5 Clothing Essentials for Your Summer Wardrobe
Do you have a plan for when it comes to getting your wardrobe summer ready? Are you the type of person who likes to browse your favorite shops and online stores to purchase the newest trends in summer fashions? Or maybe you are not much of a shopper and prefer to stick with what you’ve already got. Perhaps you are more like me and enjoy a wardrobe that consists of mostly old things with a few new basics or statement pieces to keep your style contemporary and fresh with each new season.
Whatever wardrobe approach you choose, dressing for summer weather has its own set of challenges. You want to have light airy clothing for hot, humid days, but you also want clothing that protects your skin from sun exposure while also keeping you cool and comfortable as the temperatures escalate.
So if you are looking for a wardrobe update this summer, here are five essentials that would serve to enhance your summer style.
1. Lightweight Tunic
Tunics are effortlessly versatile. The beauty of tunics for women is that they are available in a range of different styles, materials, and colors to complement any outfit. The humble tunic is perfect for lazy days at home, brunch with friends, or a casual day at the office. In its own modest way, the tunic is perfect for the warmest days but versatile enough to transition into cooler weather with the simple addition of extra layers.
2. Caftans
Sometimes used interchangeably with tunics, caftans are slightly different from tunics. A tunic is a garment that is worn over the torso, can be with or without sleeves, and comes in a variety of lengths ranging from hip to ankle whereas a caftan is long tunic-like dress that generally reaches the ankles and has wide sleeves. Like tunics, caftans are available in various colors and designs to suit different style aesthetics and give you a cool, comfortable wardrobe option for those long, hot summer days.
3. Maxi Dresses
I consider maxi dresses an absolute essential for any woman’s summer wardrobe. They are perfect for keeping your body cool while also providing adequate coverage for protection from sun exposure. Maxi dresses come in a huge variety of different styles from bandeau dresses to one-shoulder, ruched top, full sleeved, or side split maxi dresses. Not only are maxi dresses summer weather appropriate, they are super easy to style with just a few accessories and a fabulous pair of shoes. A versatile maxi dress will easily work for a day of shopping, a garden party, or even a bridal shower or wedding.
4. Smock Tops
Smock tops are designed in a way that allows the fabric of the shirt to flow away your body. They will typically be gathered with a band under the bust with the bottom part of the top flowing freely. This silhouette creates a flattering shape that is easy to wear with different styles of bottoms and can also be a cool alternative to fitted tops and blouses as temperatures rise through the summer months.
5. Lightweight Trousers
Lastly, we all need some comfortable, lightweight trousers for the summer months. When choosing pants for the warmer seasons, try to avoid fabrics like heavy denim, which can be way too hot in the summer, and lycra, which doesn’t offer much breathability and will cause you to sweat in warmer temperatures. Instead, opt for casual wide-leg linen or cotton trousers or pants made from thin breathable materials like bamboo or hemp, which have the added benefit of sustainability as well. Lightweight loose fitting trousers are easy to style under a caftan or a tunic or with a simple plain tee shirt or tank top for a cool casual vibe.
Creating a summer wardrobe can be fun, but make sure to choose the right pieces for you so you can feel comfortable and stylish during the long days of summer heat. From caftans to tunics, maxi dresses, and wide-leg trousers, there are plenty of choices avaialbe for you to create your perfect summer wardrobe.
What will you be wearing this summer?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
12 Comments
Michelle
Excellent advice! Tunics and maxis are two of my favorites. And your examples as always are beautiful.
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Michelle! You probably already know that tunics and maxi dresses are some of my favorites, too. And of course, I cannot leave out my beloved kimonos!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
It’s amazing how my essentials have changed since moving to AZ.
I’d say definitely lightweight everything as well as swimsuits, haha.
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jodie, I am so looking forward to the day when my wardrobe essentials list can shift to lightweight everything! Ha. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
I’m looking forward to wear my summer clothes. I have a lot from last year that I want to wear. But I know myself, can’t resist new items.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am really looking forward to putting my winter clothes away, but we still have snow forecasted in the next few weeks. So I won’t be shedding my winter layers for probably 6-8 more weeks. Gosh, that makes me a little sad to think about! I hope you have a lovely weekend, Nancy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Your True Self
Hi, Shelbee – These are great tips and photos, also very well written! Thanks for sharing your inspiration – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Angie! I really appreciate that! I hope you have a fantastic week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
Oh, I actually like all of these! I think I may have most, if not all, of them even! Thanks for sharing, Shelbee!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Marsha! The one I don’t have much of is smock tops. I probably should replace that one on the list with kimonos!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I have been doing far too much summer clothing shopping these past couple of weeks– and it’s not nearly warm enough to wear any of it yet! LOL. But I am dreaming of flowy tops and shorts and sunshine and I have been far to influenced into trying lots of new brands and styles. I’ve even bought several loud patterned tops and pantsuits! A far cry from my usual solids.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh, I love it, Joanne! I can’t wait to see the fabulous summer pieces you have found! I have not been shopping much because I already have so much to wear. I am looking forward to revisiting my warm weather pieces and discovering new and creative ways to style them though.
xoxo
Shelbee