Summer Wardrobe Staples

The sun is finally shining and summer is right around the corner. It is that time of year when you move all of your sweaters to the back of the closet, only to be seen again in the fall, which is so very far away. If you are anything like me, when you perform your seasonal closet reorganization, you immediately feel  as though you have nothing at all to wear. Your clothes from last summer look dated and old. They simply will not do for the upcoming summer. What’s a girl to do?

While stocking up your summer wardrobe, be sure to stock up on these three looks that will withstand the test of time. These looks will last for summers to come with a few minor tweaks and adjustments.

Solid Color Cotton Maxi Dress

The maxi dress is an obvious summer staple. It’s casual, cool feel can easily be transformed from day to night with a few simple adjustments. It can be worn on the beach or on a dinner date. To the movies, or to the grocery store. A simple maxi dress is flattering to all body types. A lightweight cotton maxi is comfortable on the hottest of summer days.

For a day look, wear your maxi over your bathing suit to a beach or pool party paired with a pair of embellished sandals. A simple beaded necklace will finish off the look. For a night look, add a brightly colored open weave, cropped shrug to keep warm from cool summer night breezes. Wear a simple wedge shoe and a fabulous silver bangle bracelet.

Nautical Stripes

Nautical looks are clean and classic. They never go out of style. Nautical stripes can be worn on a simple, cotton shirt and sported with preppy khakis, or you can find a fabulous navy and white dress.

Add bits of red accessories and red lipstick…like those bold red shoes you bought but rarely wear. You can also wear yellow with nautical looks to make the navy blue really pop.

Large Neutral Bag

Put that winter purse away! Black bags are a staple to any wardrobe, but for summer, you will need something a little brighter. A large summer bag is essential for those long picnic days. You know the ones. Where you leave the house early in the day for one social outing, and spend the entire day making appearances at graduation parties, BBQs, and family reunions all day until the sun sets on the final bonfire of the evening. Your little black bag will not carry the necessary items to survive those long days: fabulous sunglasses, sunscreen (sunburn is NOT sexy!), your Ipod (set to play your summer playlist), a bottle of water to keep hydrated, and everything else a classy and fabulous girl needs.

The perfect summer bag is lightweight, light-colored, and big enough for all of the above items. A neutral colored bag is best, because every girl needs a staple bag that goes with everything. Those fun, brightly colored bags are not for everyday, but your staple bag is the one you can pick up and go, no matter what you are wearing.

What other summer essentials will you be stocking up on?

Cheers.