Feel the Heat: 22 Summer Wardrobe Essentials
As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to swap our sweaters for shirt dresses, our snow boots for sandals, and our scarves for sunglasses to get ready for sweet, sweet summertime. High temperatures call for outfits that keep you looking (and feeling) cool. From cute rompers to adorable accessories, here are 22 summer wardrobe essentials to inspire your seasonal shopping this year.
22 Summer Wardrobe Essentials
Tops
1. Bright White T-shirt
Nothing feels as fresh as a brand new white T-shirt, especially when it’s hot outside. The breezy staple goes with anything, reflects the light and doesn’t show any sweat marks. It’s a versatile essential that’ll be useful all year long. Wear it as a base layer when the temps start to drop again in the fall.
2. Jean Jacket
Just because the sun is beaming during the day doesn’t mean the temperature won’t drop at night! Be prepared for a chilly evening with a classic layering piece – the jean jacket. Style it over a dress for date night, or go more casual with a pair of drawstring pants and a fitted tank top.
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3. Crisp Button Down
From work to happy hour to date night, a crisp button-down shirt will become your new summer go-to. Pick a neutral color or subtle striped pattern for a little extra visual interest. For the weekend, style it with shorts, sandals and a cool pair of shades.
4. Off the Shoulder Top
An off the shoulder top adds feminine flirtiness to any outfit, and the flowy-ness of the fabric is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. Add a delicate necklace and tie your hair back to highlight your collar bones.
Bottoms
5. Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend jeans take center stage in the summertime. Their looser fit keeps them from being too warm or restrictive. Pick a pair with some strategic rips for a trendy look that lets the breeze flow through!
6. High Waisted Shorts
Choose a pair of high waisted shorts that hit at the slimmest part of the waist for a flattering, hourglass shape! Style them with a crop top for flirty weekend wear.
7. Bike Shorts
Bike shorts are a blast from the past but have become such a trend today. Go full-on athleisure with a baseball cap and chunky sneakers, or get dressed up for date night by styling a faux leather pair with strappy sandals and a sparkly top.
8. Breezy, Floral Skirt
If there’s one fashion staple that screams spring and summer, it’s a floral skirt! From delicate blossoms to bold tropical brights, there are so many different types of patterns to choose from.
Easy One-Piece Outfits
9. Shirt Dress
A shirt dress is an easy grab-and-go option for any warm-weather day. Cotton and linen clothes are both breathable and trendy – plus, they’re just as appropriate for work as they are for weekend errands.
10. Short Floral Dress
Rising temps really call for florals, and mini dresses provide the perfect canvas for this cheerful print. Keep accessories to a minimum so that the dress can remain the focal point of your look.
11. Cute Romper
Cute rompers are universally flattering, and extremely versatile, too. Whether you pick a casual style for daytime, or a dressy number for night, there are endless options to choose from – and ways to style them.
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12. Breezy Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses look effortless and put together all at once. Tie your hair back and keep jewelry simple for daytime, then dial it up with voluminous waves and heels for fun with the girls.
Swimwear Essentials
13. One-Piece Swimsuit
Cute one-piece swimsuits are such a trend right now! Cutouts and ruffled details offer just the right amount of special touches to make these feel fresh and fun.
14. Bikini
Two-piece swimsuits are an essential set of swimwear to add to your list of summer wardrobe essentials. Pick a punchy color like cobalt blue or bright coral for a look that’s sure to turn heads!
15. Sarong Coverup
A sarong is a beachside classic. Pick one that pairs well with most of the swimsuits in your water wardrobe so that you get plenty of use out of it!
16. Tunic
Tunic tops in lightweight materials are not only easy everyday staples, but they also serve as the perfect beach coverups. Opt for ivory or another classic color.
Shoes
17. Strappy Sandals
When the sun comes out, it’s time to make the switch to sandals! A strappy pair feels elegant and really goes with anything.
18. White Sneakers
Crisp, white sneakers are having a moment – and that moment doesn’t seem like it’ll be ending anytime soon. Invest in a pair you feel most comfortable in, and put ‘em on any time you want to give your outfit a jolt of sporty energy.
19. Slides
A flat pair of slides are a warm-weather must-have. You can wear them to the beach, by the pool, or even to the office on casual Friday. Look for styles with special details, like metallic accents or contrast stitching, for a unique twist.
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Accessories
20. Straw Bag
Bring a touch of the tropics with you wherever you go and pack your essentials into a straw bag to feel like you’re on a beach vacation!
21. Carryall Tote
When the weather’s warmer, you don’t always have a jacket with extra pockets for storing all of your go-to products. Look for a practical, carryall tote that fits more than just your lipgloss.
22. Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with a trendy pair of sunglasses! You can stock up on a pair for every look, or invest in a classic pair of frames in a timeless style (hello, cat eye!) that you’ll love for years to come.
Feel the Heat
There’s no better time to refresh your summer wardrobe essentials than when the weather gets warmer. Above all else, search for pieces that fit you well and help you feel confident – and you’ll surely be bringing the heat!
