20 Summer Wardrobe Essentials Every Stylish Girl Must Own

It’s summertime and warmer temps. What better way to welcome in the new season than to go through your closet and purge and refresh? First, I’m a fashionista wannabe. I study InStyle magazine and have watched too many “What Not To Wear” episodes than I care to admit. That’s why I try to keep it simple so that I can’t screw it up. I think I’ve got a little recipe that works (for me). Here are my 20 favorites.

1. Flip Flops

In my book, a girl can’t have too many pairs of flip flops. Jeweled, plain, colors, metallic and embellished—it’s all good. I purposely make sure my flip flops don’t match my outfit—that way they stand out more. What’s even better is that prices range from $3 on up to hundreds of dollars so you can find a pair to fit any budget.

2. Glass Water Bottle (With Infuser)

 

In hot weather, it’s imperative to stay hydrated. I carry water with me everywhere I go. I purchased stylish glass water bottles with an infuser so I can add lemon, berries, grapefruit or watermelon to give it a natural boost of flavor. No aspartame, sugar or other yucky sweeteners necessary. Yum! (If you need help finding these, try Amazon search “infused water bottle.”)

3. Sundress(es)   

A perfect sundress (or five!) is an absolute must for summer. With a sundress, it takes two seconds to get dressed. Effortless and simple. I actually purchased the dress pictured here on Neiman Marcus Last Call (www.lastcall.com).

4. Hat

Big huge beach hats make me swoon. They keep me cool and can look so fun, whimsical and effortlessly stylish. I found one in a gift shop in Jackson, Wyoming and, while it was a little pricey, I wear it so often than it’s been worth every penny.

5. Summer skirt

Finding a skirt you love is a necessity, something comfy, light and cute. Pair it with a tank top and a pair of flip flops and you’re done!

6. Earrings

Try a bold pair of earrings for a new look. Gigantic hoops or big dangly earrings are my latest obsession. You don’t have to spend much money either. I just purchased a few pairs at Old Navy and the most I spent was $4.99.

7. Dressy dress

Every girl needs a dressier dress for special occasions, like weddings, a date, or a girls night out. Pitch the LBD (little black dress) and go for color. I found a gorgeous orange cocktail dress on Neiman Marcus Last Call (www.lastcall.com) and I can’t wait to wear it.

8. Ballet Flats

If you’re not in the mood for flip flops, ballet flats are a great alternative—and so comfy. You can find ballet flats in a range of prices. I’ve even seen cute flats at Walmart.

9. Denim Jacket

Personally, I love denim jackets and keep one in my bag all summer long. Many shops, restaurants, theatres, and the like crank up the AC and I melt outside and freeze indoors. When that happens, my denim jacket comes in handy. I purchased one almost identical to the one pictured here at Old Navy for, I think, about $35. I also purchased a similar sleeveless version that I pair up with a hot pink skirt that I picked up on sale at Anthropologie.

10. Handbag

No outfit is complete without a fun, colorful handbag. I opt for larger bags so I can fit in my water bottle, jacket, sunscreen, magazine and other things I can’t live without. This one, I love, is in yellow. I also have an apple green bag by Kate Spade that is very fun.

11. Beach Bag

I found a gigantic straw Michael Kors bag at Off Saks at a huge discount. The one pictured here is so pretty and fun. Whichever you choose, you’ll use it all summer– at least I do. I keep mine pre-packed with everything I need for the pool or beach so I don’t need to even think about it when I’m ready to head out.

12. Watch

I went to Target and spent $14 on a bright green watch. I wear it almost every day. It’s super cute, comfy and if I ruin it, I’m not out very much cash.

13. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are imperative for good eye health. Finding a pair that looks great on you can be a challenge but it’s a “must.” Since I loose sunglasses every day, I refuse to spend more than $20 per pair. I’ve even gone to the dollar store and found some I like. I own probably 20 pairs of sunglasses and I keep them everywhere—in my car, my handbag, beach bag, next to my bed, in my daughter’s purse—you name it. Plus, since I don’t spend a ton of cash on sunglasses, I am free to experiment with different looks and styles- fun! 

14. Boyfriend Jeans

Baggy, ripped up denim jeans are one of my favorite things to wear. It took me forever to find a pair that didn’t make me look saggy in the butt but my diligence paid off (thank you, Ralph Lauren!). I wear them all the time once the snow melted.

15. Phone Case Necklace

Digging around in my bag for my phone makes me crazy. I found a fun phone case that I can wear around my neck. I love it.

16. Cardigan

If I don’t have that denim jacket in my purse, I have a cardigan. I own several in different colors—from black, white, orange, hot pink, to mint—they’re a great wardrobe essential. Old Navy has them in a million colors for less than $30.

17. Swimsuit Coverup

A girl must have a great swimsuit cover-up. Sure, a skirt works in a pinch but a sundress is even better. I found a white lacy sheath at Ross for $10 and plan to pair it up with a bright orange headscarf. A little 1960’s retro. I love it.

18. Board Shorts

My entire life, I’ve struggled with bikini bottoms. They ride up every time I tried to do something athletic– like ride a waterslide, attempt to surf, or even run around on the beach. Last summer, I discovered Athleta (www.athleta.com) and they had the most amazing board shorts. I bought a few. I’m a Big Huge Fan.

19. Colored Toenails

I don’t pay much attention to my toes in the winter but summer is another story. I love bright bold colors, like orange, metallic pink, and even yellow. The colors alone are a pck-me-up.

20. Headband

At the pool or beach, a colorful headscarf or headband keeps hair out of my eyes. I always have one in my bag, just in case.