My Summer Wardrobe Essentials

We’re actually slated to have another rather cool spring week here in Cincinnati, but I feel compelled to get us ready for summer here at Dressed for My Day. It’s my job to stay a step ahead so that our closets are ready for the next season. Plus, I know that many of my readers in more southern locations are already experiencing more summer-like weather. So today I’m sharing My Summer Wardrobe Essentials list with you.

What is a Wardrobe Essential?

Wardrobe essentials are those clothing basics that you’ll need in your closet to create beautiful, interesting, functional outfits in a season. Generally, with a few exceptions, I like to spend more of my wardrobe budget on these pieces because I expect them to stand up to lots of wear.

Keep in mind that, depending on the climate where you live, the amount of traveling you do, your lifestyle and your personal style essence, your list of wardrobe essentials may vary from mine. But the key is to make sure you have plenty of staples – pants, dresses/skirts, tops and outer layers – in either one of your two neutrals or your signature colors so that you can mix and match your clothing. (By the way, you can learn more about selecting the colors of your wardrobe and what I mean by neutrals and signature colors in this post.)

This post is one I update every year, but this year I’m changing my list up a bit. With three years of style blogging under my belt now, I’ve evaluated my list from previous years and decided that my summer wardrobe essentials have changed a little. For the most part I think that’s due to age. That’s not to say that I want to dress like an “old lady,” mind you. But, like many of you, I do find myself wearing shorts a little less frequently and preferring slightly more mature options. So while shorts are still on my list, I’ve added a few instead-of-shorts essentials to round out my list this summer, making it more 50+ friendly.

Another thing I’m doing differently in this wardrobe essentials list that I haven’t done in previous ones is I’m actually giving a number to the items I’m listing. You see, this is my summer wardrobe essentials list that I’m sharing with you. As I write it I’m actually doing the work of assessing my wardrobe to see if I have the things I’ll need to create stylish, interesting and wearable outfits for my casual lifestyle this summer. I’ll need

• very casual outfits for working from home
• easy outfits for traveling
• casual outfits for meeting friends for lunch
• elevated casual outfits for dates and outings with James
• and slightly dressier outfits for church

I share this list as a starting place for your own personal wardrobe essentials list. But your summer wardrobe essentials list – depending on your lifestyle, location and preferences – may be different from mine. So take my list and use it simply as a starting place, a guide, but not necessarily the gold standard.

With that, let’s get started!

2 Pair Casual Shorts

Last year my list started with denim shorts. This year I’ve decided that I still want a pair of denim shorts as the base of my shorts options, but I also want a pair of casual but slightly more “grown up” shorts for everyday wear. I think it’s important to have two pair of very versatile shorts that I can effortlessly pair with a t-shirt for everyday wear, but they don’t necessarily need to be denim.

Note: I haven’t taken any photos in casual shorts this year yet, so the photos I’m sharing here (and in many sections of this post) are from previous years. But I’m sharing current shopping options in the shopping widgets at the end of each section.

I purchased the denim shorts above from Talbots last year, and they have them this year in two new washes: a darker pier wash and a medium cay wash. They also come in white and black denim. I’ll be producing a denim shorts review next week. I’d scheduled it for this week, but a couple pair of shorts haven’t come in yet and I ran into sizing issues with others. But I can tell you that I absolutely love the Madewell Relaxed Mid-Length Shorts, but I had to return my usual 29s for a 28. So size down in those.

The length of your shorts is totally up to you. Most women will look good in shorts with an inseam between 4″ and 6″. Longer shorts will look better on women with longer legs (I’m 5’8″). But if you’re not so tall and still desire to wear Bermuda length shorts, pair them with sandals or sneakers in a color close to the shade of your skin. That way your legs will look longer and the lengthier shorts will look more in proportion.

The shorts featured above are available again this year, but they’ve raised the waistband to a high waist fit, which I think is a good thing, and they’ve shortened the rise from 4″ to 3.5″. These shorts feel great on and fit true to size. So if you’re looking for a shorter denim short, these are a sweet option.

Most of my readers probably appreciate a good pair of denim shorts, but if you’re not into jean shorts I suggest you go for a pair of shorts in chambray, the sweet feminine cousin to denim. I also think a pair of casual shorts in khaki or some other neutral are a good idea, too. I’m rounding out my casual shorts with another denim pair from Madewell, the High Waist Mid Length Denim Shorts in Brayton (light black). But I’ll have other non-denim options in the shopping widget below.

My casual shorts will see about as much wear as my jeans do the rest of the year, so I do want casual shorts that feel comfortable and look good. So I’m willing to spend a little more on this summer wardrobe essential. However, I only wear them one season of the year here in Ohio, so I don’t want to blow a large portion of my clothing budget on them either. The bottom line is I invest in good quality casual shorts but I choose not to pay for premium denim.

Note: All of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you shop through them and buy something, I potentially earn a commission, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you for shopping my links and supporting my work. It’s a pleasure to serve you!

1 Pair Dressier Shorts

I do still occasionally choose to wear shorts out and about, too. I have a feeling the day will come when I’ll stop wearing shorts beyond my front door. I know many of my readers have already made that decision, and as I age I can understand why. But for now I still like to have at least one pair of dressier shorts on hand. Especially when we’re vacationing in warmer climates I like to have these to wear out to dinner or for an outing.

I frequently choose dressier white shorts, but you could also go with another neutral such as black, taupe or navy. And actually even a gingham plaid in a classic color like black or navy will work as a versatile closet staple in your summer wardrobe, too.

If you like to wear shorts to a casual outing, I simply suggest having some with a little more polish in a neutral color or gingham. Choose some you can easily dress up or down for versatility. That way you can include them in your summer vacation packing list and they’ll serve multiple purposes. I personally love Ann Taylor for dressier shorts. That’s where I’ve gotten many of my favorites, including the gingham shorts above. But Chico’s is another great source, especially for longer Bermuda length shorts.

2 – 3 Pair Casual Summer Weight Pants

Here’s a new item on my list. I don’t know why they weren’t on here before really. But especially since I’ve gotten a little older and since I’m moved north, I find myself wearing casual summer weight pants more frequently during the warm months. These are things like chinos, cargo pants, joggers and linen pants. Most of the time I prefer a cropped length in these casual go-to pants.

Last year I fell in love with linen, so my favorite casual summer weight pants are in this distinctly summery natural fiber. But you can choose pants in cotton, Tencel or a cotton-linen blend, too. I’d stay with natural fibers, however, because they’re more breathable and cool.

While I’ll undoubtedly have a few lightweight pants in prints or fun colors, too, the essentials are in my chosen neutrals. That way they’ll be more versatile. During the summer I definitely wear a lot of white, but I also enjoy flax, taupe, brown and black. A lot of women enjoy wearing navy in the summer, too, but it’s not one of my chosen neutrals for my wardrobe.

These summer weight casual pants can be in any silhouette that you enjoy and that works well with your body shape and proportions. They don’t have to be straight leg pants in order to be versatile. Choose from wide, flare, straight, balloon, relaxed, jogger or slim leg silhouettes. And you can also choose from cropped, ankle or full length pants. You do you! It’s summer, and your fashion choices should be more fun than ever.

Honestly, while I do need and wear shorts, I pretty much lived in lightweight pants last summer. If you, like me, find yourself wearing shorts less often these days, I suggest having at least three pair of versatile, lightweight summer pants in neutrals that you can easily mix and match all summer long. Choose wisely and you can dress them up or down.

1 – 2 Pair Dressier Summer Weight Pants

In the past I’ve loved wearing white pants during the summer. However, last summer I sold my dressier white pants (because I didn’t like the button detail at the bottom of them), so I needed to invest in some new dressier summer slacks this year.

I ordered some white pants, but ended up returning them and opting for the soft camel (fawn) color instead. I like having a pair of more polished pants for church and other dressier occasions. And while I still occasionally reach for my black pants in the summer, I prefer having some that are either white or another summery color such as these soft camel or fawn Hampshire Ankle pants I purchased from Talbots. They’re currently marked down $40. Mine are in curvy fit, but they also have them in regular fit of course. They also come in plus sizes.

I find that one to two pairs of dressier pants is sufficient for my rather casual lifestyle, but if you still work outside the home you may need to have more like 3-5 pairs. I suggest having at least three of those in your chosen neutrals. And if you’re only going to have one pair like I do, I suggest going with either white, a similar soft camel or light grey or navy, which is another summer classic.

Your dressier summer slacks can be in any silhouette and length that suits you. I like ankle length in a trim but loose fit. You may prefer a full length in a variety of silhouettes. I also purchased the above black linen blend pants in a longer, fuller silhouette for a second option in my closet. Just keep these dressier pants free of bells and whistles so that they will be more versatile.

1 Pair White or Other Summer Jeans

Then, yes, I do suggest a pair of white jeans for your summer closet. I sometimes size up one size in white jeans since they tend to show more lumps and bulges. But I’ve decided that manufacturers have wised up and started making them a little roomier and from a thicker fabric, so I haven’t sized up this year.

I wear my white jeans so much more than I do regular blue denim in the spring and summer months. These jeans look fresh and seasonally appropriate, plus they help you create beautiful summery looks. They’re so versatile.

You can pair your white jeans with so many things during the summer. Be sure to check out my recent video, How to Wear White Jeans Like a Boss for more styling ideas. These truly are such versatile summer jeans. But if you prefer, you can also choose a different type of summer denim. You can have a pair of lightweight blue denim jeans or jeans in a summery pastel. And another fun summer option is a pair of boyfriend jeans in a light blue wash like these.

So I’ve gathered a number of white jeans and other options in the shopping widget below.

2-4 White t-shirt + others

Of course, I think a white t-shirt is essential all year long, but especially in the summer months. It’s easy to pair with most any pair of shorts, jeans or pants, plus you can wear it with a denim or print skirt for a fresh, casual vibe.

In the past I’ve said that this Supima Cotton V-Neck Tee from Banana Republic is my favorite. And it definitely still ranks up there. But tomorrow I’ll be posting a comprehensive white t-shirt review, and I’m featuring 13 different white tees. So be sure to check back in for that post.

Meanwhile, I can tell you I’m high on this Henley tee from Banana Republic (shown below) for it’s touch of detailing and ultra soft fabric. However, it is just the least bit shear, so if that’s an issue for you beware. I also love this cinched v-neck tee from Loft for its cropped length and interesting detail. I don’t have a photo of it to share you; you’ll have to wait for tomorrow’s post. But of course, you can check it out here.

I suggest having one to two plain white tees with a classic neckline like a v or crew or boatneck. But I also suggest having a couple of solid tees with some interesting detailing. I’ll explain more tomorrow, but my thinking is that these more detailed tees can hold their own without adding a top layer. So they’re great for simply pairing with some shorts or those summer pants.

And look, while I want a good white tee, I don’t like to put too much money into them. I replenish these every year, sometimes multiple times in a year. I just wear them that much.

The shopping widget below contains all the white tees I can heartily recommend. Some of them picture colored tees, but they all come in white, too. Of course, you may want to pick up some in other colors that play nicely in your wardrobe. Right now I have tees in white, black, pink and grey. I’m hoping to add a baby blue or green tee for the summer.

White and/or Solid Color Tanks

This is new to my summer wardrobe essentials list, but I discovered last year that I really enjoy being able to wear a simple tank under an open button up shirt for a more pulled together look. Layering a shirt over a solid color tank is also a great way to stay cool but keep your arms covered.

I definitely can suggest this reversible tank from J.Jill that I’m wearing above. I’ve actually worn this simple tank a lot under sweaters this spring. It comes in a variety of colors and, as the name implies, you can easily flip it so that you have a scoop neck or a v-neck.

But Chico’s also has a nice variety of tanks. Like J.Jill they have a “turn around tank” that you can wear two ways. I like their slub cotton/linen blend tanks they had last year, and I hope they bring those back. But meanwhile they have their more classic knit tanks.

1 Linen or Cotton Button Up Shirt

Speaking of layering tanks under shirts, I’ve added a linen or cotton button up shirt to my summer wardrobe essentials list this year, too. While you can go with a fitted shirt, I like having a blousier button up shirt for layering. Since I wore this combo so much last year I’ve decided it’s worth recommending for the more mature woman’s summer closet.

I enjoyed the linen shirt above so much that I also purchased this sandbar and white striped one for this summer.

1-3 Casual Summer Dresses

While I definitely recommend having at least one nice summer dress to reach for when you attend a wedding or funeral or other nicer occasion, I also like having a couple of more casual selections. Under current circumstances, these will see more wear and prove more versatile.

My dress above is no longer available, but just recently I ordered this tiered t-shirt dress in black. I’m hoping it arrives soon enough to feature in a post, but it’s selling fast. I suggest you check it out if you’d like a classic casual dress in your summer wardrobe that you can style multiple ways. It’s a decent price and also available in red cayenne.

I love wearing dresses in the summer, even around the house. But especially when I get out and about I love the feminine touch of a dress.

1 Summer Blazer

I’ve become convinced that every gal needs a summer blazer. Now maybe you’d still prefer a cardigan, and that’s fine. But even the prettiest cardigan can’t elevate an outfit the way a blazer can. And you can now find such beautiful, lightweight blazers in all price points.

I definitely reach for my white linen blazer most frequently during the spring and summer. But you can find other versatile options, too. But for this wardrobe essentials list I am indeed referring to a blazer that would pair nicely with many things in your closet, not just one or two. So look for something in either one of your wardrobe neutrals or a signature color.

Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to beige or white. I’ve seen so many gorgeous lightweight blazers this spring, and I know we’ll continue to see them this summer. Here are some to choose from at various price points.

1 Pair Classic Fashion Sneakers

Again this year fashion sneakers – or what most of us would just consider sneaker sneakers! – are definitely having a moment. So let’s enjoy it. Plus these shoes have become so versatile. You can wear them with shorts, jeans, crops, dresses, skirts and jumpers. I love having a pair of white sneakers, but you can certainly select a different color or even a print, depending on your style aesthetic.

I’ve been wearing the Madewell Sidewalk Sneakers and the Tory Burch Leather Howell Lace-Up Sneaker (in Titanium white and Tory navy). I like them both and they fit true to size, but I have to tell you, those Tory Burch Sneakers are some of the sweetest I’ve ever worn. They’re a splurge, but so, so sweet!

On the flip side, the thing I like about the Madewell sneakers is that they’re not quite as stark white. Great sneakers for the price!

2 Pair Summer Sandals

Once the warm weather is here I’ll be wearing sandals more days than not. In fact, I’m already wearing them most days. Nothing looks as feminine as sandals! I like to have at least one pair of metallic sandals to elevate an outfit.

I also love having a pair of neutral sandals, something close to my skin tone. They elongate the legs no matter what you’re wearing. And of course, they’re versatile.

But I also like having a pair of animal print sandals since they’re continuing to trend. For the past two years I have really enjoyed wearing my leopard print slides, seen below, and I’m already wearing them again this year.

Of course, Birkenstocks are fairly classic and versatile, and they’re definitely trending this year. You might want to check out my faux birks from Kohl’s, but while I think they look great I don’t think they are as comfortable as the real things.

Here’s a shopping widget with lots of sweet sandal options. Just keep in mind that for these Summer Wardrobe Essentials you’re looking for sandals that you can wear with a variety of things from shorts to pants to skirts and dresses.

1-2 Summer Handbags

Finally, at least for this list, you’ll need a summer handbag. If you only want to invest in or even carry one bag this summer, I’d suggest a light colored neutral, maybe a beige, pale pink, soft white or warm caramel. Select one that will work nicely with your chosen neutrals and signature colors.

I’m enjoying my white pebbled leather Cassie bag from Coach. It was a birthday gift, and it’s a bit pricey. But I don’t mind spending a little more on quality handbags that I can carry for several years or more because I know these will stand up to the wear.

I also am already enjoying my straw bag from Brighton. It’s out of stock right now, but I’m hoping they replenish it. A straw bag is definitely a classic summer choice and can be considered an everyday choice.

Other Essentials

Well, for the sake of not losing you altogether due to the length of this post, I’m going to simply name a few “honorable mentions.” These are items that may or may not be essential to you depending on your lifestyle and personal style essence.

• Denim jacket – This is a wardrobe essential, period. But depending on where you live and travel this summer, you may or may not use it often.
• Swim suit
• Swim suit cover-up
• casual skirt, such as a denim skirt
• neutral pumps or heeled sandals to wear with dresses and slacks
• summer hats

Remember, when it comes to shopping for most wardrobe essentials, I suggest investing enough to get quality products. These are either items you will wear for years (think blazer, denim jacket, handbag, denim shorts) or they are pieces you will wear frequently (think white t-shirt, sandals, sneakers) so you want them to be durable, well-made and classic.

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. If you have questions, please let me know. Thanks so much for reading.

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Don’t Miss a Post:

If you like what you’re seeing here at Dressed for My Day, I invite you to subscribe to my email list. You can receive an email each time I post (about 6 times weekly) or just on Saturdays. You choose! But you’ll also receive the password to open up all the subscriber freebies I offer.

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Blessed for My Day

How are you doing at living in community these days? I have to admit, with the Covid-19 restrictions we’ve had in place, I’ve become a bit of a hermit. I already work from home and have to intentionally plan and calendar lunches or coffees in order to get out and mingle with the world enough. So this “stay at home” order pushed me even further into recluse mode.

So I’m making it a goal to reach out a little today. I’m sending out some texts and even placing some long overdue phone calls to check up on friends. And I’m telling you so I’ll be more likely to follow through! #accountability Let’s be women who intentionally live in community with others – encouraging, comforting, rejoicing, celebrating and rejuvenating with one another – so that we’re healthier and happier.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ~ Romans 12:15