10 Things You Need In Your Summer Wardrobe
The summer is here and for some of us that means exciting travel plans are on the horizon, weddings and baby showers are coming up, or your calendar simply includes the usual summer activities like picnics and barbecues.
That’s why today I’m sharing 10 things you need in your summer wardrobe regardless of what your summer may look like.
Keep reading to see pieces I’ve been recommending to my personal clients as we build out their closet for summer.
Or if you’re not in the mood to read, feel free to shop these trends on sale on my LTK or on my Amazon Storefront during Prime Day Deals (July 16 & 17).
1. Denim Shorts
Don’t let denim shorts be scary to you because I promise that comfortable, flattering ones do exist! In fact, if you haven’t read my previous blog post, definitely go and check it out because I list where to find the best summer bottoms, including denim shorts.
Again, I recommend Abercrombie, whether it's their regular or Curve Love line. For specific styles, I recommend the Curve Love Relaxed Dad Short for something a little longer line. Or try High Rise Mom Short for something a little shorter. These are still long enough to cover everything securely, but reach just above mid thigh
I also recommend the Reformation Raye shorts again for a longer line silhouette. They have a relaxed fit and can be dressed up with flip flop kitten heels, a body suit, and blazer or dressed down with your favorite tank top, an open button down, and simple sandals for something more everyday. Be sure to check out my recent TikTok where I go into detail on my most recommended summer shorts from Reformation.
For something a little shorter, Levis 501s are the way to go. They come in plenty of different washes but my recommendations are always either medium or light wash, a black pair, and a white pair. Levi shorts are also super easy to find secondhand so as always I recommend starting there! If you’re impatient, they are on sale today and tomorrow (July 16 & 17) during Prime Day which you can shop here.
Lastly, I recommend the Parker and Mila shorts from Agolde. The Parkers are more of a longer relaxed fit while the Milas are more of that true cut off style. Both come in a variety of washes. But if you already have your classic denim shorts and are looking for something more interesting, Agolde makes unique silhouettes like asymmetrical waistbands, cutouts, cargo style, colored, etc. so definitely check them out on Revolve or Aritzia.
2. Plain Tees
You should already own plain white and black tees but if you don’t, this is your excuse to invest.
Of course you can find these anywhere but no two brands make the same plain tee so it’s crucial to find your preferred silhouette.
What’s also great about hunting for plain tees is that there are so many sustainable brands out there that make essentials like plain tees, tanks, socks, undergarments, etc. and of course you can always find these secondhand.
I specifically recommend checking out Organic Basics and Cuts as they are both sustainable, good quality, and very affordable.
Organic Basics has a Great rating on goodonyou, a site that grades brands on their sustainability. Their Flex Tee comes in a variety of colors and while I always recommend black and white, picking up a neutral color like their Seaweed, a muted, mossy green, can also be just as versatile while still adding variation. If you want your tee on the looser side instead, their True Regular Tee also comes in a variety of colors. The silhouette again will really come down to your preference.
On that note, I also recommend Cuts because they offer different lengths in their popular Tomboy Tee meaning you can choose what length better aligns with your style language, whether that’s something a little cropped or hip length. Same with their Almost Friday Tee which is a looser style that is still offered in both cropped and regular lengths.
3. Plain Tanks
With the summer heat, tank tops are a must but again these should already be part of your core closet.
I still recommend checking out both Cuts and Organic Basics, but I wanted to dedicate a section to tank tops alone because there are a lot more silhouettes to choose from.
I always recommend a high neck tank top for something more elevated. Additionally, a straight neck or square neck tank top is my go-to for something that can be dressed up or down. Plus, a straight neck is so flattering and elegant on everybody.
Again, black and white are must-haves, but try something slightly more vibrant like butter yellow or orange which are super on trend for summer while still being very versatile. Similarly, red is still very on trend and can be the perfect way to elevate your go-to tank and shorts summer uniform.
4. Button Down
A button down is the perfect layer for breezy summer evenings or to just simply add a little more coverage and dimension to an outfit.
These are super abundant in the thrift and come in a variety of fabrics and patterns. I recommend either linen, gauze, denim, or a color or striped button down.
Because I’ll be talking about fabric shorts in a moment here, I specifically recommend this gauze button down and shorts sets from Gap (that’s currently on sale!). I tend to recommend gauze over linen because it’s not only softer but linen tends to wrinkle quickly and is actually such a bitch to steam whereas the gauze is a crinkled fabric to begin with plus everyone does linen for summer, so why not stand out a little.
5. Fabric Pants
Fabric pants meaning linen, gauze, or printed. As for prints, gingham and stripes are very in right now as well for that coastal chic vibes.
I’d recommend though starting with a simple pair of white, oatmeal, or black linen or gauze pants. These will replace your jeans for summer and are almost as equally interchangeable. Try dressing them up with the Dusk top from Reformation, some sandals with gold hardware like these from H&M or a printed sandal like these cheetah print ones, and an evening shoulder bag for a casual chic look.
For something more fun, try a blue and white stripe. Stripes are still versatile enough to dress up with a white tank, an open white button down, layered gold jewelry, and nude strappy sandals. But you can also dress them down for the office with loafers, a grey blazer, and a plain black tee for something more Matilda Djerf inspired.
On a side note, I’ve kind of missed gingham the last few springs and summers because I didn’t really wear it myself when it was all the rage in 2018-2020. At the time, I thought it was a little too sweet for my personal style. But now, I've been inspired to make it look chic and tap more into the feminine verbiage in my style language by styling things like gingham pants with a plain white tee and chunky loafers.
6. Midi Skirt
I talked about this as well in my Summer Bottoms blog post but a tiered midi skirt is a summer must-have.
I have a black one personally because I find that it better aligns with my edgy, moody style language more but I wear it so often that I am considering thrifting a white one. They are so lightweight, comfortable, breezy, and I love the fact that they work with a variety of style languages.
For example, as I’ve discussed before, I’m very inspired by Japanese street style and my style language includes words like edgy, moody, and laidback. So for work the other day I styled my black tiered midi skirt with a thrifted graphic tee, mixed metal layered jewelry, scrunched white socks, and my Nike Tech Heras and I absolutely loved it. But days later I styled it in a more feminine way with my Jeffrey Campbell Choreo ballet flats, my Clara cardigan, and the Jinila tank from Motel Rocks that I got secondhand from ThredUp. Also, make sure you’re following me on Instagram and TikTok so you can see these looks put together!
7. Fabric Shorts
Linen or tailored fabric shorts are always a great option. A neutral tone linen short specifically is almost exactly interchangeable with a denim short but again just way more comfortable. These are everywhere at the moment but some of my most recommended options are actually from Old Navy and H&M. They are so affordable and surprisingly good quality plus they come in a ton of different colorways.
For something more polished, I recommend a tailored short and specifically the Tailored Sloane Shorts from Abercrombie, aka the shorts version of my most recommended trousers that also come in Curve Love. Try pairing these with a high neck tank top and pointed toe mule for something more polished or a baby tee and sambas for a cool, casual look.
8. Simple Statement Tops
Asymmetrical tops and off the shoulder tops are very on trend and very flattering. They are the perfect balance of wanting to show skin (and stay cool in the summer heat) while still being chic and fashionable.
I have a bunch linked on my Amazon Storefront and LTK including this asymmetrical one that is in this super luxe fabric that gives Skims vibes.
These simple statement tops are very interchangeable with your elevated basics like tees and tanks but add dimension ad easily dress up an outfit.
Additionally, one shoulder tops and tube tops are two other great options that can easily be paired with denim or tailored shorts, sandals, and a white button down for a look that’s perfect for a barbecue.
9. Sandals
I’ve mentioned sandals throughout this post and of course summer means sandals but I want to talk about a few different types.
Firstly, a flat sandal with hardware detailing like a buckle, studding, or grommets is very on trend right now and the perfect shoe to pair with daytime or evening looks. The hardware definitely dresses up any outfit like a simply denim shorts and tank top moment or can add a pop of color. I have been recommending Dolce Vita, NA-KD, H&M, and Nordstrom Rack to my clients for a variety of styles at affordable prices.
Secondly, you’ll need a kitten heel sandal, and I recommend a block heel for versatility. These you can comfortably wear throughout the day but also pair them with dresses for summer events like outdoor weddings (again, block heel is a must), baby showers, Europe trips, and more. Reformation has a great selection as well as NA-KD, Macy’s, and DSW.
10. Accessories
The last piece of your summer wardrobe is accessories. I specifically mean an everyday jewelry stack comprised of earrings, bracelets, layered necklaces, and rings, along with a neutral shoulder bag and a belt with hardware that ties into the tones of your outfit and everyday jewelry stack. Adding accessories can really take an outfit to the next chic level.
For example, wearing a white tank top and cream shorts with tan sandals is boring. But you can easily elevate it with accessories like adding a tan belt with an interesting gold buckle, chunky gold hoops, an assortment of rings, a statement gold bangle, and some layered necklaces.
I have a ton of my favorite non-tarnish and waterproof jewelry linked on my Amazon Storefront and it’s also on sale right now so be sure to snag my recommendations to complete your summer wardrobe!