This post shows you the best summer wardrobe essentials.
Are you currently building up your summer wardrobe? This post shows you all the summer staples you need in your wardrobe to build out the most versatile, chic, and timeless summer outfits ever.
With just a few pieces in different colors, you’ll be able to create dozens of outfit combinations and have an endless number of outfits to choose from.
Summer Wardrobe Essentials
1. Basic Tees
If there’s one clothing piece you should have the most in your summer wardrobe, it is basic tees. Get them in a few different neutral colors like white, gray, black, and brown.
They pair so well with many other summer pieces like shorts, flowy pants, and skirts.
When buying new tees, here are a few rules I follow to get the best fit:
- Not see-through whatsoever
- Made with 100% cotton or close to 100% cotton
- The fit is not too tight, but also not too loose
- Length hits right at the hip or waist
The COS and Uniqlo white tees are my all-time favorite and meet my criteria!
2. Button Up Shirt
If you live in an area that is not too hot but not too cold in the summer (around 60-70°F), a white button up shirt is the perfect piece to wear.
You can wear it on its own buttoned up or wear it unbuttoned with a white tee inside.
Either way, it’s a great piece to shield you from the tiny bit of wind in the summer.
For white button up shirts, I look for:
- Semi-oversized, but not too oversized
- Thick material
- Doesn’t wrinkle easily
- Has a thick collar
3. Tank Tops
In a hot area, tank tops are a must-have piece to have in your wardrobe. It pairs nicely with almost any kind of bottom and it keeps you cool.
I’d get tank tops in not only many different neutral colors but also a few in brighter colors like blue or red. It can really add a nice pop of color.
For the most versatile tank tops that also look classy, these are things I look for:
- Have a high-neck collar
- Thick and not see-through
- Not too tight
- Has a slight curve in the arms area but is not too curvy
4. Blue Denim Shorts
Everyone needs at least one pair of blue denim shorts in their summer capsule wardrobe! It keeps you cool in summer and it’s so easy to wear.
As someone who likes more timeless and classic pieces, here are things I look for in denim shorts:
- No rips
- Length is slightly longer than your average short
- The hem is not tight around your thighs, has a bit of space
- Has a slight A-line shape so it looks casual
In addition to a pair of blue denim shorts, get a pair of white shorts to create more outfits!
5. Linen Pants
Even though summer is likely hot in most places in the world, sometimes you just feel like wearing long pants. On those days, a pair of flowy linen pants are the perfect piece to wear.
It’s thin, lightweight, and doesn’t make you sweat like how a pair of thick jeans will.
I love wearing a pair of white or beige linen pants paired with a button up shirt or a tank top.
6. Sundress
There are two types of dresses I think is a must-have in your closet. One type of dress is a classic, solid color, minimal dress. This dress is simple and great to wear everyday.
The other type of dress is one that is more adventurous and unique. This dress can either have a beautiful pattern, a unique color, or have special details that you don’t normally see in your average dress.
Having both types of dresses can help create more fun and unique outfits for summer!
7. Flowy Blouse
Sometimes, a button up shirt is too plain and lacks personality. So to mix it up, try wearing a flowy blouse with unique details. The unique details can either be a beautiful lace pattern, unique material, or the shape is different than your average button up shirt.
I’d look for a blouse that is not see-through, comfortable to wear, and can be paired with many different bottoms.
8. Long Skirt
If you like feminine outfits, a floral skirt is a must-have in your closet. I love a maxi or midi floral skirt paired with something more simple like a white tee or a tank top.
If you’re not a fan of floral skirts, try wearing a long denim skirt or a plain solid color maxi skirt.
9. Swimsuit
If you’re planning to visit the beaches in summer, you need a swimsuit! Unless you go to the beach very frequently or you have a beach vacation coming up, I think one pair is enough.
Go for a swimsuit style you feel most comfortable in!
10. Sandals
The best type of shoes to pair with all of these outfits is a pair of sandals! If you want a more comfortable pair, I recommend Birkenstocks. Always my go-to.
If you want sandals that look cute and you’re willing to sacrifice comfort a little, there are so many good options out there on Nordstrom, DSW, Target, or even Amazon.
11. Sunglasses
Sunglasses don’t just look nice as an accessory but it also helps protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. If there’s only one accessory you get for summer, make it sunglasses.
12. Light Cardigan
When the night comes and the weather starts cooling down, you’ll need a light jacket of some sort to keep warm. My personal favorite and the piece I think goes with the most amount of outfits is a light cardigan.
A light cardigan is so comfortable to throw on and it’s easy to carry around throughout the day too. For example, you can throw it over your shoulders for a classy look.
13. Tote Bag
Whether you’re going to the beach, having a picnic, or just running errands – you can carry a big tote bag to fit all your stuff. A tote bag is perfect for summer too because it just matches the summery vibes.
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