6 Pieces to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe
Winter has come and gone, and spring is well underway—which means that summer will be here sooner than you realize. If you’ve done your annual clothing clean-out, odds are you’ve discovered that your wardrobe is in need of an update, especially if you’ve been living in sweats more often than not in recent months.
Whether you’re looking to replace some worn items, add some new garments to your closet, or treat yourself to some retail therapy, here are some suggestions for pieces to add to your summer wardrobe.
Maxi Dress
If you don’t already own at least one maxi dress, you’ll want to add this item to your summer wardrobe. No matter your style, there’s a maxi dress that suits you. If you prefer boho-chic looks, choose a flowy maxi dress in cotton or silk with a tassel-tie neck and a tiered skirt in complementary patterns that gives you room to move. If your look is more casual, look for a straight-cut, jersey T-shirt maxi dress with side slits so you can stride confidently wherever you go.
Maxi dresses are easy to style, and odds are you already own the items: a pair of sandals, a cardigan if it gets chilly, a pair of sandals, and a statement necklace or pair of earrings. And if maxi dresses aren’t your thing, go a little shorter and choose a midi dress instead. You can accessorize a midi dress or a shorter cotton summer dress just as you would a maxi dress.
Jump Suit
At some point in the fashion world, everything old is new again, and this is the jump suit’s moment to shine once again. Jumpsuits can be playful or sophisticated, with fabric designs that range simple stripes and solids to fun prints and patterns. Ankle- or calf-length cropped jumpsuits are perfect for daytime wear, especially when paired with a pair of flat sandals or canvas sneakers. For evening, choose a full-length jumpsuit—maybe even one gathered at the ankles—and dress it up with a pair of strappy heels.
High-Waisted Shorts
Like high-waisted pants, high-waisted shorts sit at the natural waist, rather than lower toward the hips. As a result, these shorts are more comfortable to wear because the waistband is less likely to cut into you when you’re sitting. To make the most of this style, pair your shorts with a top that tucks in.
One popular version of high-waisted shorts is paper bag shorts. They get their name from their resemblance to a paper bag tied at the top with a piece of string. In fact, paper bag shorts often come with a belt that, when tied, creates a bit of a ruffle at the waist. Depending on your body type, this will either emphasize your waist or give the illusion of one, making paper-bag shorts suitable for women of all shapes and sizes. Wear these shorts with a fitted, tucked-in top rather than one that lays over the shorts, which will create unnecessary bulk. You can also pair paper-bag shorts with a cute crop sweater.
White Pants
Summer and white clothing go hand in hand. Unlike dark clothing that absorbs the sun’s heat (which is why dark colors are more popular during the cooler fall and winter months), white clothes reflect the heat, thereby helping you stay cool even on the hottest days. White Capris or ankle-crop pants are a perfect base for a crisp summer look. Pair them with your favorite T-shirt or camp shirt and a pair of flats. One fashion warning, though: when it comes to wearing white clothing, choose undergarments that are close to your skin tone as possible. White undies—not to mention any wildly colored or patterned ones—will show through white pants and tops.
You can also reverse things up. Wear a pair of summery floral print capris with a fitted white T-shirt or sleeveless white blouse. You can even go the monochrome route and wear all white, both pants and top.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles, which originated in parts of France and Spain, date back to the 14th century and are characterized by the rope soles for which they are known. Originally worn by peasants, the uppers are often made from canvas or cotton—both breathable fabrics—making them an excellent choice for warm-weather footwear. These shoes come in a variety of styles, from flats to wedges, and may or may not tie at the ankle. You can wear espadrilles with pretty much any summer fashion, from midi dresses to capris, jeans, or shorts.
Tote Bag
No summer wardrobe is complete without a canvas tote bag . Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, a visit to your favorite museum, or a window-shopping spree, that tote will hold what you need—sunscreen, towel, sunglasses, water bottle (remember to stay hydrated, especially in summer!), and a snack or two.
Whether you add these items or others to your summer wardrobe, you’ll be well on your way to having a fashionable summer.