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Summer Wardrobe Must Haves
15+ items I wear again and again, all summer long – from my favorite swimsuit and flip flops to easy summer dresses.
Summer Wardrobe Must Haves
What are your go-to summer wardrobe must haves?
The items (from swimsuits to casual maxi dresses and sandals) you reach for again and again, summer after summer, while getting dressed?
Over the years, I have found that my wardrobe staples for the warmer months are quite consistent; a edited group less than 20 classic and elegant items (clothes and accessories) that I reach for year after year. As I am sure we can all agree, many of the best items get better over time and can stand up to bit of wear and tear (like a faded baseball hat or worn in leather sandals.) The best summer clothing is versatile and transitional; items that work for a range of activities (like this flowy maxi dress that can be a beach coverup during the day and chic dress for an evening cocktails party.)
Keep reading to find a list of 17 items that are must haves to keep in rotation for your summer wardrobe!
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Navy Sculpting One-Piece Swimsuit from Stylest System
The classic one-piece swimsuits from Stylest have become my all time favorite suits. They are made with a great compression fabric that gives a shapewear like effect, helping to smooth everything out. And I love that the material is on the thicker side so you really feel covered (I hate a cheep swimsuit that is too thin!) Because of the 'sculpting' element their suits are on the tighter side so I size up to a 2x.
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Blue & White Pareo from Julia Amory
I always find a pareo (aka a beach sarong) to be the easiest beach cover up! You can just wrap it around your waist and you are good to go. My favorite pareos are from Julia Amory; they sell countless fun patterns.
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under $100
Linen Button Up Beach Dress from J.Crew
I own this classic solid beach coverup in three colors; it is just such a great summer wardrobe staple. The linen material is light and airy but I also appreciate that this is a beach coverup with long sleeves (making it great to throw on after a day of too much sun.) I size up to a 2x for a slightly oversized look.
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Palm Sun Hat From Sunshine Tienda
This is my favorite straw hat to wear at the beach all summer or on vacation! I love that this hat has a very stiff and flat brim, so your face always stays well covered. Sunshine Tienda hats are available in 3 sizes, I wear the M/L and the site has a helpful size guide.
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Needlepoint Baseball Hat from Harding Lane
My go-to baseball hats are from Harding Lane, I love the needlepoint details and how the hats only get better with wear. (Their kids hats are also super cute.)
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under $50
White Eyelet Cosima Nap Dress from Hill House
I have been wearing this white eyelet maxi dress nonstop in the last few months! It is just the easiest outfit for the warm summer months because you simply throw it on and are ready to go! The dress is lined, so no need to worry about it being sheer. Order your true size.
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Vienna Maxi Dress From Mirth
I swear by this Vienna Style dress from MIRTH. Typically each season they release this cut in multiple patterns - I own at least 3 different colorways. It is one of those pieces that looks great on anyone in any size and at any age.
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Catalina Short Dress from Mi Golondrina
Some of the favorite dresses in my closet are from Mi Golondrina, I love the flowy silhouettes and stunning embroidery details. This short dress with 3/4 sleeves is perfect to wear during the day while running errands in town or on a beachside vacation! (Order your true size.)
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Striped Long Sleeve Tee From Alice Walk
I LIVE in these striped shirts from Alice Walk (I think I own the longsleeve in at least 3 colors!) The shirt is made of a super soft material and has a nice cut where it flairs out slightly over your hips.
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under $100
Oatmeal Cashmere Fisherman Sweater from Jenni Kayne
Everyone needs a great classic camel cashmere crewneck in their closet - it is just a wardrobe staple that works for countless occasions. I love to use this sweater as a layering piece in the summer months and when I travel or paired with jeans throughout the winter.
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Black Athletic Dress from Old Navy
I don't really love to wear shorts but in the summer months, it can often be too hot for leggings; that is where a easy sports dress saves the day! For the longest time I could never find a dress that wasnt too skimpy or short on me, but this Old Navy one is amazing. The dress comes with a sports bra and shorts built in and it is offered in tall or petite lengths. I do find it runs a bit big, so best to size down; I wear a TallXL.
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under $50
Diamond Cutie Huggie Earrings From Fewer Finer
I truly LIVE in these dainty gold earrings - I wear them when I am dressed up and when I am in sweatpants, to workout in, to swim in, really everything/anything! I am basically always wearing them unless I swap them out for a large more statement style earring. They are the perfect small size for everyday and I love that they clip into themselves (aka there is no annoying earring back that pokes you) making them comfortable to sleep in .
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splurge!
Green Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses from Amazon
I love a fancy designer pair of sunglasses just as much as the next girl but in the summer months, I am always sure to have a few cheep sunglasses around as well. I find a pair of sunglasses from Amazon are best for when I am out on the boat or at the beach - because I don't need to worry if they get salt water, sun lotion or sand on them.
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under $20
Pima Cotton Robe from LAKE Pajamas
In the summer months, I always reach for this soft (but lightweight) robe from LAKE. You can almost always find me in one of their robes after I shower and before I get dressed -- when I am just hanging around the house, on my phone, reading, doing my makeup, etc.
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under $150
Brown Oran Sandals From Hermes
To me, Hermes Oran sandals are such a classic! They work with any outfit - from a fancier dress to casual jeans. While they are a splurge, I find you can often find pairs on resale sites (like The Real Real) and that they last a long time. (I like to have my shoe cobbler add rubber soles every few seasons.)
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splurge!
Beachcomber Espadrille from Seastar Beachwear
These neoprene espadrilles are the perfect summer boat shoe! They are so much better than a flip flop or sandal that could easily fall off, they are extremely comfortable and quick drying.
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