The Summer Wardrobe Essentials You Need

After living in cozy clothes during the last 3 months of quarantine (all yoga pants, all the time!) I’ve been SO hyped to bust out my cute summer clothes. Bring on ALL the cute sundresses, high waisted shorts, and my beloved Birkenstock sandals!

While I love finding new cute dresses and skirts every summer, I’ve been trying to simplify my wardrobe (and let’s be real save some $$) by finding some staples in my closet to mix + match from there.

Below are some of my picks for summer essentials that you can mix and match all summer long:

White Shorts:

I’ve always been a bit nervous to wear white jean shorts — I’m a total mess and it’s only a matter of time before I spill ketchup on my lap. But I decided to bite the bullet and buy my first pair of jean white shorts and I’m obsessed.

These white shorts from J.Crew are perfection. With the bottom rolled up a bit I find they’re a great length — short but not too short and they have the perfect amount of stretch.

 

Jean Skirt

I love me a jean skirt when you want to be just a little bit fancier than shorts, but you’re not feeling the full dress. I’ll match my skirts with a crop top or loose-fitting t-shirt tucked in.

My favorite jean skirt is one from Everlane. The length is just long enough and it’s high waisted giving a more tapered look.

 

Jean shorts

I live in high-waisted jean shorts all summer long — with a muscle tank, with a t-shirt, with a bathing suit, I could go on and on. IMO, Madewell has the best high-waisted jean shorts that have a good amount of stretch and aren’t too short.

 

Crop Top

I personally am a fan of crop-tops matched with high waisted skirts or shorts. I’m so so so excited about this one I found from Abercrombie. The fabric is heavenly soft but also super stretchy.

 

Simple muscle tank

I’ve been really digging an oversized tank with a jean skirt this summer on hot days. I hate fabric sticking to my sweat body so breezy tanks are the way to go.

Madewell and J.Crew are great for simple tank-tops in loads of colors.

 

Tie-Dye T-shirt

As the daughter of two Grateful Dead lovers, I’ve always been about that tie-dye life. I’ve been fully embracing this trend this summer and was super hyped to find these relatively inexpensive t-shirts from J.Crew Factory in the most fun, vibrant, tie-dyed colors. Matched with my white shorts I feel like a burst of happiness.

 

High Waisted Skirt

I match my high waisted skirts with either a crop top or a loose tank. This chiffon one from Abercrombie is SO cute and the perfect midi length, even if you’re short like me!

 

Chic Sundress

I plan on doing another blog post of my favorite sundresses. My favorite new one I’ve found this summer is from J.Crew. It’s BRIGHT pink and I freaking love it. It’s also super lightweight making it great in the heat.

 

Jean Jacket

I’m rarely ever cold in the summer, but sometimes you gotta be prepared for if it gets chilly. Or in “normal times” I’d be worried about the AC blasting at a restaurant… but I don’t think I’ll have that problem this summer with restaurants being outdoor dining only in NYC.

I always bring a  jean jacket with me everywhere, just in case.

 

Birkenstocks

I’ve loved Birkenstocks since my sleepaway camp days in the early 2000s. For me, they are the most comfortable shoe I’ve been able to find for my bunions and in my opinion, they go with everything… although others might disagree. I have a pair in white and just bought a new pair in gold.

I’ll pretty much be exclusively wearing Birks until it gets cold out 🙂

✨

Your Turn: What are your summer fashion must-haves?