gold earrings, and suddenly look very put together.
I already bought one that is lovely, in black and white. Now I am thinking of adding a few more in navy and chocolate brown because those colours look effortlessly chic.
Off-the-shoulder dress from ASOS
For a while, I was tempted by those trendy mesh dresses everyone has been wearing lately. You know the ones: slightly sheer, body-hugging, very “Instagram girl on vacation.” I even tried one on at the market recently. It did not give what it was supposed to give.
At this point in my life, I know that not every trend is meant for me, and that is perfectly okay. I would rather invest in silhouettes that flatter my body and make me feel confident than force myself into trends just because they are popular.
Work out clothes
I have decided to start working out again, or at least do something to change my body. I realised that I no longer have workout bottoms as I donated the ones I previously owned because they were old. I need a few pairs of jogger pants and tights if I want to be active again.
Comfort, elegance, wearability, and sustainability — that is the direction my wardrobe is taking these days.
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