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 are your foundation.
Summer Wardrobe Essentials
Tank Midi Dress
Dress | Sweater | Belt | Bag (similar) | Shoes | Sunglasses | Necklace (code: MAREE25)
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 | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sunglasses | Necklace (code: MAREE20)
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 (code: MAREE20) | 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 | 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. 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 (code: MAREE15) | Jeans | Shoes | Belt | Bag | Sunglasses | Bracelet stack
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 (similar – code: MAREE15) | Shoes | Bag (similar) | 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 | 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.
Summer is the best time to wear all the whimsical prints and cute accessories. I have come across so many fruit prints and accessories that I had to dedicate an entire blog post to it! Even if you usually wear basics and neutrals, I included some fun jewelry pieces and shoes/bags that would be super easy to style with what you already have in your closet.
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