Lately, I have realized that I reach for the same few items in my closet over and over again, so I wanted to share my summer wardrobe staples in case you have any holes in your closet. Or you are missing any basics. I have a whole closet filled with items but I reach for the same thing week after week. It’s kind of interesting because I have created my own summer capsule wardrobe without even realizing it! Some of these items I’ve had for many seasons, others are new. All are good- trust me!
My top 13 summer wardrobe staples all linked here.
Summer Wardrobe Staples
1. J.Crew Shorts
These shorts are my absolute favorite this season. They are oversized yet structured and so comfortable. Can be dressed up a bit but also look great with a t-shirt. I’ve worn them over my swimsuit, out to dinner, working from home, lounging on the weekend. All apply! I did size up to a medium because I hate when my shorts are too tight. I did also throw them in the dryer to shrink them a bit and now they are perfect. These shorts are so good I own them in three colors- white, red and chambray.
2. Margaux Wrap Sandals
Somehow these are the most insanely comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn. I love everything about this brand and every pair of shoes that I buy from them is top notch as far as quality. You would think the wrap part of the sandal would be uncomfortable, but once you figure out how you like to wear them and how you like to tie them they feel like you are wearing nothing. It’s hard to explain because to a degree all sandals aren’t that comfy or supportive, but these are the complete opposite. I’ve worn them for two seasons already and I don’t see anything replacing them anytime soon. I wear these with everything from shorts to dresses from more casual to dressier. If you don’t love the tie part of the sandal they do make these that are just as cute and maybe slightly easier to wear. I really want them in either the Saddle Nappa or Dune Nappa.
3. Tkees Flip Flops
Sweat tank top, similar here and here | Shorts | Flip Flops
I don’t know what I did before these flip flops haha! I’ve had mine for three summers now and while I could probably use a new pair, there is no way I am getting rid of these just yet. They mold to your feet and become so comfy. Plus they have a little cushion to help with support. These are my go to pool sandals and just an easy pair to throw on and go. They elongate your legs too which is nice if you are short like me. I bought mine at a boutique in Grosse Pointe so I have no idea what color mine are- they now come in a wide array of very similar colors to choose from. An honorable mention are these jelly flips flops that I just got. A great pool or beach shoe that makes your legs look super long. I wanted them since the wintertime but they kept going in and out of stock so I’m excited I was able to grab them before the season was over.
4. J.Crew Tote
Bag | Sweater | T-shirt | Shorts | Sandals
This tote was new to me this season but I have found myself reaching for it more than I thought I would. I use this as my every day bag and it is the perfect size and super easy to find stuff in it. You can fit a lot, but you aren’t digging around in a huge bag. The leather tie bow is a cute detail on a rather classic bag. Another honorable mention is my J.Crew straw tote that I’ve had for three years now and I love to pull it out during the summer. It is just a classic summer bag, it fits a ton and looks cute with all of my summer outfits.
5. Madewell T-shirt
T-shirt | Necklace | Shorts | Espadrilles | Duffle Bag
The absolute best t-shirt at a great price (under $40). It is really lightweight, but not see thru. It hits at the perfect length on me- not too cropped but also not too long so it’s great to pair with shorts. I own two of these, but the other day they were both in the laundry and I considered buying another one!
6. AYR Deep End Button Down
The AYR button downs aren’t just a summer wardrobe staples for me- they are a year round staple and I wear them weekly. I own the white, oxford blue and lighter denim. You can essentially get a button down from any brand, but what makes this brand so good is the fit and the cotton they use. You can tell because when you pull them out of the dryer, they aren’t a wrinkled mess. I do iron mine because I prefer a neater look (yes I do iron haha!). But you don’t really have too. Any other brand I’ve owned in the past and I’ve owned a lot, come out a wrinkled mess that you have to dry clean. The collar also stays popped and doesn’t flop down. The sleeves roll up nicely and they aren’t too tight when they are rolled up. Seriously, the best button down I’ve ever owned which is why I own three!
7. Ralph Lauren Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt | T-shirt | Shorts | Espadrilles | Necklace | Sunglasses
I know it seems a little silly to have a sweatshirt on my summer wardrobe staples list but it does get chilly at night or in the early mornings! I own this sweatshirt in grey and white and it’s the one I am always reaching for when I’m chilly. It’s super cozy with a great fit that is comfy but you still look polished. It’s just a better version of your favorite sweatshirt. I did size up to a medium and I don’t dry it. If you want an even more oversized fit, I would go up two sizes (I kind of wished I did!).
8. Hunza G Bathing Suit
Bathing Suit | Sunglasses | Hat
For years, I have been on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit expect I refused to spend more than $100 on one. I honestly thought it was ridiculous. But then I become a mom and my body changed and I just wanted something that made me feel and look good. I had always heard to many great things about the Hunza G bathing suit so I decided to order one and see how it was. Well, it is amazing and totally lives up to the hype. It is super comfy and even after wearing it all day, you don’t feel like a stuffed sausage. I like that you can move the straps around to shape it how you want. For example, you can pull the leg part up higher, pull the chest part up or down and it will stay in place. Don’t let the one size fits all sizing get to you because I was also skeptical about it too. It really does fit and stretches and is so worth the money! It’s the one suit I reach for first. It comes in a ton of different colors and different cuts too.
9. J.Crew Clutch
I use this clutch for every date night and dinner out with girlfriends. It is the perfect size because you can actually fit all the essentials. I think it’s so cute how it tucks right up under your arm. It scream summer but is still very practical. A must as a summer wardrobe staples for me!
10. Ralph Lauren Baseball Hat
Hat | Sweatshirt | Shorts | Sunglasses | Flip Flops | My daughter’s dress
This baseball hat is my go to for all pool days, being on lake or just days when I don’t feel like washing my hair haha. They fit great, look cute and make any outfit….better! I wear my white hat the most and a close second is the red.
11. Chimi Sunglasses
Sunglasses | Necklace | T-shirt
I have always been loyal to my sunglasses. When I find a pair I like I wear them for years. So after retiring my favorite Ray-Ban aviators (don’t worry, I still own them), I’ve been hooked on these. A classic style but just so well made. I throw these in my bag or wear them on the top of my head and don’t think twice about it because I know they won’t break. They have been thru the ringer yet they still look new. The shape and style looks good on everyone. I’ve contemplated getting another color I like them that much.
12. Amazon Eyelet Tank Top
Lately, I have become extremely picky about what I buy and keep in my closet from Amazon so you know it’s good if this eyelet tank top is making the cut! The details are adorable, but the shape and the silhouette are the best part. It’s cute with shorts or jeans. On it’s own or layered under a sweater. It’s a piece I would have gladly have spent more on but I didn’t, so I’m sharing this great find with you!
13. Citizens of Humanity Winslow Jean
Jeans | T-shirt | Bag | Flip Flops | Necklace | Sunglasses
Another item that might seem kind of silly to have on my summer wardrobe staples list but I wear jeans a lot in the summer because it does cool down at times at night. Or the AC is blasting and I am freezing. What I love about this pair is the relaxed shape of them. So even if you do wear them to the office where it is freezing you won’t die of heat on the car ride home because they are looser. Jeans just feel better more relaxed this time of year. And we all need a great white pair of jeans in our closet. I’ve always loved white jeans and lately, these are my go to. White denim just screams summer in my opinion!
Hopefully you found some great pieces to add to your summer wardrobe before everyone starts pushing fall down our throats! haha
-Amanda
