It’s almost time for summer and we couldn’t be more excited! Get ready for beach days, picnics, and
weekends in the sun with these must-have essentials. I’ve spent the last few weeks searching high and low for some great Summer wardrobe essentials for you to make sure you are ready for all your summer plans. I hope you enjoy!
This summer capsule wardrobe features classic pieces that you can wear for seasons to come, which is what a great closet is all about. Practical, versatile, and effortless —
Thanks for reading and for your support!
Xx Meg
EVERYDAY
For errands, the park and farmer market strolls
White T-Shirt
A great white t-shirt is a MUST HAVE in everyone’s summer closet, and this Madewell t-shirt is a staple of mine every single week. It could be the best t-shirt ever? It’s flattering, runs true to size, and is my unofficial summer uniform. For less than $20 it’s worth getting a few new fresh ones every season (some colors are as low as $12!). Our friends also rave about this Target t-shirt, and it’s only $5!
Graphic Tee
Upgrade your basic tees with a cool graphic Tee — IDK WHY, but I’m obsessed with these two tiger tees.
Tank Top
Make sure you have a few Tank Tops or Sleeveless Blouse. It’s important you have a summery top without sleeves that lets you cool down in the summer heat is essential. This V-Neck with Button Back by Madewell is so cute. I also love this beautiful Trapeze Top from Emerson Fry and this black tank top from Target is so cute and only $5!
The Classic Striped Tee
There is just something about a good crisp stripe. Saint James is the GOAT, producing their tees in France since 1958. Their shirts are classic, centuries-old. I love KULE for its modern take on the perfect stripe, especially this style. I love the oversized look, and the quality of these tees will last you for decades to come. I also found a highly reviewed linen blend striped tee for only $10!
Beach Sweater
We all need a light, but cozy layer to take us from warm days to chilly nights.
Denim Shorts
This warm-weather essential is one I needed a dire update on last summer. I’m happy to report I LOVE these Madewell cutoff shorts. The rise, the worn-in feel, and the length are just what I was looking for. They have the perfect amount of fading and fraying. They quickly become a weekly staple and are currently only $44! I am also obsessed with the great cut of these agolde cutoffs – but would recommend sizing up. Finally, these relaxed shorts are a little longer, which I’m really into, so they are currently in my cart. I’ll report back!
White Jeans
Is it even Summer if you don’t wear white jeans? But white denim is so tricky! They are much less forgiving, so everything has to be just right – not too cropped, not too tight (!), and with thoughtful details (no bulky pockets, please. Here are the four pairs that check all our boxes.
Slide Sandales
Make sure you had a great pair or two of slide sandals to slip on with casual denim and easy summer dresses. I’m really into these cream ruched slides for this summer. Want something a bit more classic? I love this sandal — but they are definitely an investment piece. If you want to try this trend before buying it I found some great dupes for you from Zara and Sam Edelman.
Sunglasses
Having a great pair of sunnies is so important and the number one defense against wrinkles and aging — and having a few great pairs makes every outfit look that much more put together. For only $28 I am obsessed with this new pair. I get so many compliments and you’d never suspect they are only $28. This pair is also a great silhouette by le spec. For a classic and chic option, we will always be team aviators.
Carryall Tote
With a general shift toward pieces that answer women’s real-world needs, designers are combining form and function with polished yet practical tote bags for your accessory arsenal and I’m here for it! Make sure you have a great tote to carry all the things.
Everyday Sunscreen
Sun protection is the most important step for skincare. We should all be wearing sunscreen — women, men, and kids — EVERY DAY. I love skincare products that work overtime and age reverse daily repair is my go-to morning routine to protect my skin from the sun while also firming, visibly refining my skin texture, and helping restore a more even, luminous and youthful complexion. For my nighttime routine, I’m obsessed with Age Reverse Rebuild 5. This revolutionary firming cream delivers visibly tighter skin and a more lifted appearance, with more defined cheekbones and a contoured jawline. It’s a miracle cream. I love the smell and results so much, and I know (you!) will too.
A Great Water Bottle
We know the Stanley Mug is having its moment and I have to admit, it’s cute, but I LOVE my Iron Flask and it’s only $21, but don’t let the $ fool you, it keeps your drink ICE COLD for hours and fits in car cup holder too.
POOLSIDE PICKS
For the pool and if you’re really lucky the beach
Swimsuits
Having a great one-piece and two-piece bathing suit is a must-have, but finding one that you actually enjoy putting on and feel confident in is another story. Here are the five swimwear brands that check all our boxes.
Cover-Ups
I love a great cover-up and find myself reaching for the same brands when I need to refresh my summer closet. Emerson Fry has the loveliest prints and while their cover-ups are on the high end, you’ll get so much wear out of them and enjoy them for years to come. The Amazon cover-up I shared is only $28 and it’s the best basic cover-up I’ve found – soft, wears well, and comes in a lot of great colors.
Hat
Make sure you have a stylish and practical hat to protect yourself from the summer heat while you enjoy checking off everything on your family’s summer bucket list. I love my lifeguard hat with a string — so it stays on when it’s windy.
Durable Tote Bag
For your trip to the pool and beach, make sure you have a durable tote large enough for your family’s stuff! If you need to carry towels, sunscreen, water, toys, snacks, etc. You’ll be grateful for a bag big enough to carry it all with ease. We’re team LL Bean Boat and Tote all day, every day.
Flip Flops
Flip flops are in a different category than slides for me because these need to be waterproof and something you don’t mind getting salty and sandy. Here are my top two picks for great beach sandals this summer:
Long-Lasting Sunscreen
Basic, but easy to forget — make sure you stock up on long-lasting sunscreen. If you have some from last summer, make sure you check the expiration date to ensure it’s still effective. We’re big fans of Neutrogena. Mom tip: buy a make-up blender ball that you keep in your beach bag to apply your kid’s sunscreen. It makes it fun and ensures you don’t get it in their eyes when applying. This trick has been a game-changer for us!
A Little Bit Dressy
For brunch, a date, a kid birthday party, and happy hour with friends
Summer Blouse
Elevate your summer look when you want to with a few beautiful tops. Here are a few of our favorites.
Summer Dresses
Summer dresses are the epitome of easy dressing, especially styles like this one. They’re always comfortable, and simple to throw on, and I love being able to slide into some sandals or my favorite tennis shoes, and effortlessly walk out the door. Here are a few of our favorites right now.
Tailored / Linen Shorts
I love the idea of a more polished bottom but honestly had a hard time finding cute and affordable options for us. What are your go-to brands/styles for a more tailored bottoms look? I need your recs! Here are a few that are in my shopping cart to try.
Woven Crossbody Bag
Just. so. cute. This bag will elevate a.n.y. outfit.
ACTIVE
For your hot girl walk and summer workouts
Tops
Having the right workout gear for the right season — is so, dang important! I am obsessed with a few new items I’ve picked up and swear they help me push harder when I’m running and have better form and control when I do a Melissa Wood Health workout.
Shorts
Again, I might be buying into the bike short trend and using summer / hot weather as an excuse, but it’s just too hot to wear long leggings all summer to work out. Here are our top picks this year:
FANCY LIKE
For the celebrations — weddings, showers, birthdays, and all the wonderful life milestones on your calendar this summer. How lucky are we to get to celebrate together again?
Fancy Dresses
Make sure you shop early for all the special events on your calendar this Summer. It feels like everyone that is anyone is sharing great curations of their top picks for wedding guests’ outfits and other special occasion outfits. Here are a few of our favorites
High Heels
Beautiful heels pull your entire look together. Here are a few of our current favorites that would be perfect for your summer events.
BASICS
This is the sign you were waiting for – throw out your oldies and treat yourself to new basics. It will brighten your every day, I promise.
Underwear
Look I get it, not as exciting as buying a new gorgeous sweater that gets compliments, but I think just as important as a reminder to check your intimate’s draw and treat yourself to a refresh if it’s time. these are by far our favorites.
Socks
With most of us spending a little more time at home than we used to, I’ve found myself reaching for socks a lot more. Having a great pair for wearing around the house and sleeping in is such a simple thing that makes a huge difference. looking for a basic sleep
Bras
Did you know that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size? my friend Andrea got me hooked on ThirdLove (after years of Victoria’s Secret, Ek!) and I’m so happy I’ve switched. Their bras are comfortable and fit me perfectly. And if you have an event where you won’t be able to wear a bra? the internet swears by these skin covers!
Thanks as always for your readership and support. Xx Meg
Leave a Reply