Lifestyle

250 Best “Never Have I Ever” Questions to Heat Up Game Night

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2024

There’s something endlessly fun—and juicy—about telling our deepest, darkest secrets. Whether it’s played with casual friends or our closest confidantes, there’s a reason “never have I ever” questions still intrigue us years after our first game. (Mine was middle school. Yours?) We feel giddy sharing something no one knows about us—surprising them and changing their perspective. And we feel seen when others can relate, knowing we’re not alone in the silly, beautiful goofiness of life. Sure, “Never Have I Ever” may just be a game-night favorite, but it’s also a way we grow closer to those around us.

And if you haven’t realized it yet, the game doesn’t have to be left in the past. “Never Have I Ever” never, ever gets old. It’s often how friends and I wrap up the evening, sitting around the fire or cozying up on the couch to bear our souls. (Yes, it can get intense.) I can guarantee, no matter how well you know each other at the beginning, the “never have I ever” questions ahead guarantee you’ll be fast friends by the end of the night.

How to Play “Never Have I Ever”

If it’s been a moment since you played “Never Have I Ever,” here’s a refresher.

Setup:

Gather Participants: The game can be played with any number of people, but a group of 4-10 is typically ideal.
Seating: Have everyone sit in a circle so all players can see each other.

Game Rules:

Starting the Game: One person starts by saying, “Never have I ever…” followed by something they have never done. For example, “Never have I ever been skydiving.”
Responding:
- If a player has done what the speaker mentions, they must perform a predetermined action, depending on the type of game you’re playing. Typically, it’s either putting down one finger (if playing the “Ten Fingers” version) or taking a sip of a drink (if you’re getting a little rowdier).
- If a player hasn’t done the action, the fingers stay up and/or the drink remains untouched.
Next Turn: Play continues around the circle, and the next person makes a “Never have I ever…” statement.

Winning the Game:

There isn’t a winner or loser in the traditional sense. The objective is mainly to have fun and get to know each other. However, for the competitive players among us, the last person with the most fingers remaining up (or the least drinks taken) can be considered the winner.

Top 10 Absolute Best “Never Have I Ever” Questions

The best questions can vary depending on the group playing the game. However, here are ten great questions that are versatile enough to be intriguing, revealing, and enjoyable for almost any group:

Never have I ever taken a risk that was completely worth it.
- This question can lead to inspiring and motivational stories.
Never have I ever met someone at a bar.
- A lighthearted question that can lead to funny or romantic stories.
Never have I ever pretended not to see someone, so I didn’t have to talk to them.
- Often relatable and can lead to humorous confessions.
Never have I ever lied about myself on a dating app.
- This can reveal funny and interesting tales about modern dating.
Never have I ever been caught in a compromising situation.
- Likely to uncover some juicy and potentially embarrassing stories.
Never have I ever taken a solo trip.
- Encourages sharing of personal growth experiences and adventurous tales.
Never have I ever changed someone’s mind about something important.
- This can lead to discussions about persuasive skills and significant life impacts.
Never have I ever helped a stranger in need.
- Opens up the floor to heartwarming and kind stories.
Never have I ever been fired from a job.
- Can reveal interesting circumstances and learning experiences.
Never have I ever danced in an elevator.
- A fun and light question that can lead to laughs and shared moments of spontaneity.

Juiciest Never Have I Ever Questions

Never have I ever eavesdropped on a conversation.
Never have I ever had a secret relationship.
Never have I ever lied about my marital status.
Never have I ever sent an anonymous gift.
Never have I ever spied on my neighbors.
Never have I ever stolen something from a restaurant (like a spoon or a glass).
Never have I ever had a crush on a teacher or professor.
Never have I ever made up a story about myself to impress someone.
Never have I ever had a wardrobe malfunction in public.
Never have I ever pretended to like a gift I hated.
Never have I ever snuck into a movie or concert.
Never have I ever lied about my job to sound cooler.
Never have I ever been caught in a compromising situation.
Never have I ever sent a text to the wrong person on purpose.
Never have I ever pretended not to see someone, so I didn’t have to talk to them.

Spicy Never Have I Ever Questions

Never have I ever kissed a stranger.
Never have I ever had a crush on someone playing this game right now.
Never have I ever ghosted someone I was dating.
Never have I ever had a threesome.
Never have I ever had a crush on a co-worker.
Never have I ever dated or hooked up with someone 15 years older or younger than me.
Never have I ever fallen in love at first sight.
Never have I ever flirted with a bartender or barista.
Never have I ever been in an open relationship.
Never have I ever faked an orgasm.
Never have I ever gotten a hicky.
Never have I ever had sex in a car or public place.
Never have I ever had sex in a public place.

Questions About Travel and Adventure

Never have I ever left the country.
Never have I ever taken a solo trip.
Never have I ever gone skydiving.
Never have I ever been on a yacht.
Never have I ever ridden first class.
Never have I ever been scuba diving.
Never have I ever been snowboarding.
Never have I ever been on a cruise.
Never have I ever been in a hot air balloon.
Never have I ever gone whale watching.
Never have I ever swam across a lake.
Never have I ever climbed a mountain.
Never have I ever ridden a camel.
Never have I ever ridden an elephant.
Never have I ever been to more than 30 countries.
Never have I ever ridden in a submarine.
Never have I ever been in a cave.
Never have I ever attended a wedding in another country.
Never have I ever been to a major festival like Coachella.
Never have I ever lost a personal item in another country.
Never have I ever been to a major sports final (e.g., Super Bowl, World Cup).

Funniest Questions to Ask

Never have I ever worn socks with sandals.
Never have I ever tripped in public and acted like it was intentional.
Never have I ever laughed so hard I spit out my drink.
Never have I ever walked into a glass door.
Never have I ever tried to impress someone and failed miserably.
Never have I ever worn clothes inside out and didn’t notice.
Never have I ever tried to pull a push door.
Never have I ever mixed up my left and right.
Never have I ever gotten stuck in a piece of clothing while trying it on.
Never have I ever danced in an elevator.
Never have I ever had a funny misunderstanding.
Never have I ever tried to sound smart and made a fool of myself.
Never have I ever walked out of the restroom with toilet paper stuck to my shoe.
Never have I ever accidentally waved at a stranger thinking I knew them.
Never have I ever sent an embarrassing autocorrect.

Best Questions to Get to Know Someone

Never have I ever volunteered for a cause I care about.
Never have I ever taken care of a sick friend or family member.
Never have I ever pursued a hobby just for myself.
Never have I ever taken a risk that was completely worth it.
Never have I ever changed someone’s mind about something important.
Never have I ever donated something meaningful to me.
Never have I ever learned something new just from listening to a friend.
Never have I ever helped a stranger in need.
Never have I ever taken a big leap of faith in love or career.
Never have I ever chosen a path less traveled by others.
Never have I ever stood up for someone else in public.
Never have I ever adopted a pet.
Never have I ever worked a job that changed my perspective on life.
Never have I ever learned a language to better communicate with someone.
Never have I ever moved to a new city for a fresh start.

Questions to About Behavior and Ethics

Never have I ever cheated on a test.
Never have I ever lied to my spouse about something important.
Never have I ever dined and dashed.
Never have I ever used a fake ID.
Never have I ever snooped through someone’s phone.
Never have I ever broken the law.
Never have I ever lied to someone playing this game right now.
Never have I ever ended a relationship over text.
Never have I ever drunk texted an ex.
Never have I ever lied about my relationship status.
Never have I ever lied about myself on a dating app.
Never have I ever started a rumor.
Never have I ever broken a promise.
Never have I ever lied on my resume.
Never have I ever gambled.
Never have I ever broken a bone.
Never have I ever run a red light.
Never have I ever lied to get out of plans.
Never have I ever convinced a friend to dump their partner.
Never have I ever lied about my income.
Never have I ever fought in public.
Never have I ever snooped through a host’s bathroom without them knowing.

Questions About Life Experiences and Challenges

Never have I ever gotten into a car crash.
Never have I ever skinny-dipped.
Never have I ever dyed my hair.
Never have I ever had a cosmetic procedure done.
Never have I ever gotten a tattoo.
Never have I ever gotten a piercing.
Never have I ever Googled myself.
Never have I ever had a tweet retweeted by a celebrity.
Never have I ever tried psychedelics.
Never have I ever gotten stitches.
Never have I ever gotten stuck in an elevator.
Never have I ever had a bad allergic reaction.
Never have I ever worn glasses with fake lenses.
Never have I ever had a regret.
Never have I ever wished I had a different life.
Never have I ever had my heart broken.
Never have I ever broken someone’s heart.
Never have I ever given up on a dream.
Never have I ever cried at work.
Never have I ever lived alone.
Never have I ever won a contest.
Never have I ever written a poem.
Never have I ever had an article published.
Never have I ever won a significant amount of money in a lottery.
Never have I ever had a video go viral.
Never have I ever made a significant scientific discovery.
Never have I ever applied for a patent.
Never have I ever won a photography contest.

Never have I ever regifted something.
Never have I ever met a celebrity.
Never have I ever tried a trendy diet.
Never have I ever finished a TV series in a day.
Never have I ever spent the whole day in my pajamas.
Never have I ever gone to court.
Never have I ever blocked a friend or family member on social media.
Never have I ever smoked a cigarette.
Never have I ever done a prank call.
Never have I ever attended a masquerade.
Never have I ever been on a TV or radio show.
Never have I ever played in a band.
Never have I ever attended a comic con.
Never have I ever sung karaoke in front of a crowd.
Never have I ever attended an opera.
Never have I ever been part of a book club.
Never have I ever participated in a talent show.
Never have I ever attended a TED Talk.
Never have I ever been in a choir.
Never have I ever been part of a historical reenactment.
Never have I ever had a part in a movie.
Never have I ever painted a portrait.
Never have I ever been involved in a TV commercial.
Never have I ever been to a drive-in movie.
Never have I ever attended a virtual reality experience.
Never have I ever participated in a protest.
Never have I ever participated in a flash mob.
Never have I ever been in a food fight.
Never have I ever ridden a mechanical bull.
Never have I ever attended a murder mystery dinner.
Never have I ever been to a silent retreat.
Never have I ever baked my own bread.
Never have I ever taken a pottery class.
Never have I ever gone vegan.
Never have I ever made a candle.
Never have I ever built a model airplane.
Never have I ever written a fan letter.
Never have I ever milked a cow.
Never have I ever participated in competitive eating.
Never have I ever caught a fish.
Never have I ever practiced yoga regularly.
Never have I ever completed a jigsaw puzzle with more than 1000 pieces.
Never have I ever volunteered at a shelter.
Never have I ever adopted an endangered animal.
Never have I ever owned more than 10 pets at once.
Never have I ever owned an exotic pet.
Never have I ever rescued an animal.
Never have I ever lived on a farm.
Never have I ever had a pet reptile.

Best Totally Random Questions

Never have I ever ignored the expiration date on a food label.
Never have I ever thought a cartoon character was hot.
Never have I ever peed my pants as an adult.
Never have I ever left a negative review.
Never have I ever fought someone in public.
Never have I ever been fired from a job.
Never have I ever fainted.
Never have I ever eaten dog or cat food.
Never have I ever cut my own bangs.
Never have I ever eaten a coworker’s lunch from the office fridge.
Never have I ever had credit card debt.
Never have I ever gone commando.
Never have I ever been to a strip club.
Never have I ever pretended to be sick to get out of work.
Never have I ever stayed awake for 24 hours or more.
Never have I ever worn the same outfit two days in a row.
Never have I ever read an entire book in a day.
Never have I ever accidentally said “I love you” to someone.
Never have I ever met someone at a bar.
Never have I ever been on a blind date.
Never have I ever had a paranormal experience.
Never have I ever completed a marathon.
Never have I ever learned a martial art.
Never have I ever had a surprise party thrown for me.
Never have I ever been detained by police.
Never have I ever been part of a jury.
Never have I ever been recognized in public.
Never have I ever been to a fortune teller.
Never have I ever built a robot.
Never have I ever been hypnotized.
Never have I ever lost a bet.

Never Have I Ever Questions for Families

Never have I ever forgotten my homework.
Never have I ever read a book in one day.
Never have I ever learned to play a musical instrument.
Never have I ever built something with LEGO.
Never have I ever collected stamps, coins, or trading cards.
Never have I ever been to a summer camp.
Never have I ever made a friendship bracelet.
Never have I ever scored a goal in soccer.
Never have I ever taken a dance class.
Never have I ever ridden a horse.
Never have I ever gone hiking with my family.
Never have I ever done a cartwheel.
Never have I ever dressed up as a superhero.
Never have I ever had a pillow fight.
Never have I ever built a fort in my living room.
Never have I ever had a pet fish.
Never have I ever won a game of hide and seek.
Never have I ever tried sushi.
Never have I ever cooked a meal with my parents.
Never have I ever eaten breakfast for dinner.
Never have I ever helped bake cookies.
Never have I ever tried a food I thought I wouldn’t like and ended up liking it.
Never have I ever been on a plane.
Never have I ever visited a zoo.
Never have I ever seen the ocean.
Never have I ever been to a national park.
Never have I ever gone on a road trip.
Never have I ever stayed up until midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Never have I ever gone trick-or-treating.
Never have I ever opened a present before Christmas morning.
Never have I ever made my own Halloween costume.
Never have I ever thrown a surprise party for someone.
Never have I ever made a new friend at school.
Never have I ever told a secret to my best friend.
Never have I ever been to a friend’s birthday party.
Never have I ever shared my lunch with a friend.
Never have I ever been to a sleepover.
Never have I ever planted a tree.
Never have I ever slept under the stars.
Never have I ever built a snowman.
Never have I ever ridden in a limousine.

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Lifestyle

18 Avocado Recipes to Enjoy Year-Round

Published

10 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Casey McKee

If there’s one thing I’ve gained from adulthood, it’s a love for many of the foods I shied away from as a kid. Exhibit A: Avocados—one of the most mouthwatering foods that nature has bestowed on us. Thanks to their versatility and vibrant color, avocados have gone viral over the past few years—and I’m fully on board. The only problem? I want to include avocados in almost every single meal I make! Thankfully, the Camille Styles team is full of avocado obsessives—and have stopped at nothing to incorporate the fruit into as many dishes as we can dream up.

So grab your ripest avocado from the fruit bowl and see just how many ways you can transform one ingredient. Possibilities: endless.

18 of the Best Avocado Recipes on the Internet

When it comes to avocado recipes, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. This fruit can be paired with anything from bright and tangy citruses to fresh fish. Additionally, avocados pack plenty of goodness like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as magnesium and potassium. Delicious and nutrient-dense? We love.

So, if you have a spare avocado lying around your kitchen waiting to be prepared, let’s get into it!

Avocado Caprese Salad

Why We Love It: If I’m hosting, any caprese salad will find itself on my menu. It’s partially due to the ease of throwing this salad together, but I also love (re: adore) this flavor combination. Add an avocado to the mix, and I’m sold. The creamy bite is the perfect complement to vine-ripened tomatoes and big tears of burrata.

Hero Ingredient: There’s nothing that’s not made better with a small sprinkle of flaky salt. This salad included.

Spicy Tuna Tostadas

Why We Love It: I can’t get enough of these tuna tostadas, inspired by Camille’s visit to Contramar in Mexico City. The avocado in this recipe balances a blend of spicy and savory flavors. From fresh jalapeños to crispy shallots, this recipe has it all.

Hero Ingredient: The chipotle aioli spread on the tortilla brings these tostadas to the next level.

Smoky and Spicy Cauliflower Salad

Why We Love It: When our food editor, Suruchi, first created this recipe, I was immediately hooked by its stunning appearance. After trying it out for myself, I was blown away by the incredible flavor of the spicy cauliflower and roasted chickpeas, complemented perfectly by avocado and creamy feta cheese.

Hero Ingredient: A bit of dill is a flavorful touch to this hearty salad.

Grapefruit Avocado Salad

Why We Love It: Fruit salads are always a go-to recipe during the summer months, and this salad is no exception. Paired with a golden turmeric-honey dressing and garnished with fresh herbs, it’s hard not to love these flavors.

Hero Ingredient: Chickpeas keep this salad hearty and full of protein.

Avocado Toast with Kale Pesto

Why We Love It: This isn’t your ordinary avocado toast. While I love the simplicity of plain avocado toast, it’s hard not to turn to this recipe, topped with a bit of homemade kale pesto (I promise it’s not as intimidating as it sounds!) and everything bagel seasoning.

Hero Ingredient: Either thinly sliced cucumber or radishes will add an extra crunch and color to this toast.

Chickpea Corn and Avocado Salad

Why We Love It: Avocados are frequently used in Mexican-inspired dishes. Enter this chickpea and avocado salad. With roasted poblano peppers and juice from fresh limes, it’s simple and comes together in a few short steps.

Hero Ingredient: Cilantro gives this salad’s sauce a gorgeous and vibrant green hue.

Avocado Slaw

Why We Love It: Maybe it’s my southern side, but once I hear the word slaw, I’m sold. This recipe is a twist on the classic, adding heat from a fresh jalapeño and a balanced and creamy texture brought in by the avocado.

Hero Ingredient: The avocado introduces a nice creamy contrast to the crunchy cabbage.

Pita Tostadas with Butternut Squash with Black Beans and Avocados

Why We Love It: I could eat tacos and tostadas every week, and this recipe is always one of my favorite varieties. Instead of your typical tortilla, the pita makes for a fluffier base that pairs well with the sweet and savory toppings.

Hero Ingredient: Whenever butternut squash is involved, it’s always the hero ingredient.

Lime-y Chicken Tacos with Jicama Avocado Mint

Why We Love It: Like I said, tacos and tostadas are staples in my diet. I’m always looking for new and creative variations, and these tacos with agave-lime chicken are the perfect way to break away from the norm.

Hero Ingredient: As Camille says, “Fresh mint literally makes these tacos, so do not skip it. Unless you hate mint—in which case, go for the cilantro.”

Tomato, Avocado, and Cucumber Salad

Why We Love It: Light and fresh with a bit of heat, this avocado and cucumber salad embodies the warmer months. If you’re a bit skeptical about tomatoes in your salad, Camille suggests picking a super-ripe fruit. It’s the key to optimal satisfaction.

Hero Ingredient: A little fresh mozzarella never hurt anyone.

Mango, Avocado, and Feta Salad

Why We Love It: This salad is perfect for when your body needs a total reset. With a crunchy addition of pistachios and ripe and juicy mangos, it’s the perfect blend of salty and sweet. Plus, the majority—if not all—of the salad toppings are most likely already in your fridge or pantry.

Hero Ingredient: A squeeze of lemon juice lends a little citrusy perfection.

Tuna Nicoise Toast

Why We Love It: This tuna nicoise toast puts your typical avocado toast to shame. Juicy oven-roasted tomatoes are caramelized to perfection and have a mouth-watering effect when paired with high-quality bread. Sourdough or ciabatta are my go-to picks.

Hero Ingredient: While not a must-have ingredient, kale pesto takes this toast to the next level.

Sunday Night Avocado Toast

Why We Love It: I love a quick and easy avocado toast recipe in a pinch, and this toast is just that. With a jammy egg (an ingredient that’s recently become my favorite addition to many dishes), a pinch of everything bagel seasoning, and of course, avocado, this toast is one you can enjoy every morning. Or any time of day. Who’s keeping track?

Hero Ingredient: A squeeze of lime juice. Don’t knock it till you try it!

Avocado Toast Bar

Why We Love It: For those looking to level up their avocado toast, check out this inspo for an avocado toast bar. If you have an upcoming brunch or maybe just love going all-out for Sunday morning breakfast, this is the best way to keep every guest happy.

Hero Ingredient: There are so many options to choose from, but crunchy cucumbers are my favorite.

Smashed Avocado Toast

Why We Love It: This avocado toast will make you feel as if you’re dining at a laid-back cafe enjoying brunch with your closest friends. Inspired by Two Hands NYC, this toast comes together with a drizzle of olive oil and a touch of red chili flakes that enhance the flavor of chunky and smooth mashed avocado.

Hero Ingredient: One of my life hacks for elevated avocado toast is simply adding a poached egg.

Corn and Avocado Salad

Why We Love It: Looking for a side dish to please your guests at every dinner party? There are very few ways to go wrong if you’re preparing this corn and avocado salad. With a crunchy red bell pepper, a bunch of dill, and several ears of fresh corn, you can throw together a delicious appetizer in no time.

Hero Ingredient: A touch of olive oil is key.

Roasted Beet Tostadas with Avocado Cream, Goat Cheese, and Pepitas

Why We Love It: When a flavor-forward recipe meets visual perfection, you know you have a winning dish. This is one of those quick and easy recipes I love to repeat with any leftovers. It features a to-die-for avocado crema, caramelized roasted beets, and my personal favorite, goat cheese.

Hero Ingredient: A light and fluffy flatbread is the ideal foundation for these stunning tostadas.

Roasted Beet, Avocado, and Pistachio Salad

Why We Love It: Last but certainly not least, this gorgeous, warm-weather-approved salad. Pro tip: roast extra beets for the tostadas above and make this salad the next day. It’s a great opportunity to give your leftovers new life. And maybe it’s an unpopular opinion, but you can never have too much of beets’ beautiful, earthy flavor.

Hero Ingredient: A little bit of citrus brightens up your taste buds.

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Lifestyle

8 Tips You Haven’t Tried

Published

10 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Kelly Krause

Summer is on the horizon, but I’m finally just getting into spring cleaning my life. Honestly, it’s equal parts overwhelming and refreshing. Coming off a busy holiday season straight into lots of events and work travel, I finally had a solid break in my schedule to assess what’s working and what’s not. In addition to my never-ending closet clean-out project and general organization, one thing I really needed to overhaul was my finances.

Does anyone else get to that point where you check your bank account or credit card statement and you’re like, wait one second, how did this happen? If not, you’re lucky. Between the holidays and travel, I admittedly neglected many personal routines. And finances were one of them. Now, no major cause for concern—I’m not insinuating that I’m in financial peril here. But taking some time to self-reflect gave me the boost I needed to get back on track with a budget and really examine my spending.

How I’m Approaching My Season of Savings

After reverting back to a plan my financial advisor gave me years ago, I came up with a strategy to ensure I have a good buffer for bills, entertainment, savings, and fun, all while saving extra money where I can. I’m calling this era my season of savings. My mission? To make it fun—not dreadful.

I have three accounts dedicated to monthly goals. So far, with some discipline, it’s been easy. Those accounts are:

bills/must-pays
my future/savings
fun/entertainment/travel

Keep reading for eight tips on how I’m approaching this season of savings. Plus, get insights into how you can apply this strategy to your own life—without feeling restricted.

Update Subscriptions

After reviewing my credit card statement and Apple Pay account, I realized I had a lot of duplicate and dormant subscriptions. I’m talking $5/month for an Instagram filter app I’ve never used once, or a Spotify subscription AND SiriusXM subscription, when I only really use one. This was a pretty easy fix and one that significantly saves me each month.

Make it happen: Set aside an hour to review your subscriptions. You can go to your Apple ID in your iPhone, and tap “Subscriptions” to view all your active subscriptions, how much you’re paying, and when they renew. Alternatively, I’ve had lots of friends recommend Rocket Money, which allows you to view all your subscriptions—across all platforms—in one place.

Give My Nails a Break

This one is tough for me because I love getting my nails done. But after years of gel manicures, my nails are feeling the impact. They’ve gotten tissue-thin and brittle and while there’s a bit of debate on whether you should let your nails breathe, this seems like a good time to pause a $100/month habit.

Make it happen: Consider the naked nails trend. Camille recently posted this glowy nail treatment polish for $16 that strengthens my nails and keeps them looking clean. In between, I’m using this repair keratin serum for $25. Both products cost less than one manicure, so I’m still giving my nails love without the splurge.

Reframe Happy Hour

I’ve taken a break from drinking. (I’m diving deep into that topic in a future story—stay tuned.) This one was an easier move for me than I thought. Anytime a friend asks if I want to grab a drink or go to happy hour, I try one of a few things: first, offer up a coffee meeting instead. This usually works better for my work schedule anyway, as I work for a west coast company and my days tend to run longer. Plus, a $4 cold brew (where I usually have just one) beats a $15 cocktail (where I usually have at 2+).

Second, rather than go for a drink, I see if we can catch up for a walk or a workout. I try to go for a walk almost every single day whether it’s 3-5 miles or simply a 30-minute, low-key coffee walk, so this is always my favorite way to connect with friends. And if all else fails, my go-to order of sparkling water and lime is always a cheaper option than a drink!

Make it happen: Happy hour is often our default way to get together with friends. Instead, reflect on other catch-up options that not only allow you to connect, but that let you pour into other high-value activities. Try pairing it with exercise like me, or suggest something else you’ve been dying to do. (Craft night, anyone?)

Get Creative With Groceries

I didn’t realize how much I was over-buying groceries and sadly wasting a lot of what I purchased. Aside from giving myself a weekly budget, I’ve started to get creative with both what I have on hand already and what I’m buying. In the past, I haven’t been motivated to whip up something creative and instead would splurge on a $20 salad at a local neighborhood spot. Doing that 3-5 times a month adds up quickly, so I’ve made it a fun adventure to use up everything I have to cut costs.

Here’s what that looks like: I’ve taken remaining veggies and sautéed them and topped with an egg and hot sauce for a nourishing bowl. I’ve used leftover ground bison, added a little marinara and a sprinkle of cheese for an Italian-style bake. And all of those packets of tuna that I’ve saved for a rainy, don’t-feel-like-cooking kind of day are the easiest thing to add to a quick seaweed wrap.

The point is: rather than grabbing a quick salad or sandwich, I use what I’ve got on hand first. Chat GPT has saved me a few times when I’ve typed in ingredients I have on hand to come up with something good to make.

Make it happen: This is where meal prep is your friend. Camille shares her go-to meal prep strategy here. Stock up on staples and prep them on Sunday to give yourself mix-and-match options that’ll last you the week. (And that you won’t get bored of by Tuesday.)

Use Gift Cards Up!

Over the years, I’ve gotten a plethora of gift cards from friends and family to restaurants, spas, and stores. And… I almost always forget about using them in the moment and they go unused or worse, expire. Pro tip: Always use restaurant gift cards when you get them. I’ve had two restaurants close over the years and gift cards ultimately went unused.

Make it happen: My strategy might be a little *extra* but it ensures I use up all my gift cards. I create a spreadsheet with every single gift card, the location, and the dollar amount, plus a note next to who gave it to me. That way, anytime I reach to buy something online and book an appointment, I make sure I’m using a gift card and can send a follow up note to that person reminding them how thankful I was to use it.

While you might not have gift cards laying around, I bet you have emails from brands offering discounts for your birthday/birthday month or “first time guest” discounts you can use. Every little bit adds up.

Clothing In/Clothing Out

At this point, I could be admitted into Black Dress Jail for the amount of black dresses that live in my closet. Sure, each one looks a little different than the next, but not that different. So before anything enters my closet, I’m doing a major overhaul and getting rid of a LOT. Like, half of my closet. And before anything can come in, I have to get rid of at least three things. In just one week I loaded up three full ThredUp bags to the post office and went on an eBay posting spree on cycling gear I no longer wear.

Make it happen: There are countless ways to donate or sell your clothing. Visit your local thrift store and see what they’ll take. Or, Madewell has a great program with ThredUp to either sell or recycle your used clothing. The fun/social part of this is opening up my closet to friends to borrow dresses and outfits from one another so we can also curb our spending a bit. It’s such an easy way to feel like you’re wearing something new (to you). This strategy is way cheaper than buying new or utilizing Rent the Runway or a similar service.

Host Friends > Going Out

Maybe it’s my age and less about saving money, but at 42, my friends and I are leaning heavily into simple, quality evenings together. Rather than get dressed up and go out to dinner for a recent birthday, my friend opened her home and everyone was tasked with bringing a side dish for a dinner in. We wore cozies, didn’t buy gifts, and just enjoyed everyone’s company. (Not to mention probably saved $100+ each.)

Don’t get me wrong, I love trying new restaurants and throwing on a fun dress to go out, but when it comes to literally everything in my life right now, I’m trying to simplify and refine. An easy night in, grabbing something healthy from Trader Joe’s, wearing a comfy outfit, with a good playlist in the background is my idea of a good time these days. (Pro tip: Mimic the vibe of your favorite hotel with a curated playlist. I love this one from Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin.)

Make it happen: We compiled all the best hosting ideas and inspiration, right here.

Rethink Entertainment

Every year I say some variation on the same: This will be the year I read more. Inevitably, I end up reading no more than two books. It’s partly because I cram every waking moment with work, creative projects, and friend hangs, so when I actually have time to relax, I want to do nothing but lay down and get caught in a TV show. But I miss getting lost in a good book and the conversations reading inspires.

I was at a cocktail event the other week and two girlfriends talked about a book they both wanted to read, which I happened to have a copy of on my bookshelf. (My very FULL bookshelf of unread books begging for my attention.) It was the perfect opportunity to start the book and set a date to chat about it with my friends. I’ve never been a part of a book club, so I have no clue if I’ll even like it, but this hang costs virtually nothing. What’s more, I also get an evening away from home, time to pour into my friendships, and the chance to have my mind expanded through good conversation.

Make it happen: These are our favorite new reads of the season. Browse what’s available at the library or, spend a little at your local bookstore to support the author. Plan an evening with friends to get together and chat about the book. Trust me: while you’ll love talking about literature, the conversation will drift to every other area of your lives. It’s the perfect way to get caught up.

The Takeaway

Hop on social media, and it can seem like everyone is always either taking a lavish vacation or out to a dinner with friends. It’s easy to assume that others are having more fun or able to spend more without caring how it may impact their finances. With everyone’s lives always available to us with a quick swipe, the temptation to compare can be difficult to avoid.

But I hope these budget-saving strategies serve as a reminder that it’s fun to get creative not only with how we spend our money, but how we prioritize our time. I’m loving trying new things in the kitchen and opting for new ways to catch up with friends. Let these tips inspire you to switch things up—and maybe even make a little more progress on your reading list, too!

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Lifestyle

Your 10-Piece Summer Capsule Wardrobe for 2024

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2024

Bridget Chambers

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Summer is (finally!) here, and I’ve spent the last couple of weeks transitioning my closet for the new season. What started as a cleanout and reorganization mission evolved into a thoughtful evaluation of everything I own—and what holes needed to be filled. With limited storage space, it became clear that every piece I purchased needed to be multi-wear, functional, and a true ten-out-of-ten. Working in fashion, it can also be tempting to overconsume, so I’ve realigned my priorities to build a summer capsule wardrobe that puts quality over quantity.

After a huge purge, the coats and boots have made their way to the back of the closet, and I’ve built a 10-piece summer capsule wardrobe full of linen, wovens, and sandals that has taken center stage. I think I’ve finally cracked the code to effortlessly chic summer dressing. The secret? Less truly is more.

The Summer Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

Find out exactly what you need for your summer capsule wardrobe below, and allow your closet to work smarter, not harder in summer 2024.

Simple Sundress
Lightweight Top
Breezy Bottom
Non-Denim Shorts & Skirt
Layering Tee & Tank
White Denim
Everyday Sunglasses
Summery Sandals
Seasonal Straw Bag
Protective Sun Hat

Simple Sundress

For all of the minimalists out there, a solid sundress can be a summer capsule wardrobe in and of itself. A sundress is a one-and-done outfit, is easy to pack on vacation, and keeps you cool while looking effortless. This summer, I’m looking for midi-to-full length sundresses that I can pair with sandals, sneakers, or heels, depending on where I’m headed. I love styling summer sundresses with a statement belt and a thin knit draped over my shoulders to add a bit of depth to the look.

Lightweight Tops

I grew up in Texas, and one of the most difficult things about summer shopping is finding tops that are breathable enough to wear in peak heat. Even though I now live in Los Angeles, I still gravitate toward sleeveless vests, breezy button-downs, and girly blouses that don’t leave me in a puddle of sweat.

Brands like DOEN, Reformation, and The Great have lots of lightweight and flowy tops that I love to style with denim, linen, and silk all summer long. My favorite top in my summer capsule wardrobe is my linen vest from DISSH, as it’s as cool as a tank top, but feels a little more styled and chic.

Breezy Bottoms

Although I still wear jeans all year round, I’ve been looking to expand my selection of pants with linen and silk pairs for summer. I’ve found that these airy alternatives are not only more comfortable and breathable but exude the laid-back energy that I’m trying to channel this year. (Plus, nothing is worse than a tight pair of jeans on a summer sunburn.) Investing in a trusty pair of white linen pants will be the best thing you can do for yourself this summer. This is the definition of working smarter, not harder—these pants will match every top in your closet.

Non-Denim Shorts & Skirts

While there is nothing wrong with denim shorts and skirts, I personally find them uncomfortable. I know that might be a hot take, but I don’t think I’ve worn my denim shorts in over a year. Instead, I gravitate toward flowy shorts and skirts that aren’t too short or too tight. I find that the more a-line shape a pair of shorts or a skirt has, the more flattering they are on the leg. This year, I’m filling this slot in my summer capsule wardrobe with longer, more tailored shorts and full-length linen skirts.

Layering Tees & Tanks

Every good summer capsule wardrobe starts with one-to-two layering bases. My requirements for layering tees and tanks are that they are long enough to tuck in, are not too tight around my arms, and are thick enough not to show my bra underneath. Once you find a good white or black tee/tank, the outfit possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for a foolproof summer outfit formula, pair one of these white tanks or tees with linen pants, a comfy sandal, a sweater draped over your shoulders, and a raffia bag. Sometimes, simpler is simply better.

White Denim

One of my favorite summer style trends is an all-white look. I’m a sucker for white jeans and a white top with a pop-of-color shoe and bag, so finding a reliable pair of white denim jeans is essential for my summer capsule wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with any cut of white denim, as this is a classic trend that will never go out of style. White denim overalls are also a great summer purchase to style over a white tee or a bikini at the beach. Bonus points for rewearing these pieces into fall and winter—we love a winter white!

Summery Sandals

Summer is the season of sandals, so say goodbye to your favorite boots and hello to biweekly pedicures! Whether you lean toward basic dad sandals or sexy strappy numbers, your choice in sandal should be neutral, comfortable, and durable. It’s easy to be woo-ed by trendy shoes, but a true summer capsule wardrobe sandal is timeless and versatile enough to pair with every item on this list. I look for sandals that are easy to slip on and off for beach days and grassy picnics, and lay flat in a suitcase for all of my summer adventures.

Seasonal Straw Bags

Perhaps my favorite part about summer rolling around is dusting off my woven raffia and straw bags to style all season long. Though this material will be forever reminiscent of my mom’s beach bag growing up, I love that designers have been using raffia in more modern, structured designs, giving the look a laid-back but still trendy feel. Plus, straw is a neutral, so it will match and add a seasonal flare to every outfit you create with this summer capsule wardrobe. From the farmer’s market to the beach and out to dinner, these bags can truly do (and hold) it all.

Protective Sun Hats

When I envision summer chicness, every look is topped off with the perfect floppy sun hat. There’s just something so opulent about a big hat and dark sunglasses that takes a basic summer outfit from simple to sexy. It’s also as functional as it is fashionable, protecting your skin during the sunny days ahead. I’m on the hunt for the perfect neutral raffia sun hat to wear at the beach with bikinis, on long walks in activewear, and everywhere in between. If a full-brim hat isn’t your style, a classic baseball hat adds a cool-girl touch to the summer capsule wardrobe while still covering your face, too.

Everyday Sunglasses

I like to think of sunglasses as the cherry on top of a summer capsule wardrobe: not entirely essential, but a small finishing touch that goes a long way. I went through a phase of purchasing multiple trendy, colorful sunglasses, but after having to pack four pairs of glasses for a three-day trip, I finally said enough is enough and found a well-fitting, neutral pair that goes with everything. Sunglasses also have a tendency to get left on the dinner table or swept into the ocean, so don’t feel like you have to spend a pretty penny on this element of your summer capsule wardrobe. A designer pair of sunglasses is always a fun splurge, but more affordable pairs earn just as many compliments minus the price tag.

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