Summer is here and my entire wardrobe has to shift because it is one of the hardest seasons to dress for. The heat and humidity makes getting dressed difficult so you have to build a wardrobe with classic pieces that you can style over and over each year. Things that make you feel put together and are timeless but still work in the hot temperatures. It’s definitely possible but takes some planning. I’ve put together 10 summer wardrobe essentials that every closet needs and will allow you to create looks easily with these pieces as your foundation.

Summer Wardrobe Essentials

What To Wear in Summer

Tank Midi Dress

Dress | Sweater | Belt | Bag (similar) | Shoes | Sunglasses | Necklace (code: MAREE20)

A simple tank midi dress is always in rotation for me during the summer. Something lightweight and comfortable that just hangs loosely without being too constricting. I love that you can dress them up or down with the right accessories too. A simple tank midi dress is also great summer business casual attire for women because you can add a blazer or cardigan to make it appropriate for the office but then also wear it on the weekends with sandals.

Basic Short Sleeve Tee

Tee | Jeans | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Belt (similar) | Sunglasses 

So boring but so necessary. A simple v-neck t-shirt or crew neck t-shirt is something you will wear year after year. It’s good to have a wide variety of styles to choose from but I prefer to have them all in neutral colors. You may think a v-neck white tee isn’t that exciting but with the right styling and accessories, it can look so much more chic and interesting than you may think.

White Blouse

Blouse (code: MAREE10) | Jeans | Belt | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses | Necklace

A white blouse is a staple for almost every season of the year but I especially love to wear them in the summer. My preference is a billowy boho type of blouse but I shared a ton of different options in the widget below. Since it’s summer, try to find a style that isn’t form fitting and has a roomy silhouette.

Bermuda/Mid Length Shorts

Vest | Shorts (similar) | Sandals | Bag

Tailored shorts or bermuda length shorts are making a huge comeback but I definitely think they are a classic that can be worn for years to come. Some longer style shorts may be a bit trendy but if you want a safe style, look for something more tailored with a trouser-like fit. Especially if you are someone who doesn’t love wearing shorts, this is a great option that still feels polished and put together.

Denim Shorts

Tank | Shorts | Belt (similar) | Sandals (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses

Unless you are someone who wears denim shorts all summer long, you only need to invest in one pair that you can rewear year after year. Look for a pair that isn’t overly distressed and has a classic shape or tailored look. Denim shorts are not something I wear all season long but I do reach for them enough to justify having a few pairs in rotation. Especially for outdoor events or deciding what to wear to a summer concert, I prefer denim shorts over linen or something more dressy.

Neutral Tank Top

Tank | Pants | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses

I usually buy a new tank and a new t-shirt every summer because I wear them so frequently that I don’t want to wear them out by the end of the season. I usually order one budget friendly one and one splurge one to have some options to choose from. But I end up reaching for a simple tank more than I ever thought when I want to put together a simple chic summer outfit without having to overthink it. The tank that I’m wearing in this photo is the same tank I am wearing in so many of my photos because it goes with nearly every outfit I put together.

Linen Pants

Tank | Pants (similar) | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses

It seems counterintuitive to wear long pants when its super hot out but I find that I am actually cooler in flowy linen pants than I am in shorts on the hottest days. I love the look of linen pants but it also helps to protect my legs from the sun beating directly down on them and that barrier does actually keep me cooler.

White Jeans

Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Belt | Bag | Sunglasses

I wear white jeans all year round but honestly I wear them the most in the summer. I love the look of white jeans in the summer especially with a chic blouse and neutral accessories. To avoid over heating or feeling too hot, choose a straight leg or wide leg pair of white jeans over a slim or skinny style.

Straw Tote or Rattan Bag

Dress | Belt | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses

A straw tote or rattan bag is a must have for the summer. I wear the same ones over and over each year and find that they never go out of style. And they look so much better styled with lightweight summer fabrics than suede or leather does. There are so many great straw tote options that would suit going the office and also wearing on the weekends. Rattan bags feel a bit less professional so I would save your rattan bags for your off duty or weekend looks.

Neutral Sandal or Slide

Tank | Skirt (similar) | Bag (similar) | Slides (similar) | Sunglasses

Invest in a simple pair of neutral toned sandals to wear with all your summer looks. Something more elevated than a flip flop but still casual enough to wear with shorts and a tee. Opt for a flat sandal rather than something with heels because summer overall is a more casual season and you will get more wear out of something you can comfortably walk in for hours. I rounded up a handful of great options that are simple yet still easy to dress up with a sundress or linen trousers.

How to Build a Summer Wardrobe

Take inventory of what you already have. Look through your summer clothes to identify what you already have and what you may need to add. Make a list of the things you want to add to your summer wardrobe and stick to that list when shopping. When you have an exact idea of what you want to get, it makes shopping less overwhelming.

Invest in the basics first. Summer clothing tends to be colorful and fun but it’s important to build your summer capsule wardrobe first before buying the fun things.

Create a Pinterest board with some outfit ideas to help you shop. Identify different looks and styles that you like and try to recreate them with what you already have. Then decide what you need to add to complete the look.

Put together complete summer outfits down to the accessories and then take photos of them. That way when you are getting dressed in the morning, you can scroll through your photos to give you ideas of what to wear that day.

Donate anything that doesn’t fit or if you haven’t worn it for the past two summers. It’s hard enough to feel cute when it is a million degrees outside so don’t add to the stress by holding on to clothing that doesn’t fit or isn’t something you have reached for in the past two years. You want to keep a closet full of things that you love to wear and make you feel great.

Styling For Summer

Choose breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.

The fabrics that you wear in the heat will make all the difference when it comes to comfort. Opt for natural fibers and breathable materials like cotton and linen.

Add stylish accessories such as a straw hat, woven tote, or oversized sunglasses.

My favorite part of summer attire are all the accessories!

Prioritize comfort, as confidence is often what makes an outfit look effortlessly chic.

If you are constantly readjusting your outfit in any way, don’t wear it in the summer. Choose pieces that fit and make you feel comfortable with no adjustments needed.

I’ve been sharing my monthly favorites nearly every month for the past 10+ years but only on video (IG, Tiktok, YouTube). I’ve never shared my favorites in a blog post but thought I would begin doing so in case you ever miss my monthly favorites video. These are all my favorite, most worn and most enjoyed products from the month. I love putting these lists together and sharing the best of the best with all of you! Here are my favorites from the month of June 2026.

June 2026 Favorites

Express Linen Portofino Shirt

It seemed like Express fell off the map for a few years but they are back now which makes me very happy. Some of my favorite and most worn basics in my closet were from Express so I am thrilled to see them making a comeback. Their Portofino shirts are a permanent style that they make in various prints and fabrics. This linen one fits perfectly, doesn’t gape in the bust area and has a button to help secure the sleeves in a 3/4 length which is my preferred length. I’m wearing it in this post and highly recommend it for anyone needing summer workwear blouses.

Spanx Stretch Twill Wide Leg Pants

I am always on the hunt for pants that aren’t jeans but still can look polished. These wide leg twill pants check all the boxes for me. The petite length is perfect for me to wear heels or flats. The style can easily be styled for the workplace or for a more casual weekend look. These are a must have if you are in need of summer workwear pieces.

Biodance Collagen Peptide Jelly Mist

Korean Beauty continues to be on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to skincare. This new collagen jelly mist from Biodance is a perfect example. It’s a solid jelly mist in the bottle but turns to a liquid when sprayed onto the face. It’s one of the most unique products I’ve tried this year. The mist itself doesn’t feel sticky or tacky but instead plumps and hydrates the skin immediately. This will be an immediate repurchase as soon as I run out.

Nopalera Dulce de Cuerpo Perfume (discount code: MAREE10)

My fragrance preference is usually gourmand or fruity scents so I was shocked that I loved this perfume so much. It leans more smoky/earthy but is balanced out perfectly with a bit of creaminess. I have NOTHING like it in my collection but find myself reaching for it non-stop. Top notes are sweet earth. Middle notes are incense, amber and violet. Base notes are copal, vanilla and sandalwood.

Rhode Pocket Bronze in Pebble

These bronzers were the launch of the season! I am a HUGE fan of the pocket blushes so I had high hopes for these new bronzers. Thankfully they live up to the hype for me especially the shade Pebble. It’s a rosy toned bronzer that is nothing like any of the bronzer shades I own. It looks gorgeous on fair skin and doesn’t turn orange or skew too warm.

Sardine Terra Fawna Sunglasses

I adore the print on these sunglasses as they are neutral in tone but the pattern makes them look so much more interesting.

Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm in Pink Sunset

I feel a bit late to this one but these blush balms from Summer Fridays are amazing! Easy to blend with just enough pigment and surprisingly more long wearing than I anticipated. The color I have is Pink Sunset which gives my cheeks the perfect pop of color that looks healthy and fresh. For my mature skin friends, this formula (and shade) is a must try.

Mutha Pucker Up Lip Plump (discount code: MAREE15)

It feels like a new tinted lip balm is launching every day so I didn’t expect too much from this new one from Mutha skincare. That was until I tried it! The formula is beautiful. Silky smooth with a good amount of pigment and no tingling feeling though it does give a slight plump to the lips. My favorite color is Talk Cherry to Me which gives my lips the perfect pop of pink.

Saltair Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum

I love hyaluronic acid for the face so it makes sense to add it to my bodycare routine. Hyaluronic acid is great because it helps the skin retain moisture so your skin will stay hydrated for longer. I love applying this on damp skin in the morning after my shower. It’s lightweight and absorbs instantly while leaving my skin feeling intensely hydrated which I need in the summer.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cleansing Balm (discount code: MAREE20)

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has been my holy grail cleanser for more than 10 years. It’s no surprise that the new body version of this cleansing balm impressed me just as much. It’s thick but lathers beautifully giving my skin a deep cleanse without it feeling stripped. I have been reaching for this more than ever in the summer to help me get off all the excess sweat and sunscreen that I have on.

Salt & Stone Body Mist in Lily & Yuzu

A relaunch for Salt & Stone which is absolutely perfect for summer. With top notes of green apple, yuzu and bergamot. Middle notes of matcha, bamboo and jasmine. And base notes of lily, musk, cedar and amber. It’s a gorgeous fresh citrus scent with an aquatic twist.

Mignonne Gavigan Norie Necklace

Mignonne Gavigan makes many of my favorite statement necklaces. This one felt like the perfect blend between neutral and colorful. The base collar is neutral in tone but there are pops of color in the form of the charms. I have been wearing it non-stop since I received it and always get questions in my videos about where it’s from.

Spanx BodyLine Sheerious Full Zip Jacket

I didn’t think this jacket would be a favorite but I have been wearing it more than I thought I would! It’s sheer so it is the perfect summer evening jacket when I want something light and airy. I brought it with me on a recent road trip and wore it every single night when it got a bit chilly. Since the fabric is so light and airy, I can fold it up to fit in my tote bag to have it with me in case we went inside somewhere with air conditioning. I cannot recommend it enough!