Summer is here! And now we’re faced with a new wardrobe dilemma: what summer outfits do we wear?
If you’re like me, you probably already have a closet full of clothes, and still have “nothing to wear.”
Why do our closets always seem so dull? I mean, nobody likes to wear the same thing over and over. But having too many choices can also cause style paralysis. Before you know it, you’re standing in front of your closet, barely dressed, cursing in your head thinking, “Nothing to wear, nothing looks good…ahh!”
Even though we all have closets full of perfectly good clothes (do you hear your spouse’s voice coming through?), it’s nice to freshen up your look each season by adding a few fun and trendy pieces.
So how do you keep your style cool all summer long? How do you find pieces that you’ll want to wear again and again, that you can style multiple ways?
The key to closet success is to invest in a few staple pieces that you can wear on repeat.
Let’s talk about how to create a capsule wardrobe for the summer season, and create a list of essentials that will make getting dressed less of a chore.
Summer Outfits: Must-Have Items
1. Basic Tanks & Tees
Basics don’t have to be boring. And let’s face it, summer clothing can be more about comfort than style.
And when it comes to comfort, basic tops are a necessity. Personally, I prefer tank tops to tees in the summer because they tend to keep me cooler, and can be easily layered with other pieces. And I cannot stress this enough — a good tank top is like gold.
If you find a comfortable, basic tank that fits and flatters your body, buy it in every color! At the very least, grab white, black, and gray or another neutral color to start.
This closet staple will give you a base for layering outfits with other pieces. It can also help with managing your laundry load. I own four of my favorite white tank, because I can guarantee at least one of them is always clean!
Shopping List: 2-3 of each basic tees and tank tops in a variety of colors.
2. Button Up Tops
A button up top is my current go-to whenever I am struggling to put together an outfit. Not only are very on-trend, button ups come in many styles and varieties, making it easy to load up your closet.
They’re also extremely versatile. For example, a silky white button up shirt can be worn open over a tank top with denim shorts for a breezy casual look, or styled more chicly by keeping it buttoned and accessorizing with statement jewelry.
Look for button ups in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns.
Shopping List: 2-3 button up tops in a variety of colors and cuts (short and long-sleeved).
3. Basic Summer Dresses
Dresses are a no-brainer for summer style. It doesn’t get much easier than
throwing on a basic knit dress and walking out the door.
A lightweight, neutral dress can also be styled for any occasion and make getting ready a breeze! I’d recommend getting one in a cut and color that flatters your body type, and styling it your way. If it makes you feel good, buy it!
Add to your look by adding a denim jacket, kimono, or blazer over top. Wear it casually for a day at the lake, or dress it up with jewelry and heels for date night. It’s seriously so easy!
Shopping List: 1-2 basic dresses in neutral colors or with a subtle pattern.
4. Bottoms: Shorts, Pants, & Skirts
Ugh shorts. Does anybody actually love buying or wearing shorts?
Many women fall out of love with shorts by the time we’re in our 30s. They’re a summertime necessary evil.
When it comes to shorts, comfort is key. Try finding a couple pairs that fit well, and call it good. You have them available if and when you need them, but likely aren’t something you’re going to wear every day. 
To start, maybe find two to three pairs:
- An athletic pair that you can wear around the house.
- A denim pair that you can style with trendy tops.
- And a comfortable pair in a knit fabric.
If you’re not a shorts person, a great alternative would be lightweight summer bottoms like palazzo or gaucho pants. Most are made from breathable fabric that make them easy to wear and they’re very on-trend.
Maxi skirts are another fabulous option for summer wear. They offer coverage, but are also flattering and comfortable. Having at least one maxi skirt in your capsule collection will help keep your summer outfits feeling fresh.
Shopping List: 2-3 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of light summer pants, 1 maxi skirt.
5. Kimonos & Blazers
Be honest, when you packed away your fall and winter clothes, how many shackets did you have? If you’re like me, the answer is way too many.
Shackets are such an easy option. They’re a true comfort item, like a blanket. Well, what if we replaced shackets with kimonos and/or blazers? Like the shackets of summer?
Ok, so they might not have the same cozy factor, but they are an easy layering piece that can complete and elevate any outfit with minimal effort.
Kimonos are perfect for pairing with your basic tanks and shorts, and also offer additional coverage if you prefer it. They also double as a swimsuit cover-up!
Blazers are great for work or a night out, and can transition with you from an air conditioned office during the day to a sunny patio for happy hour.
Shopping List: 2 blazers (one neutral, one in a fun color or pattern), 1 kimono (bonus if it matches your swimsuit!).
Now that you have a list, it’s time to shop! It’s hard work, but someone has to do it, right?
Summer Outfits Shopping: Make It Fun
I love to shop, but if you don’t, make a fun day of it. Invite a friend you haven’t seen in awhile, start your day with coffee or brunch, and end with happy hour.
Let your girlfriend know about your task at hand, and ask her to help your vision come to life! She can help you stick to the list, and encourage you to try styles you might not otherwise consider.
While shopping, try to match pieces that you can easily combine and interchange to make multiple outfits. Also, keep in mind pieces you have at home that can work with the new ones you’re buying. Try on as much as you can so you know what fits/feels best, and if you don’t love it, don’t buy it!
Happy shopping!
What are some of your must-have items for summer outfits? Let us know in the comments below!
