Summer trends come and summer trends go. But you know what’s always around? Timeless styles that fill a clear need in the summertime. Because there are certain pieces that just make sense for warmer weather.
You know what I mean, right? Whether it’s items that help you navigate rising temperatures (and frigid air conditioning). Or pieces that summer-ize your existing outfits. Or whatever puts you in a summer mood. These are the styles that you reach for every single summer – because they make sense and make you feel good.
So, here are a few things that I’m recommending to clients this summer (and they’re the same things I recommend every summer). And the best part is they’re more categories than specific items – so you can find versions that work for your unique style and lifestyle.
But first, a quick disclaimer. This isn’t a ‘must-have’ list for summer. This isn’t a ‘go out and buy this’ shopping list. And this definitely isn’t a ‘if you don’t have this, you’re not doing summer right’ list. It’s simply a list of things that work for many of my clients every summer. And I’m sharing them because they just might work for you too.
RAFFIA ACCESSORIES
You don’t need an entire separate clothing wardrobe for summer. Outside of clothes that make sense for the change in weather – you can wear a lot of the same things you wear in spring and early fall. Because sometimes, just a shift in accessories can give you that ‘summer is here’ vibe.
My favorite summer accessories are raffia. And raffia is having a big trend moment right now – but that’s not the reason to wear it. The reason is that raffia has a perennial summer appeal. So, you can grab raffia accessories year after year and they’ll always feel summer-right.
Since raffia is on trend, you’ll find it in a bunch of incarnations. A raffia tote is an ideal poolside and farmer’s market companion – and then switch to a raffia clutch for date night. Raffia sandals, flats and slides are an easy way to shift the same t-shirt and jeans (that you’ve been wearing all spring long) into a summery vibe. Raffia heels and wedges are a no-brainer with most any sundress. And you can always grab a raffia hat or belt to add a little summer flair.
Color-wise, you can find a bunch of options this season, too – choices from pink to coral to navy to black. But I tend to prefer natural colored raffia (anything in the tan and brown family) as a go-with-everything idea. But if you’re not into the color or texture of raffia, here’s another shoe recommendation (along with a few more things that my clients find super useful in summer).
Sam Edelman flats & heel, Paige wedge, Madewell tote, Liselle Kiss clutch, Gerard Darel belt, Lele Sadoughi hat.
WHITE DENIM
What screams summer more than a pair of white jeans? You can put most any top with white jeans and it’s completely appropriate for the season. (And white jeans aren’t just for summer – check out how to wear white jeans in fall and winter.)
But notice that I didn’t title this section ‘white jeans’ – because I have quite a few clients who aren’t into white jeans. And you don’t have to be. Because you can get the same dose of summer style with any type of white denim. It’s more about a big hit of white (or off-white or ecru) as part of your outfit that instantly shifts it to summer mode.
I don’t believe in the idea of ‘must-have’ lists – because different things work for different people. But if I did create a summer must-have list, a white denim jacket would be on it. Check this out for why I’m a little obsessed, along with over a dozen clients’ white denim jacket outfits. And since denim is still trending from last year (read a little about it here), you can find styles that aren’t just a traditional denim jacket silhouette. There are white denim ‘lady jackets’ (a shorter shape with a crewneck collar), cropped white denim jackets and even white denim blazers. So, you can take your pick.
And here’s the great part - white denim works, no matter what colors you have in your closet. White jeans bring out the best in bright color tops. A white denim skirt creates a sophisticated look with pale neutrals. And a white denim jacket completely changes the tone of an otherwise all black outfit.
NYDJ fray hem jacket, Aqua lady jacket, ba&sh cropped jacket, Cinq a Sept blazer, NYDJ white jeans, Veronica Beard ecru jeans, Joe’s Jeans skirt.
LIGHTWEIGHT PANTS
When you think of summer, you may think of hanging out at the beach. And being outside from morning to night. And barbecues and backyard parties and long weekends. But the reality is that regular life still goes on in the summer. And you have to go to work. And you have to go inside at some point.
So, while shorts may be a summer staple - lightweight pants are a summer staple, too. Because you may not be able to wear shorts to your office. Or you may not like shorts. Or you may have to deal with it being hot outside but freezing inside – so, shorts just don’t make sense all day. Which is why I’ve been showing lightweight pant options to many clients over the past couple of months.
Lightweight pants run the gamut from easy-breezy vacation styles to errand-worthy joggers to office-ready tailored silhouettes. It’s less about the shape and details, and more about the fabric that makes them work for the season. Linen is a summer go-to – but be aware that linen pants mean lots of wrinkles. So, you can either embrace it or avoid it. If you’re avoiding it, go for gauze, light cotton or tencel – or any drapey, breathable blend. And then read this for two other things you can avoid this summer.
Splendid print & chambray pants, Marina Rinaldi lilac pants, Bagatelle magenta pants.
SUMMER SWEATERS
Before you think, “summer sweaters – isn’t that an oxymoron?” – hear me out. When I’m in clients’ closets, we go through their sweaters. And very often, all their sweaters are heavy fall and winter options. They have wool and cashmere and alpaca – but barely any cotton. And nothing lightweight. So, they don’t have options if they want coverage over sleeveless summer tops and dresses. Or to wear when they’re going in and out of frigid air conditioning. So, that’s why a long-sleeved sweater or cardigan (in a light fabric) is a summer essential for most of my clients.
The good news is that you can find lightweight cottons, linen and silk blends that feel totally summer right. And (not to keep talking about trends) crochet and open weave textures are a big trend this season. Which means that you can find long-sleeve, open knit sweaters – so you get coverage with built-in breathability.
Something else that’s fortunately trending this year are sleeveless (and short sleeve) sweater tops. So, instead of just wearing a tank top or t-shirt, wear a sweater tank or sweater top. It can instantly elevate your outfit, since it feels a bit more intentional and pulled together than just a simple t. And another plus – sweaters typically pack well (aka minimal wrinkles), so they’re a great on vacation. Check this out for some of my other packing tips.
NYDJ pink tank, Velvet ivory polo, Liverpool coral short sleeve, Minnie Rose black tank, Aqua sweater, Frame cardigan.
DAY DRESSES
Dresses may be your go-to for every summer occasion. You may have cute floral prints for graduations and outdoor weddings. And pretty sundresses for backyard barbecues. But do you have dresses that you can grab for a Target run? Or for carting the kids to and from sports practices? Or for those days when you need to get a million things done, and you’d love a one-and-done outfit?
I recently had this conversation with a client. She only had summer dresses that she’d wear to dress up for date night, or to wear for meeting friends and special occasions. And she never thought of a dress as an everyday option. But she recently texted me a photo of her in a day dress - and thanked me for introducing her to the idea.
And a really great thing is that you can find dresses that work for casual daytime, that can transition to other times, too. Ones that you can wear with sneakers to the grocery store, and also put on with wedges for a casual night out. I call these ‘blank slate dresses’ – here’s one I outfitted three different ways for summer. And here’s one I created ten different outfits with for cold weather.
Rails striped dress, Whistles red dress, Nic + Zoe denim dress, Paige utility dress.
Which of these summer pieces do you already have in your closet? Which will you prioritize in your wardrobe over the new few months? Feel free to comment with any thoughts or questions about my recommendations.
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