10 Must-Haves for Your Summer Wardrobe

It’s the peak of the summer season, which means the sunny days, hot temperatures, and weekend getaways are frequent and plentiful. A season as unique as summer requires a wardrobe that’s equally one-of-a-kind, filled with pieces that reflect the fun, festive atmosphere of the weeks ahead. For ensembles that are both cool and chic, look no further than these ten must-have styles for your summer wardrobe.

Off-the-Shoulder Neckline

Simultaneously sweet and a little bit sexy, the off-the-shoulder neckline bares just the right amount of skin for summer. The trend ranges from styles that feature full-on collarbone exposure to ones that offer just a peek of the shoulder with well-placed cut-outs and flirty asymmetrical designs.

Denim Mini Skirt

The cousin of your favorite denim cut-offs, the denim mini skirt is just as comfortable, versatile, and summer-friendly. Whether your style of choice features a dark or light wash, vintage button-front or subtle pleats, the denim mini is easily paired with a blouse and sandals for date night or a graphic tee and sneakers for a casual afternoon.

Gingham Dress

A preppy print with tons of retro appeal, gingham goes modern for summer with sleek silhouettes and darker hues (you can’t go wrong with a classic black and white). Though it may seem tricky to pull off at first, the nice thing about gingham, as Fashionista points out, is that it’s so easy to wear and can lend a bit of ladylike polish even on the hottest days of the year. Try a short, breezy dress for a look that’s equal parts feminine and flirty.

Read more: Callahan White Hat + Navy Blue Maxi Dress

Classic White Sneakers

Take note: these aren’t your average gym kicks. Instead, this season’s sneakers are made for wearing everywhere—from a stroll in the park to drinks out with the girls. The crisp white style features a classic silhouette with updated details. Luxe materials, eye-catching accents, and modern finishes make the timeless sneaker a go-to for summer days.

Espadrilles

With their woven heel and canvas material, espadrilles might as well be the official shoe of the summer. Versatile in both form and function, Man Repeller calls them the unsung hero of making tough outfits softer and softer outfits cooler. Wear them with a short silk dress and bomber jacket or pair with a tea-length skirt and matching shirting.

Pom-Pom Accents

Every summer outfit needs a pop of fun, and what better way to do that than with a colorful pom-pom accent? These vibrant poofs can be found adorning everything from sandals to earrings to the hemlines of dresses and blouses. Choose a piece that features pom-poms in a rainbow array for a bold finish or stick with a style that has smaller, monochromatic puffs for a subtle effect.

Read more: Crochet Yellow Blouse + Shine Necklace

Kick Flare Jeans

Jeans are an essential part of any lady’s wardrobe, and this summer, there’s yet another style to add to your arsenal: the kick flare (or cropped flare) denim. To effortlessly pull off this summer trend, Who What Wear suggests going with a style that hits right above the ankle and pairing with a tucked in shirt—perfect for showing off the figure-flattering high waist most kick flare styles have.

Denim Jacket

We know, we know, a jacket for summer? But hear us out: as temperatures get warmer the AC gets colder, making that heat-friendly ensemble that was perfect for outside a little too sparse for indoors. Thankfully, the fashion world has thought of the perfect solution: the denim jacket. Choose a lightweight style that’ll fit right into your existing wardrobe and then, as Lyst recommends, throw it over everything, from summer dresses and skinny trousers to casual T-shirts, for a comfy look.

The Slip Dress

A wardrobe staple of the ’90s, the slip dress is once again a must-have for the summer season and beyond. Perfect for those warm days of summer when you just can’t be bothered to do anything but throw on something and go, the slip dress requires nothing more than a pair of strappy sandals to create an effortlessly chic look.

Ruffle Accents

For an accent that is as breezy as the warm summer days, try a ruffle (or two). As The New York Times notes, this season’s ruffles have spruced-up neutral colors and conservative silhouettes, infusing each piece they touch with movement and dimension. Opt for the accent on the neckline or hem of a dress for a subtle take on the trend, or try a design with cascading layers of ruffles for a bolder approach.