Don’t you hate those lists that tell you what you NEED in your closet? I kind of hate them too. Because the underlying assumption is that you need the same things as everyone else. Which usually isn’t true. So, you may be asking, “why are you writing an article about what I need in my closet this summer?”
Here’s why: I’ve been in over 300 closets over the years and I’ve created 1000’s of outfits. And I’ve discovered some key things that either form the basis of or finish off outfits in the summertime. Many of my clients have a harder time with summer outfits (before they met me, that is). You’re wearing less clothes, layers don’t work as well and you just want it to be easy. But you still want to feel stylish and completely pulled together.
So, here are 5 things that I think you (most likely) need in your closet this and every summer. And they’re not super specific, so you can pick options that express your individual style. But they’re all super useful in making your summer super easy, super breezy and super stylish.
BLANK SLATE DRESS
You have summer dresses, right? And I bet they’re pretty fun. A ruffle here, a floral print there and a long maxi skirt and you’re ready for any summer barbeque. But the challenge with some summer dresses is that they’re not all that versatile – pretty much the only way you can wear them is with a wedge sandal. Which is why you may need a blank slate dress in your summer closet.
A blank slate dress is just what it sounds like – a relatively simple, solid dress that can form the basis of a multitude of warm weather outfits. You can pair your blank slate dress with a denim jacket for errands with the kids. Or with a lightweight blazer for a casual office day. Or with a cute cardigan for date night. And a blank slate dress works with sandals or sneakers or even a strappy heel (not to mention the jewelry options!).
Click here to see one blank slate dress that I styled 3 different ways, along with tips on choosing one that’s right for you.
Blank slate dresses by (left to right): Open Edit, Halogen, Alice and Olivia, Madewell, Treasure and Bond
WHITE THIRD PIECE
White always feels super fresh - and there’s no time that it feels better than in summer. And a third piece (a blazer, cardigan or other jacket) is always a great outfit completer. So why not combine the two into a white third piece!
I love a white third piece for a couple of reasons. It’s super versatile, since white goes with basically anything. It freshens up even the darkest of colors, making them feel more summer-friendly. And you can choose whichever kind of third piece makes sense for your life, your style, your vibe and your budget.
A white denim jacket is just as versatile as your blue one – but actually looks a little dressier, since it’s not made of distressed denim. A lightweight white cardigan can be a lifesaver when the AC is cranking in a chilly restaurant. A white button-down shirt can be a third piece over a tank top when you want to cover your shoulders. And a white blazer is that piece that you can wear to the office, over a floral dress to an afternoon wedding or over a t-shirt and jeans for a girls brunch. Check out this blog post for white blazer outfit ideas and a little shopping and styling advice.
White third pieces by (left to right): Kutfrom the Kloth, Alice and Olivia, Nic+ Zoe
ELEVATED T-SHIRTS
T-shirts are a summer staple. And you can’t beat the versatility of a simple white v-neck tee. But it doesn’t add much in terms of style to your look. So, how about looking at elevated t-shirts as your newest summer go-to?
An elevated t-shirt is any knit top that’s as easy to wear as a t-shirt – but it has a little something extra. It can be color or print or shape or details that elevate it beyond basic. And when it’s hot and layers just don’t make sense, it’s packs a definite style punch.
For a few examples of elevated t-shirts (and easy outfit ideas), read this article.
Elevated t-shirts by (left to right): Maje, Caslon, Loveapella, Everleigh, Treasure and Bond
ACCESSORIES WITH PRESENCE
Depending on where you live, summer can be hot. Really hot. And the only things that make sense to wear are lightweight, breezy styles. So, when your outfit is super simple, you depend on your accessories to add interest and polish to your look. And that’s when you need accessories with presence.
I’m not saying that you need to wear a big, bold necklace or chandelier earrings or carry a huge statement bag – but I am saying that obvious accessories add so much more to your outfit than diminutive, barely there options. Whether it’s a pendant necklace or a pop color bag or a patterned shoe, you’ll get much more style bang for your buck with accessories with presence.
If you’re nervous about using accessories to add style points to your look, check out 3 outfits that I took from drab to fab with a simple change of accessories.
Necklace by Kendra Scott. Sunglasses by Warby Parker. Straw tote by BTB Los Angeles. Leopard print slides by Lilly Pulitzer.
METALLIC SANDALS
Yes, I could have included metallic sandals in ‘accessories with presence’, but I feel like they deserve their own mention. When I’m helping a client create a warm weather shoe wardrobe, one of the first things I go for is metallic sandals. Because there’s barely an outfit they won’t work with.
When I talk about metallics, you may think, “why metallic?” Here’s how I put it – silver is just shiny grey and gold is just shiny beige. So, they’re as easy to wear as their neutral counterparts, but they add so much more to your look.
Click here to see how metallic shoes (and other metallic accessories) add impact to your outfit, and how you can wear them day to night, all year round.
Metallic sandals by (left to right): Steve Madden, Tory Burch, Veronica Beard, Eileen Fisher, Sam Edelman
Do you have these 5 summer essentials in your wardrobe? Drop a comment with which is your favorite warm weather go-to.
If you’re looking to add interest and polish to your wardrobe – or you feel like it’s finally time to create an intentional style – just let me know. I can be your partner in the process of figuring out what’s working (and what’s not) in your closet, shopping strategically to fill the gaps and creating outfits that you love. Click here to read all about my services and click here to schedule a free Zoom consultation.