Seattle Summer Starts July 5” — And Yes, That’s a Real Thing (Just Ask My Closet) Ask any Seattleite when summer starts and they won’t say June 21 — they’ll say, “July 5.” I remember standing outside in the rain with an umbrella barbecuing on July 4th with the hope that tomorrow, July 5, it would be Summer.

It’s not just local lore. It’s lived truth.

When I lived there, it was always the same. I'd optimistically plan a sun-drenched holiday outfit — something red, white, and breezy — and inevitably end up layering it under a raincoat, boots, and a backup hoodie just in case. (Spoiler: the “just in case” was always.) But come July 5, like a curtain lifting, Summer would finally arrive — and with it, a sudden, joyful shift in what we wore.

That’s when it all shifted. The layers came off. Out came the cotton, the maxi dresses, the straw bags we’d nearly given up on. Even the most practical wardrobes welcomed a splash of summer: a bright lip, a swingy sundress, that one pair of sunglasses we treated like heirlooms.

There’s something about Seattle summer — fleeting, fussy, and oh-so-satisfying — that sticks with you. It was hard-won. A reward for enduring the long, gray months with faith that sunshine would return, even if fashionably late.

Living in Seattle taught me to be ready — not just with a weather app and an umbrella, but with fashion that could pivot. Outfits had to survive a surprise drizzle and still shine under a rare ray of sun. It was like wardrobe boot camp with bonus views of Mount Rainier.

And now, even though I live in Mazatlán — where sunshine is much more reliable and summer shows up early and stays a while — I still think of July 5 as the real beginning. My internal fashion clock ticks to that rhythm.

So here’s to all my friends back in the PNW: you made it. After months of gray skies, drizzle that felt personal, and enough layers to outfit a small expedition, Summer has finally arrived — and you’ve earned every single ray of sunshine. It’s time to dig out the sandals from the back of the closet, shed the fleece (even if just temporarily), and show up in something that makes you feel as radiant as the long-awaited sun. Whether it's a breezy maxi dress, your favorite pair of cropped jeans, or that flowy top you’ve been saving for “when it gets nice out” — wear it. Own it. Strut it.

And yes, if you still tuck a hoodie in your tote or stash a backup jacket in the car — no judgment. That’s just smart Seattle living. Old habits die hard, especially the ones that kept us prepared through all those years of “sun breaks” and soggy forecasts. But now? This is your moment. Step into the light — literally and figuratively — and celebrate the season that always keeps you waiting, but never fails to dazzle when it finally shows up.

So what’s new this week at Meadow Boutique?

DOE & RAE brings the sunshine with their breezy summer dresses and a floral top so lovely, it practically picks itself. OG is turning heads with playful embroidered tees — the kind of conversation starters you’ll want to wear on repeat. And BLUE PEPPER is all about effortless charm with their striped chambray dress that screams summer chic. Everything in the boutique this week is speaking the language of Summer — and it's saying: easy, breezy, and ready for anything.

Wherever you are and however you’re soaking up the season — cloudy skies or endless sun — we’re sending you all the summer vibes. Enjoy every iced coffee, every patio sunset, and every moment that makes this season feel special. And if you're ever in the neighborhood or scrolling our way, stop by and say hello. We miss you, we appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see your beautiful faces again soon in the shop. Until then, stay cool, stay stylish, and soak up every bit of sunshine you can. xoxoxo

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