Six Summer Style Staples

Sweet, sweet, Summertime…by far, this is my favorite season of the year. It’s the time of year for beach vacations, when my family throws cookouts and spends days by the pool, and, most importantly, when it’s not cold. (I hate being cold, just FYI). It’s also the time of year I stick to my favorite Summer style staples because, let’s face it, Summer in the South is HOT.

Don’t get me wrong, I actually really enjoy the heat. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to get all dolled up in a cute outfit when it’s 95° and so humid you feel like you’re wrapped in a damp sheet.

For the most part during the Summer, I keep my style pretty basic. I like using light layers because if it’s really warm outside, you can bet anyplace indoors has the AC set to arctic chill. And I prefer for those layers to be breathable and comfortable. I’m also a fan of items that are easy to mix and match.

Of course, if you know me at all, you know they also have to be affordable. I source a lot of my Summer wardrobe from places like Target, Old Navy, American Eagle, and Amazon.

Basic Dresses

If I can get dressed for the day and still feel like I’m wearing pajamas, I call that a win. That’s probably why I love basic t-shirt and tank dresses.  They’re perfect for days when you can’t be bothered matching two different items of clothing or when it’s too hot to even contemplate pants.

They’re also super versatile. One inexpensive, simple dress can be used to create a ton of different styles. They can be dressed up or down and can even be used as a swimsuit coverup.

Kimono

Kimonos are, quite possibly, my favorite accessory this time of year. Throw one on with your standard denim shorts and t-shirt, and you’ve got a whole new outfit. They also work with jeans, t-shirt dresses, swimsuits, or pretty much anything in your closet. Best of all they’re usually made from very lightweight materials which is a necessity for Summertime, especially in the South.

Denim Shorts

For me, denim shorts will always be my go-to for Summer. As much as I love styling cute dresses and skirts and rompers, basic denim shorts are still my favorite. And, of course, I have fun styling them too!

For this season, I’ve been loving mom shorts and boyfriend shorts. Both are usually a little more of a loose or relaxed fit and typically have longer inseams. Both of which are preferable if you’re like me and, 1) don’t want to accidentally moon strangers, or 2) are a little thicker around the thighs.

Graphic Tees

I remember when I was a teenager and my mom begged me to please, please buy a shirt that wasn’t a graphic tee. Eventually, I did stop wearing so many graphic tees. And then they became super trendy again and I wondered why.

So, basically, I’m back to wearing lots of graphic tees again. My 14-year-old self would be proud.

I’ve had a lot of fun creating different styles using graphic tees this summer as well as using them for DIY bleach tie-dye projects.

Tees/Tanks/Bodysuits

I’ve pretty much been living in simple, basic tees and tanks this Summer. They’re perfect for wearing with shorts, jeans, skirts, overalls, etc and my favorite ones are inexpensive enough to own in every color of the rainbow.

I only recently started wearing bodysuits and now I’m in love with them. They honestly make such a difference for layering with overalls, paper bag shorts, or any style where you would tuck your shirt in.

Sandals

Confession: I really don’t like wearing socks. It’s probably one of the reasons I really love Summer because you don’t need socks to wear flip flops every day. Not to mention there’s no wasting time tying and untying shoelaces, just slip them on and go.

And since you can find affordable sandals in every color of the rainbow, patterned or solid, with or without heels, embellished or bedazzled, basic or fancy, you can easily go all Summer without having to hunt for a matching pair of socks.

For more of my style staples, check out this post!