16 Southern FINDS We Love for Late Summer: Little Luxuries, Back-To-School & More
Soak up the last of summer and prep for fall with these seasonal style and back-to-school FINDS.
Late summer calls for FINDS that can keep up with the season. Breezy wardrobe updates, back-to-school essentials, garden accents, little luxuries, and gifts with Southern charm all earn a spot on this month’s list. These stylish August picks make the most of the current season while easing into what comes next.
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CLOTHING
Striped top
Navy-and-white stripes are a late-summer classic, and this blouse is equally chic with shorts or a short bubble skirt as it will be with jeans once cooler days arrive. Shop it for $79.99 at Julie’s.
Polka dot set
Polka dots are having a moment, and this chocolate brown halter-and-maxi set is a spot-on way to join the trend. Breezy enough for late summer and perfectly polished for fall, it makes seasonal transition dressing look effortless. Shop both the top ($68) and skirt ($98) at Avara.
SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Bucket hat
This adjustable olive-green hat covers two trends at once: bucket silhouettes and raffia texture. Paired with linen or a crisp button-down, it brings just the right amount of laid-back polish. Shop it for $88 at Goldbug.
Agate necklace
With slices of ocean-blue agate against delicate gold accents, this stunning handcrafted necklace brings a splash of the coast to any outfit. Find it for $158 at Hermosa.
Beaded clutch
With its sculptural wooden beads and optional chain, this clutch brings playful texture to any end-of-season look. It’s a natural companion for dresses, crisp linen, and everything in between. Find it for $78 at Fox & Hen.
Studded sandals
Fisherman sandals are poised to step from high summer straight into fall, and this gorgeous, handcrafted olive-suede pair is a particularly good catch. Find them for $460 at Augusta Twenty.
BATH & FRAGRANCE
Shower steamers
These Mississippi-made shower steamers turn the everyday rinse into a mini retreat, filling the steam with a soothing bamboo-and-lotus scent. Consider them proof that a little luxury can fit neatly into your morning or evening routine. Get a pack of four for $28 at Musee.
Adventurous fragrance
Earthy iris, creamy sandalwood, and warm ambergris give this new Nashville-made “skin scent” perfume a floral edge without the fuss. Subtle, sultry, and just rebellious enough, Runaway lives up to its name. It’s available in a full-size 50ml bottle ($94) or a travel-friendly “quickdraw” ($39) at Ranger Station.
HOME & GARDEN
Copper bird bath
Bird watchers, this one’s for you! A garden accent and avian splash pad, this hammered copper birdbath brings a warm, sculptural gleam to your outdoor escape. Plus, its adjustable height makes it an easy fit for a flower bed, lawn, or oversized planter. Find it for $150 at Elizabeth Stuart.
Dimmable light
Small in stature but big in ambiance, these modern mini lights cast a major glow indoors or out. Consider them an instant upgrade for everything from dinner tables to porch nights. Shop a variety of colors for $150 at Alkmy.
Garden bust
Part classical sculpture, part garden whimsy, this weathered bust planter looks as though it has graced the grounds for generations. Fill her with trailing greenery or blooms (even pumpkins for fall!) for an artful finishing touch. Shop it for $175 at GDC Home.
Anniversary cookbook
Memoir meets master class in Edna Lewis’s The Taste of Country Cooking, a celebration of Southern food in step with the seasons. Its soulful recipes and stories remain essential reading for anyone who believes the best meals begin with a sense of place. Get a copy for $40 at East Fork, and check out the accompanying food writing workshop.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Collegiate tray
A spirited addition to any dorm room or college apartment, this large acrylic tray brings school pride to your bar cart, coffee table, or game-day spread. Available for SEC favorites and universities across the South, it earns top marks for both style and spirit. Shop it for $140 at Tart By Taylor.
Monogrammable vanity bag
For the college-bound girl, this roomy green vanity bag keeps beauty essentials organized — and a complimentary monogram ensures there’s no mistaking whose is whose. Durable, wipeable, and undeniably cute, it’s ready for dorm bathrooms and weekend trips alike. It’s available for $70 at Biscuit.
Shower caddy
Dorm-room showers get a stylish upgrade with this mint palm-print caddy, perfectly sized for corralling everyday essentials. Plus, you can add a monogram for a personalized touch. Find it for $50 at The Horseshoe Crab.
Personalized stationery
A set of personalized stationery sends any college-bound student off with good manners and great taste. It’s perfect for thank-you notes, thoughtful hellos, and proving handwritten correspondence still deserves a place on campus. We like this striped set from Fresh Ink, starting at $33 for a set of 10.
Cheers to August shopping!
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Anne Marie Hanna
An Ole Miss alum residing in Nashville, Anne Marie is passionate about telling the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.