Dreaming about creating a lush, blooming oasis full of flowers, veggies, and herbs? Us too. While we can’t wait to literally dig into our summer gardens, sometimes dressing for the activity is challenging — how exactly are you supposed to stay comfortable and cool while pruning roses or hauling mulch under the hot sun? Whether you’re shielding yourself from UV rays or attempting to dodge swarms of gnats while planting, finding clothes that are comfortable, practical, and easy to clean for pulling weeds or harvesting veggies is no small feat. So we turned to Katie for advice on the gear that keeps her sun-safe and soil-ready. (We also got her go-to gardening tools.)
Our green-thumbed style maven manages to look both presentable and comfy, even when she’s knee-deep in clippings. Always after her aesthetic, we got the lowdown on her must-have pieces for a functional gardening getup, including versatile overalls, wide-brim hats, and the durable clogs she swears by for every backyard task.
Give your outdoor wardrobe a practical and pretty upgrade with her favorite finds for cultivating both plants and style.
SPF: Sente Mineral Sunscreen
Dermstore
Katie has sensitive skin, which makes the search for a non-irritating SPF especially tricky, especially when she also has to consider her eczema. Since she already trusts Sente for moisturizers, trying their sunscreen was a natural next step. The formula includes a subtle tint that helps even out redness or hyperpigmentation, eliminating the need for foundation. CeraVe offers a similar SPF that has received rave reviews and is more affordable.
Hat: Monogram Mary
Monogram Mary
Speaking of sun protection, a good hat is non-negotiable if you want to shield your face and eyes from harsh rays. Katie’s go-to is a personalized pick, complete with her initials embroidered on the front. Bonus: In a pinch, it doubles as a makeshift basket for gathering tomatoes, herbs, or whatever else the garden has to offer.
Sunglasses: Classic Round Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban
Whether in the garden or on the go, Katie rarely leaves the house without these sunglasses. If you wear prescription lenses, you can have yours built right in, and there’s an option to upgrade to polarized lenses to help cut glare while driving, reading on the beach, or lounging by the pool.
Clogs: Dansko
Sure, you could wear sneakers in the garden — but one splash from the hose and you’re stuck with soggy socks. Katie prefers clogs that are easy to slip on and off as she moves between indoors and out, and far better suited to unpredictable watering mishaps. The leather exterior is durable enough to handle damp grass and the occasional dropped trowel, while the slight platform offers a helpful boost when reaching for higher branches.
Boots: Hunter
Zappos
When the rain rolls in or the compost pile gets deep, Katie reaches for her handy Hunter boots. They may run a little hot in summer, but your legs and feet will thank you for the protection from scratchy brush and sticky mud. While they’re a bit of an upfront investment, Katie’s had her pair for years, and they’ve held up beautifully. Cleanup is just a quick rinse with the hose.
Overalls: Madewell
Madewell
Few things feel more timeless — or more practical — than a good pair of overalls in the garden. They offer full-body coverage to keep dirt and debris at bay, and the abundance of pockets makes it easy to keep essentials like shears, a Hori-Hori knife, or your phone within arm’s reach.
Harvest Basket: Wicker Basket With Rope Handle
Amazon
Reaping what you sow is one of the best parts of planting, and having an adorable basket to hold your crops only adds to the enjoyment. Deep enough to keep things like zucchini and tomatoes from rolling out but shallow enough that nothing gets crushed, Katie uses this one with a rope handle to make gathering the literal fruits of her labor fuss-free.
