Summer Chic Items

For sunny mornings and sweltering afternoons, it is crucial to have a go-to summer wardrobe. No one wants to waste time rifling through your closet. Having a summer chic style allows you to have a variety of fresh, airy, boho pieces you can throw on with ease. Here are my must-haves in my summer chic wardrobe to feel cute, fresh, and ready for whatever the day brings.

summer chic items

Summer Chic Items

When you think of the perfect summer look, there are definitely some staples that come to mind. A few key pieces you can mix & match are closet essentials for hot months. The secret here is to have breathable and lightweight fabrics – such as Cotton, Linen, Chambray, and Rayon.

Here are my summer-chic items that I have always have at the ready in my closet (and I’ll show you below how to style them!):

Tops: Basic White Tee and Lightweight Denim Jacket

Having a basic white tee is a wardrobe staple no matter what season it is. However, they are perfect for the summertime as they are super simple to style with a skirt or shorts. Add some bright jewelry and you are good to go!

Like a basic white tee, a denim jacket is a very well rounded wardrobe piece. You will want to have a jacket with you if you are going to be out in the evening when the heat turns down and the stars come out. To make sure that it is fit for summer, stick with a lighter denim color

Bottoms: Midi Skirt and Boyfriend Jeans

You can’t go wrong with having a bright and flowy midi skirt in your wardrobe for summertime. They are breathable and super easy to just tuck in a t-shirt or a tank top and you are good to go. Midi skirts transition super easy from day to night so if you have a long day shopping and are out for a late dinner, you will still look put together.

midi skirt

 

For the summer heat, skinny jeans just aren’t the way to go. Having a pair of light-colored boyfriend jeans will keep you feeling cool while still looking sophisticated. My favorite is from Agolde

Dresses: Maxi and Midi

summer chic items

There is nothing easier than being able to throw on a maxi dress and be out the door ready for the summer day. Having a few go-to long, flowy dresses in your wardrobe is definitely a summer chic style that will keep you feeling fresh and looking super girly. 

White has always been a summer staple and definitely with good reason. It makes you look fresh and keeps you feeling breezy in the light color. You definitely need a white dress in your summer chic wardrobe to instantly look radiant. If you are someone who avoids white in fear of looking bridal, try a midi dress instead.

Shoes: Espadrille Wedges, White Sneakers, and Sandals

summer sandals

Having a few good pairs of shoes is important to a summer chic style. Espadrille wedges are a no brainer for summer since they will match everything in your wardrobe, plus they are super comfortable compared to your regular heels.

White is the color of summer and having a clean pair of white sneakers is a perfect way to keep your feet comfy and still looking chic. If you are going to be out walking around all day, white sneakers are the way to go and they will match everything.

Sandals are another must-have for your summer outfits. Open-toed is going to be the best to keep your feet cool (and to show off your pedicure)! For pool day you could opt for a simple pair of flip flops, or for out to dinner go with slide sandals.

Accessories: Straw Hat and Sunglasses

A nice summer hat is both functional and stylish to have in your summer chic wardrobe. Having a cute straw hat is a great way to keep your face protected from the sun and add a little something extra to your outfit. My favorites are from Lack of Color. They are pricey, but the quality is outstanding and they last forever. I wear these two all the time:

Sunglasses are certainly a necessity for the summertime. Having a go-to pair that you love is super important to keeping you safe in the blazing sun.

Summer Chic Outfit Ideas

Alright, now lets pair everything together so you are ready to have a stylish, summer day!

Outfit #1: Basic White Tee, Midi Skirt and White Sneakers

The white tee and white sneakers make an outfit look put-together. A flowy midi skirt adds a flirty, girly touch.

Outfit #2: Midi White Dress, Slide Sandals and Straw Hat

The way the dress and the hat look together just screams summertime! Make sure you grab your denim jacket on the way out the door too in case it gets chilly out. 

Outfit #3: Maxi Dress, Espadrille Wedges and Sunglasses

This outfit is super cute for an evening out on the water to have some delicious seafood and drinks. Make sure you snap a few pics!

Outfit #4: Basic White Tee, Boyfriend Jeans, and Slide Sandals

How these items are all paired together make for a comfy yet sophisticated outfit. Wear this for a fun, summer day of shopping.

So, what do you think about these summer outfit ideas? I bet you already have a few of these items in your closet! These summer chic pieces will give you more time to have fun outside of the house. Why spend valuable time searching for the perfect outfit when you can enjoy some sunshine?

Emily in Paris pink tweed jacket

Hi there! I'm Katie, a San Diego-based fashion and lifestyle content creator. Styled Wanderlust is a source of inspiration for casual feminine style + scenic travel destinations.

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