The Ultimate Summer Wardrobe
Get ready for everything summer has to offer with a well-stocked wardrobe. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite summer fashion essentials, which you can combine to create many outfits:
Tank Tops
One of the most versatile summer wardrobe staples is the tank top. Depending on neckline, fit, and fabric, women’s tank tops can be casual or semi-dressy. They’re perfect for layering, so you don’t need to pack them away for fall and winter. Supima cotton tank tops are a must—they’re soft, sturdy, and colorfast, thanks to the long-staple fiber of this cotton species. Tank tops come in neutral colors for your capsule wardrobe, along with pastels, bright hues, jewel tones, and prints.
T-Shirts
Another Supima cotton staple for summer is the women’s T-shirt. Like tank tops, there are different tee types from which to choose. Necklines include crewneck, V-neck, and scoop-neck, so you can find one or more that suits your style. There are short- and long-sleeve tees; short sleeves work for all summer occasions, while long-sleeve tees are great for cool evenings and air-conditioned environments. T-shirts come in almost all colors and many prints—like tank tops, they’re easy to mix, match, and layer with other pieces.
Tunics
Women’s tunics are a must-have for all seasons. This top style has a universally flattering design and falls past the hips for ample coverage. You’ll find tunics with a roomy, relaxed fit and those that fit closer to the body thanks to a small percentage of spandex. They go with all kinds of bottoms, from bike shorts to maxi skirts. Adaptable to all seasons, a lightweight tunic can be worn on its own during the summer and with a cardigan or jacket during the cooler months.
Blouses
For the office, lightweight women’s blouses are an ideal option. There are modest blouses with bows and other embellishments, along with simple styles and keyhole-neck blouses. When it comes to material, look for polyester if you want a high-performance, machine-washable blouse. There are polyester crepe blouses and those made with polyester/cotton blends for the best features of each fabric. Linen blouses are another essential for the business-casual summer wardrobe.
Button-Downs
The short-sleeve button-down shirt is another versatile apparel piece for summer. It comes in cotton, polyester, linen, and fabric blends to fit every occasion. You can wear a breezy cotton poplin button-down for casual summer style or opt for a white button-down dress shirt made from a cotton/polyester blend to create a dressier look. A small percentage of spandex imparts gentle stretch and a structured look to this classic shirt style.
Summer Sweaters
Women’s cotton sweaters are another type of top that you can dress up or down, depending on the bottoms and accessories you choose. Lightweight cardigans layer well over tank tops, T-shirts, and blouses, while short-sleeve pullovers are an elegant accompaniment to capri pants or skirts. Supima cotton and cotton modal sweaters are both light and machine-washable, which makes them excellent for summer and beyond. Consider a short-sleeve cashmere sweater for dressy summer events.
Shorts
No summer wardrobe is complete without women’s shorts, which come in many styles and sizes to fit every body—including plus, petite, and tall. There are board shorts for sporty days and swimming, along with bike shorts that you can wear for workouts or running errands. Bermuda shorts are structured yet relatively roomy, with a modest to-the-knee length. You’ll also find pull-on, elastic-waist shorts made from sport-knit cotton to keep you cool and comfortable all day.
Cropped Pants
There are different cropped-pant styles for summer, including the wide-leg cropped pant. This style is on-trend and adaptable for office wear or on casual days. Wide-leg cropped pants made from linen are elegant and comfortable for hot days, or you can opt for a crinkly cotton or cotton-blend fabric. Capri pants are another summer pant style that’s always fashionable. They have retro-inspired appeal, but you can also put a modern spin on capris with a trendy top—such as a cold-shoulder style.
Skirts and Skorts
Skirts and skorts provide a dressier look than shorts. The difference between the two is that a skort fits like shorts but looks like a skirt. There are athletic skirts and skorts for workouts and weekends, along with chino styles and denim. Midi skirts in a flowy cotton jersey fabric are good for any occasion and complement most top styles, so you can wear one to work or for date night.
Dresses
Every summer wardrobe needs cotton dresses. They’re versatile, light, and easy to layer with jean jackets, cardigans, and other tops. There are sleeveless maxi dresses for summer festivals and fit-and-flare dresses you can wear almost anywhere, from the office to an art gallery. Shirt dresses have a casual look and come in button-front and T-shirt dress styles. When shopping for summer dresses, look for machine-washable fabrics. Besides cotton, polyester and blended fabrics are always a good option.
Swimwear
Enjoy time at the beach or pool in comfortable, stylish swimwear. There are tugless one-piece swimsuits that stay in place during swimming and water sports, along with tankini separates you can mix and match for plenty of fashion possibilities. Nylon bathing suits with Lycra®Xtra™ Life spandex are chlorine-resistant and last through plenty of swimming and sun exposure. Rash guard cover-ups are another summer must-have for all wardrobes; they provide UPF 50 for covered areas and come in a variety of shirt and dress styles.
Shoes and Accessories
Complete your summer wardrobe with a collection of comfortable footwear. Walking sandals, slides, and canvas sneakers are three warm-weather shoe styles that go with plenty of outfits. There are wedge and platform sandals for wearing with dressy outfits, along with flip flops and water shoes for vacation.
When it comes to accessories, keep it simple for summer. A few key pieces of jewelry or a vibrant handbag are all you need to make a statement.