7 Summer Wardrobe Essentials
Wardrobe essentials are the grounding pieces we build our wardrobe around. They’re the workhorses we reach for again and again to anchor our outfits. Each woman has unique essentials and they will change over time. Today I’m sharing the seven pieces that have stood the test of time and are my summer wardrobe essentials.
Great Fitting White Jeans
A great pair of white jeans might seem like a unicorn but they do exist for every woman’s shape and size. Here are some tips to help you find yours. White pants or chinos may be more your style and are just as fresh for summer.
Lightweight Cardigan
Cardigans are a wardrobe staple for me year-round. During the summer the knit gets lighter weight, and there are often no buttons. They’re perfect to pop over a summer dress or sleeveless tank on cool evenings or when air conditioners are cranked up. They cover your upper arms without all the bulk and weight of a jacket. I’m fond of linen duster length cardigans which cover a summer dress or tank top and jeans.
Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses is important all year, but essential during the summer. We spend more time outdoors and the sun is stronger this time of year so it’s essential to protect your eyes.UV rays can lead to macular degeneration which is a leading cause of vision loss for older women. Here’s a guide to help you choose a flattering shape for your face. Look for polarized and/or dark lenses which offer more relief from squinting. I found these sunglasses online and had my RX lenses put in them.
Denim Jacket
I love to toss a denim jacket over just about anything and summer is no exception. White denim looks crisp over everything. Colored ones are a fresh addition to your neutral basics. Picture a yellow denim jacket topping a striped cotton dress and flat sandals for a casual day around town.
Crisp White Shirt
A crisp white shirt is indispensable in many women’s wardrobes and summertime is no different. Try it worn open over a tank top and shorts. Roll the sleeves and wear it over a pair of chinos or cotton pants. Tie at the waist over your favorite maxi dress. Tunic-length white shirts even double as a bathing suit coverup. I love to pop the collar on my white shirts, here’s how. I don’t detest ironing but prefer no-iron white shirts because they stay crisper looking throughout the day.
Summer Sandals
When the weather heats up there’s nothing cooler than sandals. A well-rounded summer wardrobe should include comfy flats with varying levels of formality that take you from the pool to a summer wedding. A nude or metallic summer sandal is the most versatile no matter its style. Espadrille sandals are a fun option as are the new sport sandal. Here’s how to wear them without looking bulky.
Lightweight Jacket
A lightweight cotton jacket or trench is perfect for cool summer evenings or air conditioning set to freezer level.
What are some of your summer essentials?
Love your contribution to the discussion. Í am 61. I have a summer core wardrobe which consists of:
three lengths of tee shirt dress, tunic ~midi~and maxi. Usually in black and also in a golden mustard neutral.
I have three pair of linen loose pants, two are loose at the ankle, one is a straight leg capri.
I wear tank tops and layer with a linen jeans jacket in white and my light weight denim jacket that is waist length.
For Variety and when I want to feel more feminine and not just fresh, I buy very distinct and showy midi dresses, anything that is not too fussy as far as massive amounts of material but dramatic in the color or pattern.
Shoes are not my strong suit, and I usually have a variety of color sandals, some neutral tennies, tan and white, and a nice wedge in denim blue and with a bit of cork for the wedge.
Remember to change up your hair and jewelry for the summer months, nothing to heavy around your neck! Wear your hair with a scarf, pull it back with a small thin ribbon, even very short hair (mine is shoulder length) lifts the entire ensemble when given a bit of flair.
Have Fun. Be Comfortable! BE FRESH
Thank you for sharing this
I love the styles you are showing. The problem I have with them is that I live in west Texas where our summers are steaming hot, usually most days are around 105*-110*, so what do you recommend for 75 year old woman that is “young at heart”?
Where do you women of age shop for these things?