If you could only recommend one book for the rest If you could only recommend one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 📖

This one has been an easy answer for me since 2020, when I read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It completely changed my life.

Since then, I have recommended it to countless people, and have felt intense amounts of joy as I’ve seen those people recommend it to others, buy copies for friends, suggest it for their book clubs, and come back to me to tell me how it changed their life just like it changed mine 🥰

Which book would you say changed your life for the better? 🤎

—

#themidnightlibrary #magicalrealism #mentalhealthbooks #bookcommunity #bookishvibes Matt Haig, books with mental health rep, magical realism books, book recs, favorite books, escapism, book hangover, reread worthy, comfort book
Would you want to have the same occupation as the Would you want to have the same occupation as the main character(s) in your last read? 💼

I recently finished Thunderhead, and I absolutely would *NOT* want to be a Scythe! 🙅🏻‍♀️ I also definitely wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the royalty in my other previous read, A Psalm of Storms and Silence 😬

Is there a book character’s “career” that you know you would love to have? 💭

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyaesthetic #readersofinstagram current read, currently reading, cozy aesthetic, escapism, late-night chapters, what I’m reading
Is there an author who consistently writes books t Is there an author who consistently writes books that bring you to tears? 😭

I have cried while reading every single one of Amber’s books... and that’s only a small part of what keeps me coming back for more 🤎

I’m struggling with even knowing how to put in words what her books mean to me, because even thinking about it is making me tear up 🥹 So instead of trying to craft the perfect thing to say, I’m just going to urge you to read everything she’s written. You can thank me later 🙏🏼

What was the last book that made you cry? 📖

—

#theleavingroom #booklover #bookcommunity #cozyreads #bookishvibes poetry, Amber McBride, The Leaving Room, sapphic books, books that will make you cry, book hangover, book recs, reread worthy, late-night chapters
Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛ I absolutely Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛

I absolutely love when a book has animals in it—whether that’s someone’s pet, familiar, or when the animal is the main character 😻

I’m always absurdly happy when there’s a cat, and if they have a creative name it’s even better. I think the stand-out for me was a cat named The Darkling in Accidentally Amy. I’ll never forget it! 😂

Do you have a furbaby companion? Tell me all about them! 🐾

—

#cozyreads #readingescape #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic #booknerd book animals, cats of Instagram, book cats, fantasy books, romance books, cozy aesthetic
Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔 Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔

I’m always torn between excitement over seeing my favorite stories come to life and anxiety about what they might change and how it could disappoint me 😅

I fell head over heels in love with the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation 🤎 For those who don’t know, this is not only my favorite EmHen, but it’s my all-time favorite romance book. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it in 2021 and have inhaled every format of it multiple times since 🥰

I was nervous about the movie, but loved how they stayed true to the *vibe* of PWMOV 🏖️ Even with the changes they did make, Alex and Poppy were precisely as I had always imagined them, and I adored watching every second of their friends to lovers romance 🎥

This is a negativity-free zone! If you loved the PWMOV movie as much as I did, tell me your favorite part of the film! 🍿

—

#romancebooks #peoplewemeetonvacation #romancebooklover #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic romance books, romance reads, Emily Henry, popular romances, book adaptations, romance movie, Netflix
Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭 Do you w Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭

Do you want to open a bookstore? Write a novel? Become an editor? Get a bookish tattoo? Host an author panel? 

This is a place to put your hopes and dreams out there in the universe. You never know what might happen! 😉

As for me? I want to own a book bus that eventually becomes a brick and mortar bookshop with a café and apothecary. I want it to be the kind of comforting and safe atmosphere that allows people to feel like they can just *breathe* for a little while whenever they visit. That’s my dream ☕️

So, if this dream becomes reality, where should I take my book bus first? 📍

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyreads #readersofinstagram book dreams, cozy aesthetic, bookshop bookstore, book influencer, book blogger
Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025 Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025? 📖

The whole time I was away from this space, I kept having these moments of, “gosh, I wish I was active on booksta right now, if only to rave about the book that I’m currently reading!” 🙈

WHILE THE DARK REMAINS was definitely one of those books 🙌🏼 This story left me utterly speechless in the best way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel. 

Do you have any sequels that you’re anticipating in 2026? 📚

—

#fantasyreads #fantasybooklover #bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookishvibes escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, reread worthy
How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
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Fashion, Summer · July 3, 2019

A Surprisingly Simple Date Night Outfit

Simplicity goes a long way, especially when it comes to a casual summer date ensemble.

It might be an unpopular opinion – and I know I’ve mentioned it before – but my husband just loves when I wear jeans. Specifically skinny jeans. He prefers them over dresses and skirts and jumpsuits. The coincidental thing is, while I adore a good sundress during the summer, I also love a great pair of skinny jeans – especially for date night. There’s something to be said about the combo of high heels and skinnies with a nice blouse. It’s just a winner whether it’s for date night, drinks with friends, and like 90% of events.

Granted, you might be a little toasty at some points, if you’re in direct sunlight, but I certainly feel more confident in jeans than in shorts, so I don’t usually mind. Investing in a killer pair of high-waisted skinny jeans without any distressing was something on my fashion “bucket list” (so-to-speak) at the beginning of 2019. I already owned this pair of pants from Topshop, so I went ahead and snagged two more pairs – one in medium blue wash and one in black – so I could have a plethora of outfit options. I primarily wear the medium wash during the summer, and wanted to share how I style them for a casual summer night outfit!


Outfit Details
top c/o Chicwish | pants | shoes | earrings c/o Sugarfix | similar necklace | similar bag

I’m all for simplicity. Especially when it comes to planning an outfit for date night.

The last thing I want to do is have my husband waiting for hours while I throw a million pieces from my closet in a frenzy. This happens more often than I’d like to admit. When all else fails, it’s usually the typical “jeans and a nice blouse” option. Let me tell you something: there’s nothing wrong with that! I believe this combo was created just for the indecisive, like myself! What’s even better is if you own a black blouse and a pair of black heels. Then you’re set for the classiest version of “jeans and a nice top” that exists.

My outfit was casual, summer date night-ready the moment I reached for this black sleeveless blouse from Chicwish. This top has become one of my go-to’s over the past several weeks. I find myself wearing it so often, I’m considering purchasing it in another color. They offer it in a stunning lilac-pink shade that I’m in love with, as well as cream and white! It’s lined, with a slightly ruffled collar and v-neck that doesn’t drop too low. It’s lightweight and breathable, perfect for summer – and great for layering! This is definitely the perfect blouse to wear with a pair of skinny jeans and some comfy heels!


Related Posts
Two Ways to Enhance a Casual Outfit // The Summer Dress That’s Worth the Splurge // 3 Places to Shop for Affordable, Trendy Accessories

You’ll definitely catch me in this casual summer date outfit for the rest of the season and beyond!

In: Fashion, Summer · Tagged: affordable fashion, black sleeveless blouse, date night outfit, Garnett's Cafe, RVA, simple date night outfit, simple outfit, summer date night outfit

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Yolanda
6 years ago

Love the simplicity of this – classic and pretty too 🙂 This is literally my go-to as I love jeans and have loads of pretty tops to pair them with.

Reply
Morgan
6 years ago

This outfit is so chic and sexy for a date night!! I think the simplicity of it really highlights YOU in the outfit which is probably why your hubs loves it so much!

-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

Reply
Rachel
6 years ago

I love the simplicity of this outfit, especially for date night! I need this blouse ASAP.

Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com

Reply
Amy
6 years ago

That’s my kind of style. Jeans and a nice top are all this girl needs to feel pretty. Thanks for sharing. Love the pics by the way!

Reply
Hillary Conheady
6 years ago

You can’t go wrong with this outfit! Love the look and you are just too cute in these pics!

Reply
Cathy
6 years ago

I love this chic and simple look for a date night! You look fabulous!

XOXO
Cathy

Reply
Lizzie
6 years ago

This outfit perfect for a casual date night! You look polished, put together and most importantly, comfy 🙂

Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com

Reply
Sarah Lindner
6 years ago

Simple and casual are my two specialties! love how pretty and effortless this look is!

xoxo Sarah

Reply
Donna
6 years ago

Love this simple combo. So relaxed and yet classy!

Reply
Ciera Chang
6 years ago

This is seriously the perfect date night outfit!

Reply
Jordyn
6 years ago

A pair of great jeans with a cami and heels is one of my favorite date night looks. I love to get dressed up in pretty sundresses and rompers but have found that a pair of jeans and cute tank sometimes look the chicest! Love your outfit here, you’re rocking those jeans <3

Reply
Lina Melo
6 years ago

This is my kind of outfit! Perfect, simple and sexy! Love your outfit and your recommendations.

I’m going to buy those jeans. Look amazing

Reply
Caylee
6 years ago

LOVE LOVE LOVE! My husband is actually the exact same way! He 100% prefers skinny jeans over a skirt or dress, though he appreciates those as well. This is such a cute and functional look!

Reply
Kait | Slumber & Scones
6 years ago

This looks so effortless, but also totally cute! You always manage to look so put together in the simplest outfits, I love it.

Reply
Indya | The Small Adventurer
6 years ago

This outfit is super cute! A good pair of jeans are always my go-to as they’re SO much comfier to wear than a skirt or dress. Plus, with the right shoes and top, they can look AMAZING 😍🙌

Reply
Kileen
6 years ago

Love how simple but chic this outfit is!! Yes to jeans and heels!

Kileen
cute & little

Reply
Cristina
6 years ago

I absolutely adore the black sandals!!!

Reply
Nataly
6 years ago

You can’t go wrong with a look like this for date night! Your hair looks so cute short too!

Reply
Ashley Hargrove
6 years ago

This is my kind of outfit! Literally, I would wear this type of look every single day. I love pairing skinny jeans or leggings with a simple yet chic top and heels! Gorgeous!

Reply
Crystal // Dreams, etc.
6 years ago

I love the simplicity of this outfit! And it looks comfy, too!

Reply
Denni
6 years ago

First time on your blog and first omg you look so adorable yet chic and classy, and this outfit is so right up my alley! love how you elevated the whole look with the high heeled sandals. I think i have similar pieces in my wardrobe i need to recreate this look

Reply
Taylor Mobley
6 years ago

I love the simple black crossbody bag!

Reply
Taylor Mobley
6 years ago

I love the simple black crossbody bag!

Reply
The Southern Thing
6 years ago

You can never go wrong with jeans and a cute top! Love it!

Reply
Tonya Morris
6 years ago

This is such a cute outfit! Totally copying for my next date night!

Reply
The Southern Thing
6 years ago

You can never go wrong with jeans and a cute top! Love it!

Reply
Jasmine Vargas
6 years ago

I’m all about simple outfits, especially in the summer. It can get hot real fast.

Reply
Jasmine Vargas
6 years ago

I’m all about simple outfits, especially in the summer. It can get hot real fast.

Reply
Monica
6 years ago

I love summer date nights, but sometimes they can be so hard to dress for! For one, it’s so hot outside, but if you end up somewhere that has the A/C blasting, you get cold! I think this is the perfect compromise for whether you’re outside or in for your activities!

Reply
Katie Meshko
6 years ago

SOOO cute!! I am all about simple outfits! 🙂 I’m def using this as inspo for my next date night!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com

Reply
Monica
6 years ago

I love summer date nights, but sometimes they can be so hard to dress for! For one, it’s so hot outside, but if you end up somewhere that has the A/C blasting, you get cold! I think this is the perfect compromise for whether you’re outside or in for your activities!

Reply
Katie Meshko
6 years ago

SOOO cute!! I am all about simple outfits! 🙂 I’m def using this as inspo for my next date night!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com

Reply
Erin
6 years ago

Simple is always my go to these days with 3 kids. I’m comfy and it’s a cute look feels like a mega win!

Reply
Alix Maza
6 years ago

Love this casually simple look! So easy and chic.

Reply
Erin
6 years ago

Simple is always my go to these days with 3 kids. I’m comfy and it’s a cute look feels like a mega win!

Reply
Alix Maza
6 years ago

Love this casually simple look! So easy and chic.

Reply
Becky
6 years ago

I love that top. It looks like it could go with so many different things. And I’m all about pieces that are good for layering since you can change it up so easily!

Reply
Deborah
6 years ago

High waisted skinny jeans are my jam, year-round! I love looks like this for not just casual dates but brunch with friends too! It’s such a versatile look!

Reply
Becky
6 years ago

I love that top. It looks like it could go with so many different things. And I’m all about pieces that are good for layering since you can change it up so easily!

Reply
Deborah
6 years ago

High waisted skinny jeans are my jam, year-round! I love looks like this for not just casual dates but brunch with friends too! It’s such a versatile look!

Reply
Kristina
6 years ago

I don’t wear a lot of jeans in the summertime because it’s way too hot in Charlotte, but jeans and a blouse is always a go-to in the fall!

Reply
Kristin Taylor
6 years ago

We just got home from date night and I wore a similar look! We were out celebrating my husbands birthday and he likes me in more casual looks as well!

Reply
Kristina
6 years ago

I don’t wear a lot of jeans in the summertime because it’s way too hot in Charlotte, but jeans and a blouse is always a go-to in the fall!

Reply
Kristin Taylor
6 years ago

We just got home from date night and I wore a similar look! We were out celebrating my husbands birthday and he likes me in more casual looks as well!

Reply
Lee
6 years ago

pretty! love the detailing on the top!

Reply
Lee
6 years ago

pretty! love the detailing on the top!

Reply
Kelsey
6 years ago

Love me an easy date night outfit!!

Reply
Nailil
6 years ago

Simple but so chic, I love this outfit. It is just perfect for a date night.

Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com

Reply
Jerrieal Small
6 years ago

This is like my date night outfit twin! haha Love a great jean and block heels!

Reply
Kelsey
6 years ago

Love me an easy date night outfit!!

Reply
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Two Easy Ways to Enhance a Casual Outfit

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy bookish blog (with just a pinch of lifestyle goodness). I'm Stephanie, and I'm overjoyed to welcome you to this safe space designed for book lovers old and new who are seeking everything from book recommendations to reading tips to reviews and so much more.

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If you could only recommend one book for the rest If you could only recommend one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 📖

This one has been an easy answer for me since 2020, when I read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It completely changed my life.

Since then, I have recommended it to countless people, and have felt intense amounts of joy as I’ve seen those people recommend it to others, buy copies for friends, suggest it for their book clubs, and come back to me to tell me how it changed their life just like it changed mine 🥰

Which book would you say changed your life for the better? 🤎

—

#themidnightlibrary #magicalrealism #mentalhealthbooks #bookcommunity #bookishvibes Matt Haig, books with mental health rep, magical realism books, book recs, favorite books, escapism, book hangover, reread worthy, comfort book
Would you want to have the same occupation as the Would you want to have the same occupation as the main character(s) in your last read? 💼

I recently finished Thunderhead, and I absolutely would *NOT* want to be a Scythe! 🙅🏻‍♀️ I also definitely wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the royalty in my other previous read, A Psalm of Storms and Silence 😬

Is there a book character’s “career” that you know you would love to have? 💭

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyaesthetic #readersofinstagram current read, currently reading, cozy aesthetic, escapism, late-night chapters, what I’m reading
Is there an author who consistently writes books t Is there an author who consistently writes books that bring you to tears? 😭

I have cried while reading every single one of Amber’s books... and that’s only a small part of what keeps me coming back for more 🤎

I’m struggling with even knowing how to put in words what her books mean to me, because even thinking about it is making me tear up 🥹 So instead of trying to craft the perfect thing to say, I’m just going to urge you to read everything she’s written. You can thank me later 🙏🏼

What was the last book that made you cry? 📖

—

#theleavingroom #booklover #bookcommunity #cozyreads #bookishvibes poetry, Amber McBride, The Leaving Room, sapphic books, books that will make you cry, book hangover, book recs, reread worthy, late-night chapters
Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛ I absolutely Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛

I absolutely love when a book has animals in it—whether that’s someone’s pet, familiar, or when the animal is the main character 😻

I’m always absurdly happy when there’s a cat, and if they have a creative name it’s even better. I think the stand-out for me was a cat named The Darkling in Accidentally Amy. I’ll never forget it! 😂

Do you have a furbaby companion? Tell me all about them! 🐾

—

#cozyreads #readingescape #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic #booknerd book animals, cats of Instagram, book cats, fantasy books, romance books, cozy aesthetic
Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔 Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔

I’m always torn between excitement over seeing my favorite stories come to life and anxiety about what they might change and how it could disappoint me 😅

I fell head over heels in love with the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation 🤎 For those who don’t know, this is not only my favorite EmHen, but it’s my all-time favorite romance book. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it in 2021 and have inhaled every format of it multiple times since 🥰

I was nervous about the movie, but loved how they stayed true to the *vibe* of PWMOV 🏖️ Even with the changes they did make, Alex and Poppy were precisely as I had always imagined them, and I adored watching every second of their friends to lovers romance 🎥

This is a negativity-free zone! If you loved the PWMOV movie as much as I did, tell me your favorite part of the film! 🍿

—

#romancebooks #peoplewemeetonvacation #romancebooklover #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic romance books, romance reads, Emily Henry, popular romances, book adaptations, romance movie, Netflix
Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭 Do you w Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭

Do you want to open a bookstore? Write a novel? Become an editor? Get a bookish tattoo? Host an author panel? 

This is a place to put your hopes and dreams out there in the universe. You never know what might happen! 😉

As for me? I want to own a book bus that eventually becomes a brick and mortar bookshop with a café and apothecary. I want it to be the kind of comforting and safe atmosphere that allows people to feel like they can just *breathe* for a little while whenever they visit. That’s my dream ☕️

So, if this dream becomes reality, where should I take my book bus first? 📍

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyreads #readersofinstagram book dreams, cozy aesthetic, bookshop bookstore, book influencer, book blogger
Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025 Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025? 📖

The whole time I was away from this space, I kept having these moments of, “gosh, I wish I was active on booksta right now, if only to rave about the book that I’m currently reading!” 🙈

WHILE THE DARK REMAINS was definitely one of those books 🙌🏼 This story left me utterly speechless in the best way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel. 

Do you have any sequels that you’re anticipating in 2026? 📚

—

#fantasyreads #fantasybooklover #bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookishvibes escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, reread worthy
How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Are there any book small towns you’d like to live Are there any book small towns you’d like to live in? 📍

I think I’d sell a kidney to live in Inglewild 😂 Small towns give me such happiness and this one seems especially cozy and filled with so many entertaining people 🙈

I kinda wish this series would last forever, but simultaneously, I just live for ANYTHING BK Borison writes 😍 I adored First Time Caller as well and can’t wait for more of that story to unfold! 📖

Have you read any of this author’s books? 🤎 

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover #booksmalltowns #smalltownbooks cozy read, romance books, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Have you already read any of your most anticipated Have you already read any of your most anticipated books this year? 😍

I felt like I was counting down the days to Oathbound and Sunrise on the Reaping—and both of them definitely lived up to my expectations (best feeling ever)! 🙌🏼

Now to fully immerse myself in some of my fantasy ARCs and continue listening to EmHen’s latest! 🤎

Were any of these on your 2025 TBR? 📚

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read

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